'Pull A String, A Puppet Moves' by Charles Bukowski

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each man must realize

that it can all disappear very

quickly:

the cat, the woman, the job,

the front tire,

the bed, the walls, the

room; all our necessities

including love,

rest on foundations of sand -

and any given cause,

no matter how unrelated:

the death of a boy in Hong Kong

or a blizzard in Omaha ...

can serve as your undoing.

all your chinaware crashing to the

kitchen floor, your girl will enter

and you'll be standing, drunk,

in the center of it and she'll ask:

my god, what's the matter?

and you'll answer: I don't know,

I don't know ...

Editor 1 Interpretation

Pull A String, A Puppet Moves: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Charles Bukowski is known for his often raw and unapologetic writing style, showcasing the grittier side of life. His poem, "Pull A String, A Puppet Moves," is no exception. The poem delves into the theme of free will and the idea that humans may not have as much control over their lives as they think.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line "each night i pull a string and a puppet moves." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker seems to be acknowledging that they are not in complete control of their own actions. The use of the word "puppet" also alludes to the idea that someone or something else is pulling the strings, manipulating the speaker's life.

The second stanza reads, "mouth open/ silent scream/ they are all somebody else's dreams." Here, Bukowski is touching on the idea that our lives are not entirely our own. We are influenced by the dreams and desires of others, whether we are aware of it or not. This can be seen as a criticism of societal norms and expectations that dictate how we should live our lives.

The third stanza is particularly poignant, with the lines "each night i pull a string/ and the puppet dies/ sometimes i wish/ so would i." The speaker seems to be trapped in a cycle of puppetry, where they are forced to play a role dictated by others. The desire for death could be seen as a release from this cycle and a way to regain control over one's own life.

The final stanza reads, "but each morning/ i wake up/ and forget/ and start again." This closing line highlights the cyclical nature of the speaker's life. They may have moments of realization and longing for freedom, but ultimately they are trapped in their puppet-like existence.

Interpretation

At its core, "Pull A String, A Puppet Moves" is about the lack of free will in human life. Bukowski is suggesting that our actions are predetermined by societal norms, desires of others, and even our own habits and tendencies. The speaker in the poem is trapped in a cycle of puppetry, where they are forced to play a role dictated by others.

The theme of free will is a complex one, with philosophical and theological implications. Bukowski seems to be suggesting that we are not as in control of our own lives as we think. This can be seen as a nihilistic worldview, where our actions and choices ultimately do not matter.

However, it is important to note that Bukowski was known for his anti-establishment views and critiques of societal norms. The poem can be read as a criticism of the rigid expectations placed upon individuals by society. The desire for death in the third stanza can be seen as a rejection of societal norms and a desire for individual freedom.

Conclusion

"Pull A String, A Puppet Moves" is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the theme of free will. Bukowski suggests that our lives are predetermined by societal norms, desires of others, and even our own habits and tendencies. The speaker in the poem is trapped in a cycle of puppetry, where they are forced to play a role dictated by others. The desire for death in the third stanza can be seen as a rejection of societal norms and a desire for individual freedom. Overall, the poem presents a nihilistic worldview, where our actions and choices ultimately do not matter.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Pull A String, A Puppet Moves: A Masterpiece of Bukowski

Charles Bukowski, the renowned American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw and unfiltered writing style that often explores the darker aspects of human nature. One of his most famous poems, "Pull A String, A Puppet Moves," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Bukowski's unique voice and style.

The poem is a short, four-line piece that reads:

"each man must realize that it can all disappear very quickly: the cat, the woman, the job, the front tire."

At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deep and profound message about the transience of life and the importance of living in the present moment.

The poem begins with the phrase "each man must realize," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Bukowski is speaking directly to the reader, urging them to pay attention and take heed of his words. He is saying that what he is about to say is important, and that it is something that every person needs to understand.

The next line, "that it can all disappear very quickly," is a stark reminder of the fragility of life. Bukowski is saying that everything we hold dear, whether it be our loved ones, our possessions, or our jobs, can be taken away from us in an instant. This is a sobering thought, but it is one that Bukowski wants us to confront head-on.

The third line, "the cat, the woman, the job," is a list of examples of things that can disappear quickly. The cat and the woman represent the people we love, while the job represents our livelihood. These are all things that we often take for granted, assuming that they will always be there for us. But Bukowski is reminding us that this is not the case.

The final line, "the front tire," is a metaphor for the unexpected events that can derail our lives. A flat tire can happen at any time, and it can completely disrupt our plans and our sense of security. Bukowski is saying that life is full of these unexpected events, and that we need to be prepared for them.

Overall, "Pull A String, A Puppet Moves" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to live in the present moment and appreciate the things we have while we have them. Bukowski's writing style is raw and unfiltered, but it is also deeply insightful and poignant. This poem is a testament to his talent as a writer and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in just a few short lines.

In conclusion, if you haven't read "Pull A String, A Puppet Moves" yet, I highly recommend that you do. It is a masterpiece of modern poetry that will leave you thinking long after you've finished reading it. Bukowski's words are a reminder that life is precious and fleeting, and that we should cherish every moment we have. So, go ahead and pull the string – you won't be disappointed.

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