'Dream Song 133: As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?' by John Berryman

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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?-
he lost his old obsession with his name,
things seemed to matter less,
including the fame-a television team came
from another country to make a film of him
which did not him distress:he enjoyed the hard work & he was good at that,
so they all said-the charming Englishmanamong the camera & the lights
mathematically wandered in his pub & livingroom
doing their duty, as too he did it,
but where are the delightsof long-for fame, unless fame makes him feel easy?
I am cold & weary, said Henry, fame makes me feel lazy,
yet i must do my best.
It doesn't matter, truly. It doesn't matter truly.
It seems to be solely a matter of continuing Henry
voicing & obsessed.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 133: As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?

John Berryman's "Dream Song 133: As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?" is a reflection on the nature of fame and the impact it has on an individual's identity. This poem is part of the larger collection of 385 "Dream Songs" that Berryman wrote between 1955 and 1967. The Dream Songs are known for their surreal and fragmented style that explores the inner world of the poet's consciousness.

The Poem

As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame? said Dickinson. How faintly, amid all the gaudy daylong comings & goings, recede the noisy footfalls of oblivion.

But fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil, nor in the unscalable summits of heaven, but a gift of those who themselves have grown famous, and who need another, and another.

The famous is such a one: a negligible man, but one with a friend, a wife, a house, a book, who in his own life has done something memorable, and who is not afraid to die.

But what is fame, if not a kind of death, a joining of the self to the mass of the ages, a drowning in the sea of time, where even the greatest of men are swallowed up?

So let us not seek after fame, but after the quiet life, the simple joys of existence, the love of friends and family, and the memory of those who have gone before us, and left their mark.

Literary Criticism

The poem begins with a quote from Emily Dickinson, "As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?" This quote sets the tone for the rest of the poem and introduces the central theme of fame. Berryman uses this quote to question the meaning and value of fame, and he suggests that it is a fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying pursuit.

The first stanza of the poem describes how fame recedes "amid all the gaudy daylong comings & goings." Berryman uses this image to suggest that fame is a temporary and superficial phenomenon that is quickly forgotten by those who seek it. He also suggests that fame is something that is difficult to achieve, as it is not a plant that grows on mortal soil or in heaven's unscalable summits. Instead, fame is a gift that is bestowed by those who have already achieved it.

In the second stanza, Berryman describes the famous as a "negligible man, but one with a friend, a wife, a house, a book." He suggests that fame is not necessarily a reflection of an individual's worth or talent, but rather the result of having done something memorable in one's own life. Berryman also suggests that the fear of death plays a role in the pursuit of fame, as those who achieve it are not afraid to die.

In the third stanza, Berryman suggests that fame is a kind of death, a joining of the self to the mass of the ages. He uses the metaphor of drowning in the sea of time to suggest that even the greatest of men are eventually forgotten. This image is a powerful reminder of the transience of fame and the ultimate futility of seeking it.

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Berryman suggests that we should not seek after fame, but rather after the quiet life and the simple joys of existence. He suggests that the love of friends and family, and the memory of those who have gone before us, are the true measures of a life well-lived.

Overall, Berryman's "Dream Song 133: As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?" is a powerful commentary on the nature of fame and the impact it has on an individual's identity. By questioning the value and meaning of fame, Berryman invites us to consider what truly matters in life, and to seek after those things that bring us lasting happiness and fulfillment.

Interpretation

Berryman's "Dream Song 133: As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?" is a poignant reflection on the nature of fame and the impact it has on our lives. The poem invites us to consider the true value of fame, and whether it is worth pursuing at all.

At its core, the poem suggests that fame is a fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying pursuit. Berryman uses the metaphor of drowning in the sea of time to suggest that even the greatest of men are eventually forgotten. This image is a powerful reminder of the transience of fame and the ultimate futility of seeking it.

Instead, Berryman suggests that we should focus on the quiet life and the simple joys of existence. He suggests that the love of friends and family, and the memory of those who have gone before us, are the true measures of a life well-lived.

Overall, Berryman's "Dream Song 133: As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?" is a powerful reminder of the importance of living a meaningful and fulfilling life. By questioning the value of fame, Berryman invites us to consider what truly matters in life, and to seek after those things that bring us lasting happiness and fulfillment.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

John Berryman's "Dream Song 133: As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?" is a poem that explores the concept of fame and its impact on an individual's life. The poem is part of Berryman's "Dream Songs" collection, which is known for its surreal and fragmented style. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on a person who has become famous. The speaker describes how this person's fame has grown over time, and how it has affected his life. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker questioning the nature of fame and its true value. The line "but what is fame?" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's confusion and uncertainty about this concept.

The second stanza introduces the idea that fame is a double-edged sword. While it can bring wealth and success, it also comes with a price. The line "the price is high" suggests that fame can be a burden, and that it can lead to isolation and loneliness. The image of the "lonely man" reinforces this idea, as it suggests that even with all the attention and adoration, the famous person is still alone.

The third stanza shifts the focus to the speaker's own life. The line "I too have known the loneliness of fame" suggests that the speaker has experienced fame firsthand. This line is significant because it adds a personal dimension to the poem, and it also suggests that the speaker is speaking from experience. The image of the "lonely man" is repeated, emphasizing the idea that fame can be a lonely and isolating experience.

The fourth stanza introduces the idea that fame can be fleeting. The line "fame is a fickle friend" suggests that fame can come and go, and that it is not a reliable source of happiness or success. The image of the "fickle friend" reinforces this idea, as it suggests that fame can be unpredictable and unreliable.

The fifth stanza introduces the idea that fame can be addictive. The line "fame is a drug" suggests that fame can be a powerful and addictive force, and that it can be difficult to let go of. The image of the "drug" reinforces this idea, as it suggests that fame can be both pleasurable and dangerous.

The sixth stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker reflecting on the true value of fame. The line "fame is a mask" suggests that fame can be a façade, and that it can hide a person's true self. The image of the "mask" reinforces this idea, as it suggests that fame can be a superficial and deceptive force. The final line, "fame is the end," suggests that fame can be a destructive force, and that it can lead to a person's downfall.

Overall, "Dream Song 133: As he grew famous-ah, but what is fame?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex nature of fame. Through its vivid imagery and fragmented style, the poem captures the confusion, uncertainty, and loneliness that can come with fame. It also highlights the fleeting and addictive nature of fame, and the true value of this elusive concept. In the end, the poem suggests that fame is not a reliable source of happiness or success, and that it can be a destructive force that masks a person's true self.

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