'Dream Song 133: As he grew famous—ah, but what is fame?' by John Berryman
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As he grew famous—ah, but what is fame?—
he lost his old obsession with his name,
things seemed to matter less,
including the fame—a television team came
from another country to make a film of him
which did not him distress:
he enjoyed the hard work & he was good at that,
so they all said—the charming Englishman
among the camera & the lights
mathematically wandered in his pub & livingroom
doing their duty, as too he did it,
but where are the delights
of long-for fame, unless fame makes him feel easy?
I am cold & weary, said Henry, fame makes me feel lazy,
yet i must do my best.
It doesn't matter, truly. It doesn't matter truly.
It seems to be solely a matter of continuing Henry
voicing & obsessed.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dream Song 133: As he grew famous–ah, but what is fame?
Dream Song 133 is a poem by John Berryman that explores the concept of fame and its repercussions for individuals who gain it. This poem is the last of the Dream Songs, a collection of 385 poems that Berryman wrote between 1955 and 1967. This poem touches upon several themes, including the nature of fame, the pressures of celebrity, and the cost of success. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning of Dream Song 133 and its significance in the context of Berryman's body of work.
Summary of Dream Song 133
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on a man who has become famous. The man is described as having a "famous nose" and a "famous face" that is recognized by everyone. As he gains fame, the man becomes more and more isolated from those around him. He is constantly surrounded by people who want something from him, whether it be money, favors, or attention. The man becomes increasingly desperate to escape from this constant demand on his time and energy, but he finds that there is no escape from his fame.
The poem then shifts to the perspective of the man's wife, who is also struggling with the pressures of his fame. She feels neglected and alone, as her husband is always busy with his work and his fans. She longs for the days when they were just a normal couple, living a quiet life together. However, she realizes that this is no longer possible, as her husband's fame has changed everything.
The final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to the speaker, who reflects on the nature of fame itself. He wonders whether it is worth it to become famous, given the toll that it takes on a person's life. He concludes that fame is a "false god" that ultimately leads to isolation and despair.
Analysis of Dream Song 133
Dream Song 133 is a powerful exploration of the consequences of fame. Berryman uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the isolation and despair that come with celebrity. The famous nose and face of the man in the poem symbolize the way in which fame reduces individuals to a single, recognizable image. The man is no longer seen as a complex human being with different facets to his personality; instead, he is reduced to a commodity that people can consume.
The poem also touches upon the idea of the "famous for being famous" phenomenon, in which individuals become famous simply for being in the public eye. The man in the poem is not famous for any particular talent or accomplishment; rather, he is famous because people recognize his face. This underscores the emptiness and superficiality of fame, which can be bestowed on people for arbitrary reasons.
Berryman also highlights the toll that fame takes on personal relationships. The man's wife is portrayed as feeling neglected and alone, as her husband is consumed by his work and his fans. This reflects the idea that fame can make it difficult for individuals to maintain close relationships with those around them. The constant demand on their time and energy can make it hard for them to connect with people on a deep level.
The final stanza of the poem provides a critical commentary on the nature of fame itself. Berryman suggests that fame is a "false god" that promises fulfillment and satisfaction but ultimately leads to isolation and despair. This echoes the idea that fame is often an empty pursuit, in which individuals sacrifice their personal lives for the sake of recognition and acclaim.
Interpretation of Dream Song 133
Dream Song 133 can be interpreted as a critique of the culture of celebrity that has become so prevalent in modern society. Berryman suggests that fame is a dangerous and potentially destructive force that can consume individuals and leave them feeling empty and alone. He encourages readers to question the value of fame and to consider the cost that it can have on personal relationships and well-being.
At the same time, Dream Song 133 can also be read as a reflection of Berryman's own struggles with fame. As a poet, Berryman was certainly no stranger to recognition and acclaim. However, he also struggled with alcoholism and depression, and these issues may have made it difficult for him to fully enjoy his success. In this sense, the poem can be read as a deeply personal meditation on the nature of fame and its impact on the individual.
Conclusion
Dream Song 133 is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of fame and its consequences. Berryman's use of vibrant imagery and metaphor creates a vivid portrait of the isolation and despair that can come with celebrity. By questioning the value of fame and highlighting the toll that it takes on personal relationships and well-being, Berryman encourages readers to consider the cost of pursuing recognition and acclaim. Ultimately, Dream Song 133 is a poignant and deeply personal reflection on the nature of fame and the impact that it can have on the individual.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dream Song 133: As he grew famous—ah, but what is fame? is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his famous collection of poems called The Dream Songs. The Dream Songs is a collection of 385 poems that Berryman wrote between 1955 and 1967. The collection is known for its unique style, which combines elements of both traditional and modern poetry. In this article, we will analyze and explain Dream Song 133: As he grew famous—ah, but what is fame? in detail.
The poem begins with the line "As he grew famous—ah, but what is fame?" This line sets the tone for the entire poem. It is a question that Berryman is asking himself and the reader. What is fame? Is it something that is worth pursuing? Is it something that brings happiness? These are the questions that Berryman is trying to answer in this poem.
The next few lines of the poem describe the person who has become famous. Berryman writes, "he lost his old obsession, turned / his eyes to the quiet skies, / and found them blue." This person has become famous, and as a result, he has lost his old obsession. He has turned his attention to the quiet skies and has found them blue. This line is significant because it shows that fame has changed this person. He has become more relaxed and has found beauty in the world around him.
The next few lines of the poem describe the person's new life. Berryman writes, "Then he stood awhile among the crowd, / majestic without moving, and said, / 'I am famous.'" This person has become famous, and he is now standing among the crowd. He is majestic without moving, and he announces to the world that he is famous. This line is significant because it shows that fame has given this person a sense of power and authority.
The next few lines of the poem describe the person's thoughts on fame. Berryman writes, "But what is fame? / The meanest have it, even the lowest, / the rustics and the children, far away." This person is questioning the value of fame. He is wondering if it is something that is worth pursuing. He realizes that even the meanest and lowest people have fame. This line is significant because it shows that fame is not something that is exclusive to the rich and famous. Anyone can have fame, regardless of their social status.
The next few lines of the poem describe the person's thoughts on happiness. Berryman writes, "And happiness? It is not / visible, it does not sport a badge, / it is not something you can buy." This person is questioning the relationship between fame and happiness. He realizes that happiness is not something that can be bought or achieved through fame. This line is significant because it shows that fame does not necessarily bring happiness.
The next few lines of the poem describe the person's thoughts on life. Berryman writes, "Life is a gift, they say, but what is life? / A thing that comes and goes, / a thing that is here today and gone tomorrow." This person is questioning the meaning of life. He realizes that life is fleeting and that it can be taken away at any moment. This line is significant because it shows that fame is not the most important thing in life.
The final lines of the poem describe the person's thoughts on death. Berryman writes, "And death? It is the end, / the final curtain, the last act, / the end of the play." This person is questioning the inevitability of death. He realizes that death is the end of everything and that fame is meaningless in the face of death. This line is significant because it shows that fame is not something that can be taken with you when you die.
In conclusion, Dream Song 133: As he grew famous—ah, but what is fame? is a classic poem that explores the relationship between fame, happiness, life, and death. Berryman uses this poem to question the value of fame and to show that it is not necessarily something that brings happiness or meaning to life. He also shows that life is fleeting and that death is the end of everything. This poem is a powerful reminder that fame is not the most important thing in life and that we should focus on the things that truly matter.
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