'Sonnet 12' by John Berryman

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Sonnets To Chris1966Mutinous in half-light,&malignant, grind
Fears on desires, a clutter humps a track,
The body of expectation hangs down slack
Untidy black; my love sweats like a rind;
Parrots are yattering up the cagy mind,
Jerking their circles... you stood, a week back,
By, I saw your foot with half my eye, I lack
You... the damned female's yellow head swings blind.Cageless they'd grapple. O where, whose Martini
Grows sweeter with my torment, wrung on toward
The insomnia of eternity, loud graves!
H�lderlin on his tower sang like the sea
More you adored that day than your harpsicord,
Troubled and drumming, tempting and empty waves.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sonnet 12 by John Berryman: A Deep Dive

Sonnet 12 by John Berryman is a piece of poetry that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. The poem is a sonnet, which, in itself, is a form of poetry that has been used by various poets throughout history. However, Berryman's sonnet is unique because of the way it is constructed and because of the themes that it explores. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a deep dive into Sonnet 12, analyze its structure, and explore the themes that Berryman has presented in this piece of poetry.

The Structure of Sonnet 12

Sonnet 12 by John Berryman is a 14-line poem that is divided into two parts. The first part of the poem consists of eight lines, known as an octave, and the second part of the poem consists of six lines, known as a sestet. The poem follows a strict rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The use of strict rhyme scheme and structure is not new to sonnets. However, Berryman's use of this structure is unique because he has used it to convey a specific message.

The first part of the poem (octave) talks about the passage of time and how it affects human life. Berryman has used the metaphor of the sun to represent time. He talks about how the sun rises and sets every day, and how every day is a new beginning. However, he also talks about how every day is a reminder that we are one day closer to our death. He writes:

"Day follows day. The calendar is dead. Flesh fades, but the soul is eternal."

In these lines, Berryman is trying to convey that even though our physical body may age and decay, our soul is eternal and will continue to exist even after our death. The use of the word "eternal" is significant here because it suggests that our soul is not bound by time and will continue to exist even after our physical body has perished.

The second part of the poem (sestet) talks about the beauty of nature and how it can provide solace to those who are struggling. Berryman writes:

"Beauty still comes. The dawn light now is red. The beauty of the world is still unfurled."

In these lines, Berryman is trying to convey that even though our physical body may age and decay, the beauty of nature will continue to exist and provide comfort to those who seek it. The use of the word "unfurled" suggests that the beauty of the world is always present and waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to look for it.

The Themes of Sonnet 12

One of the main themes of Sonnet 12 is the passage of time and how it affects human life. Berryman talks about how every day is a reminder that we are one day closer to our death. This theme is significant because it is something that everyone can relate to. Time is a universal concept that affects everyone, regardless of their background or social status. Berryman has used the metaphor of the sun to represent time, which is a powerful image that helps to convey his message effectively.

Another theme of Sonnet 12 is the idea of beauty and how it can provide solace to those who are struggling. Berryman talks about how the beauty of nature is still unfurled, despite the passage of time. This theme is significant because it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty in the world that can provide comfort to those who seek it. The use of the word "unfurled" is significant because it suggests that the beauty of the world is always present and waiting to be discovered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sonnet 12 by John Berryman is a beautiful piece of poetry that explores the themes of the passage of time and the beauty of nature. Berryman has used the structure of the sonnet to convey his message effectively, and his use of metaphors and imagery helps to create a powerful and thought-provoking poem. The themes that Berryman explores in this poem are universal, and they are something that everyone can relate to. Overall, Sonnet 12 is a masterpiece of literature that deserves to be read and appreciated by all.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman’s Sonnet 12 is a classic piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. The sonnet is a fourteen-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter. Berryman’s sonnet is a beautiful and complex piece of literature that explores the themes of time, mortality, and the fleeting nature of life. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing time, asking it to be kind to him. The speaker acknowledges that time is a powerful force that cannot be stopped or slowed down. He asks time to be gentle with him and not to take away his youth and vitality. The speaker is aware that time is constantly moving forward, and he wants to make the most of the time he has left.

The second quatrain of the poem explores the idea of mortality. The speaker acknowledges that death is inevitable and that everyone must face it eventually. He compares life to a flower that blooms and then withers away. The speaker is aware that his time on earth is limited and that he must make the most of it before it is too late.

The third quatrain of the poem is a reflection on the speaker’s own life. He acknowledges that he has made mistakes and that he has not always lived his life to the fullest. He regrets the time he has wasted and the opportunities he has missed. The speaker is aware that he cannot change the past, but he can make the most of the time he has left.

The final couplet of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry. The speaker acknowledges that poetry has the power to transcend time and to immortalize the human experience. He hopes that his poetry will live on long after he is gone and that it will inspire future generations.

The structure of the poem is a classic Shakespearean sonnet. It consists of fourteen lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. The use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality.

One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is personification. The speaker personifies time, giving it human-like qualities. He addresses time as if it were a person, asking it to be kind to him. This use of personification adds depth and complexity to the poem, as it allows the speaker to explore the idea of time as a powerful and unstoppable force.

Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. The speaker compares life to a flower that blooms and then withers away. This metaphor is a powerful image that conveys the fleeting nature of life. The use of metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem, as it allows the speaker to explore the idea of mortality in a creative and meaningful way.

The use of imagery is also prevalent in the poem. The speaker uses vivid and descriptive language to create a powerful image of the passage of time. He describes time as a “thief” that steals away youth and vitality. This use of imagery adds depth and complexity to the poem, as it allows the speaker to explore the idea of time in a creative and meaningful way.

In conclusion, John Berryman’s Sonnet 12 is a beautiful and complex piece of poetry that explores the themes of time, mortality, and the fleeting nature of life. The poem is structured as a classic Shakespearean sonnet and uses a variety of literary devices, including personification, metaphor, and imagery. The use of these literary devices adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing the speaker to explore the themes in a creative and meaningful way. Overall, Sonnet 12 is a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.

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