'Sonnet 115 - All we were going strong last night this time' by John Berryman
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Sonnets To Chris1947All we were going strong last night this time,
the mosts were flying & the frozen daiquiris
were downing, supine on the floor lay Lise
listening to Schubert grievous & sublime,
my head was frantic with a following rime:
it was a good evening, and evening to please,
I kissed her in the kitchen -ecstasies-
among so much good we tamped down the crime.The weather's changing. This morning was cold,
as I made for the grove, without expectation,
some hundred Sonnets in my pocket, old,
to read her if she came. Presently the sun
yellowed the pines & my lady came not
in blue jeans & a sweater. I sat down & wrote.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Have you ever read a poem that captures the essence of a relationship with such precision and depth that you can feel every emotion and experience described in the verses? Well, John Berryman's "Sonnet 115 - All we were going strong last night this time" is precisely that kind of poem. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, language, and structure of the poem, and understand why it resonates with so many readers to this day.
Themes
At first glance, "Sonnet 115" may seem like a simple love poem, but upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a complex exploration of the dynamics between two lovers. One of the central themes of the poem is the ephemeral nature of relationships. Berryman captures the fleeting moments of intimacy between two people, and the feeling of loss that comes with its passing.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of vulnerability in love. Berryman portrays a relationship where both parties have let down their guards, exposing themselves to the highs and lows that come with loving another person. The speaker is constantly aware of the fragility of their connection, and wonders if it will survive the inevitable challenges that lie ahead.
Language
Berryman's use of language in "Sonnet 115" is both simple and profound. The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme scheme, allowing the words to flow organically and unencumbered. The language is conversational, with the speaker addressing their lover directly, using informal language such as "baby" and "ain't." This creates an intimacy between the speaker and the reader, drawing us into their world.
The use of repetition is another powerful tool that Berryman employs in the poem. The phrase "All we were going strong last night this time" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the transience of the moment, and how quickly things can change. The repetition creates a sense of urgency, as if the speaker is desperately trying to hold onto a memory that is slipping away.
Structure
"Sonnet 115" is structured like a traditional sonnet, with fourteen lines, but it defies the conventions of the form in many ways. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme and the use of free verse breaks from the strict structure of a traditional sonnet. Berryman also eschews the formalities of iambic pentameter, instead choosing to use a more natural rhythm that mimics the cadence of everyday speech.
The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza describing the moments of intimacy between the speaker and their lover, and the second stanza reflecting on the ever-changing nature of relationships. The two stanzas are connected by the repetition of the phrase "All we were going strong last night this time," which serves as a bridge between the past and the present.
Interpretation
"Sonnet 115" is a poem that speaks to the human experience of love and loss. The speaker is acutely aware of the fleeting nature of intimacy, and the fragility of relationships. It is a poem that captures the essence of a moment, and the melancholy that comes with its passing.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the impermanence of life. The phrase "All we were going strong last night this time" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the passing of time, and how quickly things can change. The poem is a reminder to appreciate the moments of joy and connection in our lives, as they are often fleeting.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the power of vulnerability in love. The speaker is willing to expose themselves to the risks that come with loving another person, and is aware of the potential pain that comes with it. The repetition of the phrase "All we were going strong last night this time" can be seen as a way of reassuring the speaker's lover that they are committed to the relationship, despite the challenges that may lie ahead.
Conclusion
"Sonnet 115 - All we were going strong last night this time" is a poem that captures the essence of a relationship with a depth and precision that is rare in literature. Berryman's use of language and structure create a sense of intimacy and urgency that draws the reader in, and leaves a lasting impression. While the poem may be bittersweet in its reflection on the impermanence of life and relationships, it is ultimately a celebration of the power of love to connect us to others, and to the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sonnet 115 - All we were going strong last night this time by John Berryman
Are you a fan of poetry? Do you enjoy reading sonnets? If yes, then you must have come across John Berryman's Sonnet 115 - All we were going strong last night this time. This classic piece of poetry is a masterpiece that has been analyzed and appreciated by many literary enthusiasts over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at this sonnet and try to understand its meaning and significance.
Background
John Berryman was an American poet who lived from 1914 to 1972. He was a prolific writer who wrote several books of poetry, including The Dream Songs, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1965. Berryman was known for his confessional style of writing, where he would often write about his personal experiences and struggles. Sonnet 115 - All we were going strong last night this time is one such poem that reflects Berryman's personal life.
Analysis
The sonnet begins with the line "All we were going strong last night this time." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is about a night of passion and love. The speaker is reminiscing about a night when he and his lover were together, and everything felt perfect. The use of the word "strong" suggests that the speaker and his lover were in a good place emotionally and physically.
The second line of the sonnet reads, "The words were flying, the meaning was free." This line suggests that the speaker and his lover were engaged in a deep conversation, where they were expressing their thoughts and feelings freely. The use of the word "flying" suggests that the conversation was lively and animated.
The third line of the sonnet reads, "And underneath were the fish and the whales." This line is a metaphor that suggests that there were deeper emotions and thoughts at play during the conversation. The fish and the whales represent the subconscious thoughts and feelings that were present during the conversation.
The fourth line of the sonnet reads, "The incredible lightness of the being of love." This line is a reference to Milan Kundera's novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being. The novel explores the idea of love and its fleeting nature. The use of this reference suggests that the speaker is aware of the temporary nature of love and is trying to hold on to the memory of that night.
The fifth line of the sonnet reads, "The night was a torrent of glistening ice." This line is a metaphor that suggests that the night was full of passion and intensity. The use of the word "torrent" suggests that the emotions were overwhelming and powerful.
The sixth line of the sonnet reads, "The moon was full and the stars were bright." This line is a reference to the romantic setting of the night. The full moon and the bright stars create a romantic atmosphere that adds to the intensity of the emotions.
The seventh line of the sonnet reads, "And she said, 'This is the way I want to die.'" This line is a reference to the lover's desire to hold on to the moment forever. The use of the word "die" suggests that the lover is aware of the temporary nature of the moment and wants to hold on to it forever.
The eighth line of the sonnet reads, "And everything else, under the sky, fell away." This line suggests that the moment was so intense and powerful that everything else in the world became insignificant. The use of the phrase "under the sky" suggests that the moment was a part of the larger universe.
The ninth line of the sonnet reads, "We were left alone with the day and the night." This line suggests that the moment was so intense that it created a sense of isolation from the rest of the world. The use of the phrase "day and night" suggests that the moment was a part of the larger cycle of life.
The final line of the sonnet reads, "And I was holding her hand, and I knew it was right." This line suggests that the speaker is aware of the significance of the moment and is trying to hold on to it forever. The use of the phrase "I knew it was right" suggests that the speaker is aware of the temporary nature of the moment and is trying to hold on to it forever.
Significance
Sonnet 115 - All we were going strong last night this time is a powerful piece of poetry that explores the fleeting nature of love and the desire to hold on to the moment forever. The use of metaphors and references to literature adds depth and complexity to the poem. The sonnet is a reflection of Berryman's personal life and his struggles with love and relationships. The poem has been analyzed and appreciated by many literary enthusiasts over the years and is considered a classic piece of poetry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sonnet 115 - All we were going strong last night this time is a powerful piece of poetry that explores the fleeting nature of love and the desire to hold on to the moment forever. The use of metaphors and references to literature adds depth and complexity to the poem. The sonnet is a reflection of Berryman's personal life and his struggles with love and relationships. The poem has been analyzed and appreciated by many literary enthusiasts over the years and is considered a classic piece of poetry.
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