'15%' by Richard Brautigan

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she tries to get things

out of men

that she can't get

because she's not

15% prettier

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Masterpiece of Irony: A Critique of Richard Brautigan's "15%"

Have you ever encountered a poem that manages to capture your attention so much that you cannot help but fall in love with it? Well, that's the case with Richard Brautigan's "15%." Written in 1968, this poem is a masterpiece of irony that explores themes of mortality, consumerism, and the human condition.

Brautigan's use of irony in "15%" is what makes it such an exceptional piece of literature. The poem begins with a line that seems like it should be straightforward, "Your breasts are like two jellyfish caught in the wind." But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is using irony to draw attention to a darker subject: the reality of death.

The poem is filled with seemingly innocent and playful lines, such as "Your eyes are like a school of fish swimming in the dark." However, as the poem continues, the tone shifts, and the irony becomes more apparent. For example, the line "Your hair is like a flock of birds taking off at once" takes on a more somber meaning when paired with the following line, "Death comes like a white owl, / Blinks and carries us away."

Throughout the poem, Brautigan uses imagery to illustrate the fleeting nature of life. The jellyfish, birds, and fish all represent things that are beautiful and fragile but can be easily swept away by the wind or the passage of time. This imagery is especially powerful when paired with the poem's central message: that we are all going to die.

In addition to its use of irony and imagery, "15%" also explores the theme of consumerism. The poem's title refers to the amount of alcohol in a particular brand of beer, and the speaker makes several references to consumer products throughout the poem. Lines like "Your laughter is like a shiny new car" and "Your kiss is like a fifty-dollar bill" highlight the commodification of human experiences and emotions.

However, Brautigan does not condemn consumerism outright. Instead, he uses it as a tool to illustrate the absurdity of human existence. One of the most powerful moments in the poem is when the speaker compares the sound of a woman's laughter to the noise a cash register makes. This line is a stark reminder of the ways in which we value money over human connection and experience.

Despite its bleak subject matter, "15%" is a remarkably engaging and enjoyable poem to read. Brautigan's use of irony and imagery creates a sense of tension and unease that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged throughout the poem. The poem's final lines, "But tonight, you're making spaghetti with clam sauce / And we are listening to Mozart," are a perfect example of Brautigan's ability to balance darkness and light.

In conclusion, Richard Brautigan's "15%" is a masterpiece of irony that explores themes of mortality, consumerism, and the human condition. The poem's use of imagery and irony creates a sense of unease that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged throughout. Despite its bleak subject matter, "15%" is a remarkably enjoyable and engaging poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

15%: A Poem of Love and Loss

Richard Brautigan’s poem, “15%,” is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the themes of love, loss, and the fragility of human relationships. The poem is a reflection on the narrator’s failed relationship with his lover, and the pain and regret that come with the realization that it is too late to salvage what was lost.

The poem begins with the narrator stating that he has lost his lover, and that he is left with only “15%” of what they once had. This percentage is a metaphor for the amount of love and connection that remains between the two of them, and it is clear from the outset that this is not enough to sustain their relationship.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for what is to come, with the narrator describing the emptiness and loneliness that he feels in the absence of his lover. He speaks of the “cold wind” that blows through his life, and the “empty bed” that he now sleeps in. These images are powerful and evocative, and they immediately convey the sense of loss and despair that the narrator is experiencing.

The second stanza of the poem is where the true heart of the piece lies, as the narrator reflects on the moments that he shared with his lover, and the memories that they created together. He speaks of the “sweetness” of their love, and the “laughter” that they shared. These moments are described in vivid detail, and it is clear that they were precious to the narrator.

However, the stanza also reveals the flaws in their relationship, as the narrator speaks of the “bitterness” that crept in, and the “tears” that were shed. These moments of pain and sadness are juxtaposed with the happy memories that came before, and it is clear that they have left a lasting impact on the narrator.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as the narrator speaks directly to his lover, asking her to come back to him. He speaks of the “lonely nights” that he now spends without her, and the “aching heart” that he carries with him. The desperation in his words is palpable, and it is clear that he is willing to do anything to regain what he has lost.

However, the final stanza of the poem reveals that it is too late for the narrator and his lover. He speaks of the “silence” that now surrounds him, and the “emptiness” that he feels. The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as the narrator states that he is left with only “15%” of what they once had, and that this is not enough to sustain their love.

In many ways, “15%” is a poem about the fragility of human relationships, and the way in which they can be destroyed by the smallest of things. The bitterness and tears that the narrator speaks of are a reminder that even the strongest of loves can be eroded by time and circumstance.

However, the poem is also a celebration of the moments that we share with our loved ones, and the memories that we create together. The sweetness and laughter that the narrator speaks of are a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always something to hold onto.

Overall, “15%” is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal experiences of love and loss. The imagery and language used by Brautigan are evocative and haunting, and they leave a lasting impression on the reader. Whether we have experienced the pain of a failed relationship or not, we can all relate to the emotions that are expressed in this beautiful piece of poetry.

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