'Refrain' by Allen Ginsberg

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Collected Poems 1947-1980c. 1948The air is dark, the night is sad,
I lie sleepless and I groan.
Nobody cares when a man goes mad:
He is sorry, God is glad.
Shadow changes into bone.Every shadow has a name;
When I think of mine I moan,
I hear rumors of such fame.
Not for pride, but only shame,
Shadow changes into bone.When I blush I weep for joy,
And laughter drops from me like a stone:
The aging laughter of the boy
To see the ageless dead so coy.
Shadow changes into bone.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Refrain: A Masterpiece of Allen Ginsberg

Have you ever heard of Allen Ginsberg? If you're into poetry, then you've probably heard of him. If not, then let me introduce you to one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. Allen Ginsberg was an American poet, philosopher, and writer who is best known for his poem "Howl." However, one of his less-known works, Refrain, is a masterpiece that deserves more attention. In this literary criticism, we will delve deep into Refrain and explore the themes, literary devices, and the beauty of this poem.

What is Refrain About?

Before we start analyzing Refrain, let's take a look at what this poem is about. Refrain is a poem that describes a man's journey through life, and his realization that life is just a cycle of birth and death. The poem starts with the line, "I saw myself a ring of bone," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is describing his body as a ring of bone, implying that it is just a shell that houses his soul.

Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on his life and the people he has met. He talks about how he has loved and lost, and how everything he has experienced has led him to this moment. The poem ends with the line, "I am waiting for the last man to come," which suggests that the speaker is ready to accept death and the end of the cycle of life.

Analyzing the Themes

Now that we have an idea of what Refrain is about, let's take a deeper look at the themes of the poem. One of the main themes of Refrain is the cycle of life and death. The speaker reflects on his life and realizes that everything he has experienced has led him to this moment. He accepts that death is a part of life and that it is necessary for the cycle to continue. The poem suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be accepted.

Another theme of Refrain is love and loss. The speaker talks about the people he has loved and lost, and how those experiences have shaped him. He accepts that love is fleeting and that it is something that he cannot hold onto forever. The poem suggests that love is a beautiful but painful experience that is necessary for growth and self-discovery.

The theme of acceptance is also prevalent in Refrain. The speaker accepts that life is a cycle of birth and death and that everything he has experienced has led him to this moment. He accepts that he cannot hold onto love forever and that death is a part of life. The poem suggests that acceptance is necessary for growth and self-discovery.

Literary Devices

Now, let's take a look at some of the literary devices that Ginsberg employs in Refrain. One of the most prominent devices is repetition. The poem repeats the phrase "I saw myself a ring of bone" throughout the poem, which creates a sense of unity and continuity. The repetition also emphasizes the cycle of life and death, as the phrase is repeated like a refrain.

Ginsberg also employs imagery in Refrain. The poem describes the speaker's body as a "ring of bone," which creates a vivid image in the reader's mind. The imagery emphasizes the idea that the body is just a shell that houses the soul. The poem also describes the speaker's journey through life, which creates a vivid picture of the speaker's experiences.

Another literary device used in Refrain is symbolism. The poem suggests that the ring of bone represents the cycle of life and death. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes this symbolism, as it creates a sense of continuity and unity.

The Beauty of Refrain

Now that we have analyzed the themes and literary devices of Refrain, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this poem. Refrain is a beautifully written poem that describes the cycle of life and death in a way that is both profound and simple. The repetition of the phrase "I saw myself a ring of bone" creates a sense of unity and continuity that is both comforting and thought-provoking.

The imagery in Refrain is also beautiful. The description of the speaker's body as a "ring of bone" is both vivid and haunting. The poem also creates a beautiful picture of the speaker's journey through life, which is both poignant and relatable.

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of Refrain is the acceptance that it portrays. The poem suggests that acceptance is necessary for growth and self-discovery, and that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be accepted. The poem creates a sense of peace and comfort that is both powerful and moving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Refrain is a beautiful poem that deserves more attention. Through its themes of the cycle of life and death, love and loss, and acceptance, the poem creates a sense of unity and continuity that is both comforting and thought-provoking. The repetition, imagery, and symbolism used in the poem create a beautiful picture of the speaker's journey through life. Refrain is a masterpiece of Allen Ginsberg, and it deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Allen Ginsberg’s Poetry Refrain is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a perfect example of how a poet can use repetition to create a powerful and memorable piece of work. In this analysis, we will explore the various elements of the poem and how they contribute to its overall meaning.

The poem begins with the line, “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness.” This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the theme of mental illness. Ginsberg is describing the plight of the Beat Generation, a group of writers and artists who were known for their unconventional lifestyles and rejection of mainstream society. The use of the word “destroyed” is particularly powerful, as it suggests that these individuals were not just affected by mental illness, but completely consumed by it.

The refrain of the poem is “who poverty and tatters and hollow-eyed and high sat up smoking in the supernatural darkness of cold-water flats floating across the tops of cities contemplating jazz.” This refrain is repeated throughout the poem, and each time it is repeated, it takes on a new meaning. The repetition of this line creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, drawing the reader in and making them feel as though they are a part of the poem.

The use of the word “poverty” in the refrain is significant, as it highlights the economic struggles that many members of the Beat Generation faced. These individuals were often living in poverty, struggling to make ends meet while pursuing their artistic passions. The use of the word “tatters” further emphasizes this point, suggesting that these individuals were living in squalor and struggling to survive.

The phrase “hollow-eyed” is also significant, as it suggests that these individuals were suffering from exhaustion and fatigue. This could be a result of their unconventional lifestyles, which often involved staying up late and engaging in drug use. The use of the word “high” further emphasizes this point, suggesting that these individuals were often under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The phrase “supernatural darkness” is particularly powerful, as it suggests that these individuals were living in a world that was beyond the realm of normal human experience. The use of the word “cold-water flats” further emphasizes this point, suggesting that these individuals were living in cramped and uncomfortable living conditions.

The phrase “floating across the tops of cities” is also significant, as it suggests that these individuals were living on the fringes of society. They were not a part of mainstream culture, but rather existed on the outskirts of society, observing and commenting on the world around them.

The final phrase of the refrain, “contemplating jazz,” is perhaps the most significant. Jazz was a central part of the Beat Generation’s culture, and it represented a rejection of mainstream culture and a celebration of individuality. The fact that these individuals were “contemplating” jazz suggests that they were not just listening to it, but actively engaging with it and using it as a means of expressing themselves.

Throughout the poem, Ginsberg uses vivid imagery and powerful language to create a sense of urgency and desperation. He describes the Beat Generation as “angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry dynamo in the machinery of night.” This phrase is particularly powerful, as it suggests that these individuals were searching for something greater than themselves, something that would connect them to the universe and give their lives meaning.

Ginsberg also describes the Beat Generation as “crazy, starving, hysterical naked.” This phrase is significant, as it suggests that these individuals were not just suffering from mental illness, but were also physically and emotionally vulnerable. The use of the word “naked” is particularly powerful, as it suggests that these individuals were stripped of their defenses and exposed to the world around them.

In conclusion, Allen Ginsberg’s Poetry Refrain is a powerful and memorable piece of literature that has stood the test of time. Through the use of repetition, vivid imagery, and powerful language, Ginsberg creates a sense of urgency and desperation that draws the reader in and makes them feel as though they are a part of the poem. The refrain of the poem, “who poverty and tatters and hollow-eyed and high sat up smoking in the supernatural darkness of cold-water flats floating across the tops of cities contemplating jazz,” is particularly significant, as it highlights the struggles and experiences of the Beat Generation. Overall, this poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to capture the essence of a generation.

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