'What A Writer' by Charles Bukowski
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what i liked about e.e. cummings
was that he cut away fromthe holiness of the
word
and with charm
and gamble
gave us lines
that sliced through the
dung.how it was needed!
how we were witheringaway
in the old
tired
manner.of course, then came all
the e.e. cummings
copyists.
they copied him then
as the others had
copied Keats, Shelly,
Swinburne, Byron, et
al.but there was only
one
e.e. cummings.
of course.one sun.one moon.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, What A Writer: A Criticism and Interpretation
Charles Bukowski, the infamous writer known for his raw and unfiltered style, brings us his poem "Poetry, What A Writer" - a work that dives into the nature of poetry and writing, and what it means for those who pursue it. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes and motifs present in the poem, as well as its relevance to Bukowski's greater body of work.
A Quick Overview
Before we jump in, let's take a moment to appreciate the poem as a whole. "Poetry, What A Writer" is a short piece, consisting of only three stanzas, each with four lines. Yet despite its brevity, it manages to convey a powerful message about the nature of poetry and writing.
In the first stanza, Bukowski describes poetry as something that "doesn't belong to those who write it but those who need it." He goes on to say that poetry is "a way of living with the terrible," implying that it serves as a kind of coping mechanism for those who are struggling.
The second stanza continues this theme, as Bukowski describes how writing poetry can be a way of "dancing with death" - a way of confronting our own mortality and finding some kind of meaning in the face of it. He also touches on the idea that poetry can be a form of rebellion, a way of pushing back against the status quo and expressing oneself in a world that often seeks to silence creative voices.
Finally, in the third stanza, Bukowski turns his attention to the act of writing itself. He describes how the act of writing can be both painful and exhilarating, and how it can push us to confront the darkest parts of ourselves. He ends the poem with the powerful line, "and if you can't accept it then fuck you."
Theme: Poetry as a Means of Coping
One of the most prominent themes in "Poetry, What A Writer" is the idea that poetry can serve as a kind of coping mechanism for those who are struggling. Bukowski describes poetry as something that "doesn't belong to those who write it but those who need it," implying that poetry is not just a form of creative expression, but a way of dealing with the difficulties of life.
This theme is particularly relevant to Bukowski's own life and work. Bukowski grew up in poverty, and spent much of his life struggling with alcoholism and a variety of other personal demons. His writing often reflects these struggles, and many of his works can be seen as attempts to come to terms with his own pain and suffering.
In "Poetry, What A Writer," Bukowski seems to be suggesting that writing poetry is a way of living with the terrible - a way of confronting the difficulties of life and finding some kind of meaning in them. This is a theme that is present throughout much of Bukowski's work, and it is one that resonates deeply with many of his readers.
Theme: Poetry as Rebellion
Another theme that is present in "Poetry, What A Writer" is the idea that poetry can be a form of rebellion. Bukowski describes poetry as a way of "dancing with death," suggesting that it is a way of confronting our own mortality and pushing back against the status quo.
This theme is particularly relevant to Bukowski's own life and work as well. Throughout his career, Bukowski was known for his willingness to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. He often wrote about taboo subjects such as alcoholism, sex, and violence, and his work was often criticized for its explicit content.
In "Poetry, What A Writer," Bukowski seems to be suggesting that writing poetry is a way of rebelling against the strictures of society - a way of expressing oneself in a world that often seeks to silence creative voices. This is a theme that is present throughout much of Bukowski's work, and it is one that has inspired many readers to embrace their own rebellious tendencies.
Theme: The Pain and Exhilaration of Writing
Finally, "Poetry, What A Writer" touches on the theme of the pain and exhilaration of writing. Bukowski describes how the act of writing can be both painful and exhilarating, and how it can push us to confront the darkest parts of ourselves.
This theme is particularly relevant to Bukowski's own life and work, as he was known for his intense writing process and his willingness to confront difficult subjects. Throughout his career, Bukowski wrote about a wide range of topics, from his own personal struggles to the broader societal issues that he saw around him.
In "Poetry, What A Writer," Bukowski seems to be suggesting that writing is not just a form of creative expression, but a way of pushing ourselves to confront the pain and difficulty of life. This is a theme that is present throughout much of Bukowski's work, and it is one that has resonated deeply with many readers.
Interpretation: Bukowski's Legacy
So what can we take away from "Poetry, What A Writer" in the context of Bukowski's greater body of work? At its core, this poem is about the power of poetry and writing to help us cope with the difficulties of life, rebel against the status quo, and confront the darkest parts of ourselves. These themes are present throughout much of Bukowski's work, and they are what have made him such a beloved and influential figure in the literary world.
Bukowski's raw and unfiltered style has inspired countless writers to embrace their own rebellious tendencies and to confront difficult subjects with honesty and clarity. His willingness to push boundaries and challenge societal norms has made him a beacon of hope for those who feel marginalized or silenced by the mainstream.
Ultimately, "Poetry, What A Writer" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and writing, and to the importance of creative expression in our lives. It is a reminder that even in the face of pain and difficulty, we can find meaning and purpose through the act of writing - and that this act of rebellion can help us to reclaim our own humanity in a world that often seeks to diminish it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, What A Writer" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of poetry as a means of coping, rebellion, and the pain and exhilaration of writing. Through its brevity and simplicity, it manages to convey a message that is both timeless and deeply relevant to Bukowski's greater body of work.
Bukowski's legacy as a writer and rebel is one that continues to inspire readers to this day. His willingness to confront difficult subjects and to push boundaries has made him a literary icon, and his influence can be seen in the work of countless writers who have followed in his footsteps.
Ultimately, "Poetry, What A Writer" is a testament to the power of creative expression and the enduring human spirit. It is a reminder that even in the face of pain and difficulty, we can find meaning and purpose through the act of writing - and that this act of rebellion can help us to reclaim our own humanity, both as individuals and as a society.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What A Writer: A Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski, the American poet and novelist, is known for his raw and unfiltered writing style. His works often depict the harsh realities of life, and his poem "What A Writer" is no exception. This masterpiece is a reflection of Bukowski's own experiences as a writer, and it captures the essence of what it means to be a writer in a world that often fails to appreciate the art of writing.
The poem begins with the line, "writing about writing is like fucking about fucking." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Bukowski uses crude language to convey his message. He is essentially saying that writing about writing is pointless, just as having sex for the sake of having sex is pointless. Bukowski is known for his use of profanity in his writing, and this line is a perfect example of how he uses it to make a point.
The next few lines of the poem describe the struggles that writers face. Bukowski writes, "everybody wants to be a writer/ but nobody wants to do the work." This line is a harsh truth that many aspiring writers face. Everyone wants to be a writer, but not everyone is willing to put in the hard work and dedication that it takes to become one. Bukowski is essentially saying that writing is not easy, and it takes a lot of effort and commitment to succeed.
The poem then takes a turn, as Bukowski describes the joy that comes with writing. He writes, "writing is a beautiful fucking thing/ because you get to be god/ you get to create worlds/ and people/ and everything." This line is a testament to the power of writing. Bukowski is saying that writing allows you to create your own world, and to become the god of that world. Writing is a form of art, and it allows you to express yourself in ways that are not possible through any other medium.
Bukowski then goes on to describe the loneliness that often comes with writing. He writes, "writing is a lonely fucking thing/ because nobody understands/ what the fuck you're doing." This line is a reflection of Bukowski's own experiences as a writer. Writing can be a lonely pursuit, as it often requires you to spend long hours alone, working on your craft. It can also be difficult to explain to others what you are doing, especially if they do not share your passion for writing.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as Bukowski describes the pain that comes with writing. He writes, "writing is a painful fucking thing/ because you have to bleed/ and suffer/ and die a little bit/ every time you do it." This line is a reflection of the emotional toll that writing can take on a person. Writing requires you to dig deep into your own emotions and experiences, and to put them on paper for the world to see. It can be a painful process, as it often requires you to confront your own demons and insecurities.
Despite the pain and loneliness that comes with writing, Bukowski ends the poem on a positive note. He writes, "but when you're done/ and you've created something/ that's when you can say/ what a writer." This line is a testament to the satisfaction that comes with creating something. Writing may be a difficult and painful process, but the end result is worth it. When you have created something that you are proud of, you can truly say that you are a writer.
In conclusion, "What A Writer" is a masterpiece by Charles Bukowski that captures the essence of what it means to be a writer. Bukowski uses crude language to convey his message, but his words are powerful and true. Writing is not easy, but it is a beautiful and powerful thing. It allows you to create your own world, to express yourself in ways that are not possible through any other medium. Writing may be a lonely and painful pursuit, but the end result is worth it. When you have created something that you are proud of, you can truly say that you are a writer.
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