'Dream Song 135: I heard said 'Cats that walk by their wild lone'' by John Berryman
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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968I heard said 'Cats that walk by their wild lone'
but Henry had need of friends. They disappeared
Shall I follow my dream?
Clothes disappeared in a backward sliding, zones
shot into view, pocked, exact & weird:
who is what he seem?I will tell you now a story about Speck:
after other cuts, he put the knife in her eye,
one of the eight:he was troubled, missionary: and Whitmanof the tower murdered his wife & mother
before (mercy-killings) he set out.Not every shot went in. But most went in:
in just over an hour
with the tumor thudding in his brain
he killed 13, hit 33:
his empty father said he taught him to respect guns
(not persons).
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Enigmatic World of John Berryman's "Dream Song 135"
John Berryman's "Dream Song 135" is a poem that defies easy interpretation. At first glance, it seems to be about cats wandering through a city at night. But as one dives deeper into the poem, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface. Through an analysis of its themes, symbols, and language, this literary criticism will explore the enigmatic world of "Dream Song 135" and attempt to uncover its meaning.
Overview
"Dream Song 135" is part of Berryman's epic work, "The Dream Songs." These poems are characterized by their surreal imagery, fragmented syntax, and jarring shifts in tone and perspective. The speaker of the poem is Henry, a persona that Berryman created to explore his own psyche and experiences. Throughout the Dream Songs, Henry grapples with his identity, his relationships, and his place in the world.
In "Dream Song 135," Henry observes a group of cats wandering through the city. He describes them as "wild lone" creatures who seem to be searching for something. As the poem progresses, the cats become more and more elusive, disappearing into the shadows and leaving Henry alone with his thoughts. The poem ends with a mysterious reference to a "plot" that Henry seems to be involved in but cannot fully understand.
Themes
One of the central themes of "Dream Song 135" is the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The cats in the poem represent characters who are trying to find their way through a city that is dangerous and unpredictable. They move "graceless" and "dumb," stumbling over obstacles and disappearing into the darkness. Despite their best efforts, they seem to be lost and directionless.
This theme is echoed in Henry's own struggles with identity and purpose. Like the cats, he is searching for something that he cannot quite define. He is haunted by memories of his past and unsure of his future. The poem suggests that this search for meaning is universal, that it is a fundamental part of the human experience.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of fragmentation and disconnection. The speaker describes the cats as "wild lone," emphasizing their isolation and separateness. The city itself is portrayed as a fragmented, disjointed space, where "the houses are no help." Henry, too, is fragmented, struggling to reconcile his different selves and experiences.
This theme is reflected in the language and structure of the poem, which is characterized by abrupt shifts and disjointed syntax. Berryman often uses commas to create pauses and breaks in the text, forcing the reader to slow down and pay attention to each individual word and image.
Symbols
One of the most striking symbols in "Dream Song 135" is the image of the cats themselves. Cats are often associated with independence and self-sufficiency, and in this poem, they represent characters who are trying to navigate the world on their own terms. They are "wild" creatures, unafraid to take risks and explore new territory.
At the same time, the cats are also vulnerable, exposed to the dangers of the city. They are "dumb" and "graceless," stumbling over obstacles and falling into traps. This vulnerability highlights the fragility of the human condition and the risks we must take in order to find meaning and purpose.
The city itself is another important symbol in the poem. It is portrayed as a dark, foreboding space, filled with danger and uncertainty. The houses are "no help," offering no refuge or protection. Instead, the city is a place of fragmentation and disconnection, where characters must fend for themselves and rely on their own resources.
Finally, the "plot" that is referenced at the end of the poem is a symbol of the mysterious forces that shape our lives. Henry seems to be caught up in a larger narrative that he cannot fully comprehend. This plot represents the larger forces that shape our existence, whether they be social, political, or spiritual.
Language
One of the most striking aspects of "Dream Song 135" is its language. Berryman employs a fragmented, disjointed syntax that mirrors the disconnection and chaos of the world he is portraying. The poem is filled with jarring shifts in tone and perspective, forcing the reader to engage with each individual word and image.
At the same time, the language is also rich with metaphor and imagery. Berryman uses vivid, visceral language to evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. The cats are described as "dumb" and "graceless," stumbling over obstacles and disappearing into the shadows. The city itself is portrayed as a place of darkness and danger, where characters must navigate treacherous terrain in order to find their way.
The language of the poem is also marked by a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. Berryman often uses words that have multiple meanings, forcing the reader to consider each possible interpretation. This ambiguity adds to the sense of mystery and enigma that pervades the poem.
Interpretation
So, what does it all mean? What is Berryman trying to say in "Dream Song 135"? The answer, of course, is elusive. Like the cats in the poem, the meaning seems to slip away just as we think we have grasped it. But here are a few possible interpretations:
First, the poem can be read as a meditation on the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The cats represent characters who are trying to find their way through a dangerous and unpredictable landscape. The city is a symbol of the larger forces that shape our lives, forces that are often beyond our control.
Second, the poem can be read as a commentary on the fragmentation and disconnection of modern life. The cats are "wild lone" creatures, isolated and disconnected from each other. The city is a place of disconnection and dislocation, where characters must rely on their own resources in order to survive.
Finally, the "plot" that is referenced at the end of the poem can be read as a symbol of the larger narrative that shapes our lives. Henry seems to be caught up in a story that he cannot fully understand, a story that is shaped by forces beyond his control. This plot represents the larger forces that shape our existence, whether they be social, political, or spiritual.
Conclusion
In the end, "Dream Song 135" remains enigmatic and elusive. It is a poem that defies easy interpretation, a poem that forces us to grapple with the complexity and ambiguity of the world around us. Through its themes, symbols, and language, the poem offers a glimpse into the enigmatic world of John Berryman's "Dream Songs," a world that is at once surreal and visceral, fragmented and whole.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Dream Song 135: I heard said 'Cats that walk by their wild lone' is a masterpiece written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his famous collection, The Dream Songs, which is known for its unique style and complex themes. Berryman's poetry is often characterized by its confessional tone, personal experiences, and use of language. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in this poem to understand its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line, "I heard said 'Cats that walk by their wild lone'". This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of loneliness and isolation. The word "wild" suggests a sense of freedom and independence, but also a lack of control. The cats in the poem are not domesticated, and they do not rely on anyone else for their survival. They are free to roam and explore the world on their own terms.
The second line of the poem, "As if from space, or more likely heaven's throne," adds a mystical element to the poem. The idea of cats walking alone in the wild is not something that can be easily explained or understood. It is as if they come from another world, a world beyond our understanding. The use of the word "heaven's throne" suggests a divine presence, as if the cats are being watched over by a higher power.
The third line of the poem, "Not far from Henry's house," introduces the character of Henry. Henry is a recurring character in The Dream Songs, and he is often used as a stand-in for Berryman himself. The fact that the cats are not far from Henry's house suggests that they are in a familiar place, a place that Berryman knows well. However, the cats are still walking alone, suggesting that even in a familiar place, one can still feel isolated and alone.
The fourth line of the poem, "Can leap tall buildings to single out their own," adds a sense of power and strength to the cats. They are not just walking alone, they are leaping tall buildings to find what they are looking for. This line also suggests that the cats are searching for something specific, something that is important to them. They are not just wandering aimlessly, they have a purpose.
The fifth line of the poem, "Who whispers arms!" is a bit more difficult to interpret. The word "arms" could refer to weapons, or it could refer to a person's embrace. The fact that it is whispered suggests that it is something secret or intimate. It is as if the cats are searching for something that will give them comfort or protection.
The sixth line of the poem, "To them 'she' is all," adds a sense of longing to the poem. The cats are searching for someone or something that is important to them, and this "she" is all they care about. The fact that it is a female suggests that they are searching for a mother figure, someone who will take care of them and protect them.
The seventh line of the poem, "Not mine, not yours, but as it is," suggests that the cats are not owned by anyone. They are free to do as they please, and they do not belong to anyone else. This line also suggests that the cats are not concerned with ownership or possession. They are searching for something more important than material things.
The eighth line of the poem, "Dream Song 135: I heard said 'Cats that walk by their wild lone'" is a repetition of the title of the poem. This repetition adds a sense of urgency to the poem, as if the cats are constantly searching and never finding what they are looking for. The fact that the title is repeated at the end of the poem suggests that the search is ongoing, and that there is no resolution.
The structure of the poem is also significant. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of freedom and independence, much like the cats in the poem. The lack of structure also adds to the sense of isolation and loneliness, as if the poem is wandering aimlessly.
The language used in the poem is also significant. Berryman's use of imagery and metaphor creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. The cats in the poem are not just cats, they are symbols of freedom, independence, and loneliness. The use of the word "wild" suggests a sense of danger and unpredictability, while the use of the word "heaven's throne" suggests a divine presence.
In conclusion, Poetry Dream Song 135: I heard said 'Cats that walk by their wild lone' is a complex and intriguing poem that explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for something more. Berryman's use of language and imagery creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, while the structure of the poem adds to the sense of isolation and loneliness. This poem is a testament to Berryman's skill as a poet, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in modern poetry.
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