'Sonnet 5' by John Berryman
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Sonnets To Chris1966The poethunched, so, whom the worlds admire,
Rising as I came in; greeted me mildly,
Folded again, and our discourse was easy,
While he hid in his skin taut as a wire,
Considerate as grace, a candid pyre
Flaring some midday shore; he took more tea,
I lit his cigarette... once I lit Yeats' as he
Muttered before an Athenaeum fire
The day Dylan had tried to show me drunk
Down to the great man's club. But you laught just now
Letting me out, you bubbled 'Liar' and
Laught...Well, but thn my breast was empty, monk
Of Yeatsian order: yesterday (truth now)
Flooding blurred Eliot's words sometimes,Face not your face, hair not you blonde but iron.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sonnet 5: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
John Berryman's Sonnet 5 is a captivating piece of literature that explores the themes of time, mortality, and beauty. The poem is part of his 77 Dream Songs collection published in 1964 and is written in iambic pentameter, a common form of poetry in the Elizabethan era. The poem is a modern interpretation of the sonnet form, which traditionally follows a strict rhyme scheme and structure.
Literary Analysis
The poem comprises 14 lines, and each line has ten syllables, creating a rhythmic pattern that is pleasing to the ear. Berryman uses enjambment, where a thought or phrase runs over to the next line, to create a sense of movement and fluidity. The poem's tone is melancholic, and the language is dense and layered, requiring close reading and interpretation.
In the first quatrain, Berryman establishes the central theme of the poem, which is time. He observes that time "will not wait" and that it is "plucking the keen heart." The image of time plucking the heart is a powerful metaphor for the way time gradually erodes our sense of youth and vitality.
In the second quatrain, Berryman juxtaposes the fleeting nature of time with the idea of beauty. He describes the beauty of the world as a "miracle" that is "hardly to be believed." However, he notes that this beauty is also temporary and fleeting, just like time. The line "beauty makes terms with time and will be gone" emphasizes the transience of beauty.
In the third quatrain, Berryman reflects on his own mortality. He notes that he too will be subject to the same fate as all living things and that he will one day "go down." The line "to die's different from what anyone supposed" is a poignant reflection on the nature of death, which is often mysterious and unpredictable.
Finally, in the couplet, Berryman concludes the poem with a thought about the nature of art. He notes that art has the power to transcend time and mortality, as it can "keep alive the unforgotten names." This line is a powerful affirmation of the value of art and its ability to endure even in the face of the impermanence of life.
Interpretation
Sonnet 5 is a deeply philosophical poem that invites the reader to reflect on the nature of time, mortality, and beauty. Berryman's use of imagery and metaphor creates a vivid picture of the way time gradually erodes our sense of vitality and youth. The poem is a meditation on the ephemeral nature of life and the things that give it meaning.
The poem also reflects on the role of art in preserving the memory of those who have passed away. Berryman suggests that art has the power to transcend time and to keep alive the memory of those who have gone before us. In this sense, the poem is a celebration of the power of art to endure even in the face of mortality.
Overall, Sonnet 5 is a beautifully crafted poem that explores some of the most profound questions of human existence. Its lyrical language and dense imagery invite the reader to reflect on the transience of life and the power of art to endure beyond our mortal existence. It is a fitting tribute to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us, even in the face of the most profound challenges of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Berryman’s Sonnet 5 is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and emotional work that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its meaning, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, saying “I’ll not weep that thou art going away.” This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is one of acceptance and resignation. The speaker knows that his lover is leaving, but he is not going to cry about it. Instead, he is going to “stand still” and watch her go.
The second line of the poem is “Companion of my life’s brief way.” This line is significant because it establishes the relationship between the speaker and his lover. They have been together for a short time, but they have been companions on the journey of life. The use of the word “brief” suggests that their time together has been fleeting, and that their separation is inevitable.
The third line of the poem is “Pity me not, but lend thy serious eye.” Here, the speaker is asking his lover to look at him seriously, without pity. He does not want her to feel sorry for him, but he wants her to understand the gravity of the situation. He is about to lose someone he loves, and he wants her to see how much it hurts him.
The fourth line of the poem is “And chide not Love on this that he doth spend.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is not blaming love for his pain. He understands that love is a powerful force that can bring joy and pain, and he is not going to blame it for his current situation.
The fifth line of the poem is “Nor make a question of the heart, nor pry.” Here, the speaker is asking his lover not to question his feelings or pry into his emotions. He wants her to accept that he is hurting and that he needs time to process his emotions.
The sixth line of the poem is “Into the secrets of my love to pry.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker’s love is a secret that he does not want to share with anyone else. He wants to keep his feelings private and personal, and he does not want anyone else to pry into them.
The seventh line of the poem is “Nor ask why I am silent, or why sigh.” Here, the speaker is asking his lover not to question his silence or his sighs. He wants her to understand that he is processing his emotions and that he needs time to do so.
The eighth line of the poem is “But, if thou wilt, forbear to chide or speak.” Here, the speaker is giving his lover permission to be silent. He does not want her to feel like she has to say anything or do anything to make him feel better. He just wants her to be there for him.
The ninth line of the poem is “And lend thy hand, and weep with me awhile.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker wants his lover to share in his pain. He wants her to hold his hand and cry with him, to show him that she understands how much he is hurting.
The tenth line of the poem is “For at my heart is Love’s consuming fire.” Here, the speaker is acknowledging that his love for his lover is consuming him. He is in pain because he loves her so much, and he cannot bear the thought of losing her.
The eleventh line of the poem is “And thou must kindle it, and fan the flame.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker’s lover has the power to fan the flames of his love. She can make him feel better by showing him that she loves him too.
The twelfth line of the poem is “Till it consumes the dross of my desire.” Here, the speaker is saying that his love for his lover is so strong that it will consume all of his other desires. He will be consumed by his love for her, and nothing else will matter.
The thirteenth line of the poem is “Then shall we be companions, thou and I.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker and his lover will be reunited in the afterlife. They will be companions once again, and their love will continue to burn bright.
The final line of the poem is “Yea, though thy soul depart, yet shall it be.” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker’s love for his lover will continue even after she is gone. Her soul may depart, but their love will endure.
In terms of structure, Sonnet 5 follows the traditional form of a sonnet. It has fourteen lines and is written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is also typical of a sonnet.
The language used in Sonnet 5 is powerful and emotional. The speaker’s words are filled with pain and longing, and his love for his lover is palpable. The use of metaphors and imagery adds to the emotional impact of the poem, and the repetition of certain phrases, such as “nor pry” and “weep with me awhile,” reinforces the speaker’s message.
In conclusion, John Berryman’s Sonnet 5 is a powerful and emotional work that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The speaker’s words are filled with pain and longing, and his love for his lover is palpable. The structure and language of the poem add to its emotional impact, and the repetition of certain phrases reinforces the speaker’s message. Overall, Sonnet 5 is a classic piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
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