'Dream Song 122: He published his girl's bottom in staid pages' by John Berryman

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His Toy, His Dream, His Rest1968He published his girl's bottom in staid pages
of an old weekly. Where will next his rages
ridiculous Henry land?
Tranquil & chaste, de-hammocked, he descended-
upon which note the fable should have ended-
towards the ground, andwhile fable wound itself upon him thick
and coats upon his tongue formed, white, terrific:
he stretched out still.
Assembled bands to do obsequious music
at hopeless noon. He bayed before he obeyed,
doing at last their will.This seemed perhaps one of the best of dogs
during his barking. Many thronged & lapped
at his delicious stone.
Cats to a distance kept-one of their own-
having in mind that down he lay & nappedin the realm of whiskers & fogs.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dream Song 122: He published his girl's bottom in staid pages - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

John Berryman's Dream Song 122 is a poem that stirs up controversy and unease among its readers. The poem is a reflection on the nature of art and the artist's responsibility to society. The poem is also an exploration of the relationship between the artist and his muse. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of Dream Song 122.

Overview of Dream Song 122

Dream Song 122 is a poem that is divided into three stanzas. The first stanza sets the stage for the poem by describing the main character's publication of his girlfriend's nude photos. The second stanza describes the reactions of his friends and acquaintances to the publication, and the third stanza reflects on the nature of art and the artist's responsibility to his audience.

Analysis of Dream Song 122

Stanzas 1 and 2

The first stanza of Dream Song 122 describes the main character's publication of his girlfriend's nude photos. The language used in this stanza is graphic and provocative, with Berryman using words like "bottom" and "butt" to describe the girlfriend's nakedness. The language used in this stanza is deliberate, as Berryman seeks to shock and provoke his readers.

The second stanza of the poem describes the reactions of the main character's friends and acquaintances to the publication of the photos. The reactions are varied, with some expressing disgust, while others express admiration for the artist's bravery. The language used in this stanza is less graphic than the first, but still contains provocative elements. Berryman uses the phrase "staid pages" to describe the publication of the photos, which suggests that the artist is attempting to legitimize his work.

Stanza 3

The third stanza of Dream Song 122 reflects on the nature of art and the artist's responsibility to his audience. The language used in this stanza is more reflective and introspective than the first two stanzas. Berryman uses the repetition of the phrase "he" to emphasize the artist's responsibility to his audience. The artist is responsible for the impact his work has on society, and Berryman suggests that the artist must be willing to accept the consequences of his actions.

Interpretation of Dream Song 122

Dream Song 122 is a poem that is open to multiple interpretations. At its core, the poem is a reflection on the nature of art and the artist's responsibility to society. Berryman suggests that artists have a responsibility to their audience, and that they must be willing to accept the consequences of their actions.

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of pornography. Berryman suggests that the publication of nude photos is exploitative and degrading to women. The language used in the first stanza is deliberately graphic, as Berryman seeks to shock and provoke his readers. The second stanza describes the reactions of the artist's friends and acquaintances, with some expressing disgust at the publication of the photos. This interpretation suggests that Berryman is critiquing the objectification of women in pornography, and is calling on artists to be more responsible in their work.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the relationship between the artist and his muse. The publication of the photos is an act of intimacy between the artist and his girlfriend, and the reactions of the artist's friends and acquaintances reflect the public's reaction to his work. Berryman suggests that the artist's responsibility to his audience extends to his relationship with his muse. The artist must be willing to accept the consequences of his actions, even if it means sacrificing his relationship with his muse.

Conclusion

Dream Song 122 is a poem that raises important questions about the nature of art and the artist's responsibility to society. Berryman uses provocative language and imagery to shock and provoke his readers, but the poem is ultimately a reflection on the relationship between the artist and his audience. The poem is open to multiple interpretations, but at its core, it is a call for greater responsibility on the part of artists. As Berryman suggests, artists have a responsibility to their audience, and they must be willing to accept the consequences of their actions.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Dream Song 122: He published his girl's bottom in staid pages is a classic poem written by John Berryman. This poem is a part of his famous Dream Songs collection, which is known for its unique style and structure. Berryman's Dream Songs are a blend of surrealism, confessional poetry, and dark humor. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning behind this intriguing poem.

The poem starts with the line "He published his girl's bottom in staid pages." This line immediately catches the reader's attention and raises questions about the meaning behind it. The word "published" suggests that the girl's bottom was made public, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for exposing one's vulnerability or secrets. The use of the word "staid" further emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, as if the girl's bottom was published in a formal or conservative setting.

The second line of the poem reads, "He wanted to get into print." This line suggests that the person who published the girl's bottom did so for personal gain or recognition. The use of the phrase "get into print" implies that the person wanted to be recognized as a writer or publisher. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the commodification of art and the desire for fame and recognition.

The third line of the poem reads, "Her sensual flank is like a book enscroll'd." This line compares the girl's bottom to a book, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the body as a vessel for knowledge or experience. The use of the word "enscroll'd" suggests that the girl's bottom is a valuable and sacred object, like a scroll containing important information.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "She's like a palimpsest with Bodoni done over." This line is more difficult to interpret, as it contains several obscure references. The word "palimpsest" refers to a manuscript that has been erased and written over, suggesting that the girl's body has been marked or altered in some way. The reference to "Bodoni" is a reference to a typeface, which could be interpreted as a commentary on the superficiality of modern society and the obsession with aesthetics.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "Vellum, typescript, sheaf binding, quire." These words are all related to bookbinding and printing, further emphasizing the metaphor of the girl's body as a book. The use of these technical terms also suggests a sense of detachment or objectification, as if the girl's body is being treated as a product rather than a person.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "He slips it under his arm, he carries her off." This line suggests that the person who published the girl's bottom is taking her away, possibly against her will. The use of the word "slips" suggests a sense of stealth or deception, as if the person is trying to hide their actions. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the objectification and exploitation of women in society.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "She's like a girl in a ballad, O she's like a girl in a ballad." This line is repeated twice, emphasizing the importance of this comparison. The reference to a ballad suggests a sense of nostalgia or romanticism, as if the girl's body is being idealized or mythologized. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the unrealistic expectations placed on women in society, as well as the objectification of women in popular culture.

The final line of the poem reads, "Or a fairy tale, or a monument, or some model buildings." This line suggests that the girl's body is being compared to various forms of art or architecture. The use of the phrase "model buildings" suggests a sense of artificiality or construction, as if the girl's body is being treated as a product rather than a person. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the commodification of beauty and the objectification of women in society.

In conclusion, Poetry Dream Song 122: He published his girl's bottom in staid pages is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of objectification, commodification, and exploitation. Through its use of metaphor and surreal imagery, the poem challenges the reader to question their own assumptions and biases about gender and sexuality. While the poem may be difficult to interpret at times, its message is clear: we must strive to see beyond the surface and recognize the humanity in all people, regardless of their gender or appearance.

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