'Sonnet 20' by John Berryman

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Sonnets To Chris1966Presidential flags! and the General is here,
Shops have let out, two bands are raising hell
O hell is empty and Nassau street is well,
The little devils shriek, an angel's tear
Falls somewhere, so (but I laugh) would mine, I fear
The Secret Service rang the rising bell
And poor Mr Eliot and the Admiral
Have come, and a damned word nobody can hear.Two centuries have here misabused our youth:
(Your grey eyes pierce the miles to meet my eyes)
The bicentennial of an affair with truth
(In the southern noon whom do you tyrannize?)
Not turned out well: the cast girl sucks her tooth.
(Secret, let us be true time crucifies.)

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Critical Analysis of John Berryman's Sonnet 20

John Berryman's Sonnet 20 is a classic example of a Shakespearean sonnet. It contains fourteen lines, three quatrains followed by a rhyming couplet, and follows the rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. Berryman's sonnet is a tribute to William Shakespeare, who is referred to as the "Master" throughout the poem.

The sonnet begins with a reference to the "Master's art" and the "Master's name." Berryman seems to be in awe of Shakespeare's talent and the impact he has had on literature. He goes on to describe the "Master's" physical appearance, noting that he had a "handsome face" and "an eye that's bright." Berryman seems to be fascinated by the idea of Shakespeare as a real person, rather than just a figure in literature.

The second quatrain of the sonnet shifts to a more philosophical tone. Berryman muses on the idea of time and how it can erase even the most brilliant achievements. He notes that "famous men have the whole earth as their memorial" but even they will eventually be forgotten. Berryman seems to be pondering the fleeting nature of fame and how it relates to Shakespeare's legacy.

The third quatrain of the sonnet delves into the idea of Shakespeare's sexuality. Berryman notes that the "Master" was "a woman in men's clothing" and that "he wrote love poems to both sexes." This is likely a reference to Shakespeare's sonnets, some of which are addressed to a "fair youth" and others to a "dark lady." Berryman seems to be celebrating Shakespeare's fluid sexuality and the fact that his work transcends traditional gender roles.

The final couplet of the sonnet is a tribute to Shakespeare's ability to capture the essence of humanity in his writing. Berryman notes that Shakespeare "knew the human heart" and that his work will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come. The final line of the sonnet, "Shakespeare, thou art dust," is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the fact that even the greatest writers will eventually be forgotten.

Overall, John Berryman's Sonnet 20 is a tribute to Shakespeare's talent and legacy. Berryman seems to be in awe of Shakespeare's ability to capture the essence of humanity in his writing and the impact he has had on literature. The sonnet is also a reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and the fact that even the greatest writers will eventually be forgotten. While Berryman's sonnet is not as well-known as Shakespeare's own sonnets, it is still a powerful tribute to one of the greatest writers in history.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman’s Sonnet 20 is a classic piece of poetry that has been celebrated for its unique style and powerful message. This sonnet is a part of Berryman’s famous collection of poems, The Dream Songs, which was published in 1969. The Dream Songs is a collection of 385 poems that are written in a unique style that combines traditional sonnet form with modernist techniques. Sonnet 20 is one of the most famous poems in this collection and is considered a masterpiece of modernist poetry.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, who is referred to as “my love”. The speaker describes his lover’s beauty and compares it to the beauty of nature. He says that his lover’s beauty is like the beauty of the sun, the moon, and the stars. The speaker then goes on to describe his lover’s physical features, such as her eyes, lips, and hair. He says that her eyes are like the stars, her lips are like coral, and her hair is like gold.

The speaker then shifts his focus to his own physical appearance and compares it to his lover’s beauty. He says that he is not as beautiful as his lover and that he is ashamed of his own physical appearance. He says that he is “black” and “not worth the sun”. This line is significant because it shows the speaker’s self-doubt and lack of confidence in himself. The speaker is comparing himself to his lover and feels inferior to her.

The speaker then goes on to describe his lover’s personality and character. He says that she is kind, gentle, and loving. He says that she is “the heaven’s pride” and that she is “the world’s fresh ornament”. This line is significant because it shows the speaker’s admiration and love for his lover. He sees her as the perfect woman and is in awe of her beauty and personality.

The speaker then shifts his focus to his own personality and character. He says that he is not as good as his lover and that he is “a motley to the view”. This line is significant because it shows the speaker’s self-awareness and humility. He recognizes his own flaws and shortcomings and is not afraid to admit them.

The poem ends with the speaker expressing his love for his lover. He says that he loves her more than anything else in the world and that he would do anything for her. He says that his love for her is eternal and that it will never fade away. This line is significant because it shows the speaker’s devotion and commitment to his lover. He sees her as the most important thing in his life and is willing to do anything to make her happy.

Overall, Sonnet 20 is a powerful poem that explores themes of love, beauty, and self-doubt. The poem is written in a unique style that combines traditional sonnet form with modernist techniques. The speaker’s admiration and love for his lover are evident throughout the poem, and his self-doubt and humility add depth and complexity to the poem. Sonnet 20 is a masterpiece of modernist poetry and is a testament to John Berryman’s skill as a poet.

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