Monday, February 24, 2020
A Supermarket in California Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
A Supermarket in California - Essay Example This essay examines Ginsbergââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËA Supermarket in Californiaââ¬â¢ in terms of figurative language and poetic technique. One of the most overarching considerations is that the poem is partially meant to be a tribute to Walt Whitman and was released on the centennial of Whitmanââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËLeaves of Grass.ââ¬â¢ This is clearly reflected in the poem as Ginsberg makes frequent reference to Walt Whitman within the poemââ¬â¢s very narrative structure. Indeed, Ginsberg wistfully addresses Whitman in a number of ways. Ginsberg states, ââ¬Å"What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whitman, for I walked down the side streets under the trees with a headacheâ⬠(Ginsberg, 1-2). The poem also contains long-lines that are slightly unique. Partly these long-lines can be attributed to a further tribute to Whitmanââ¬â¢s own tendency towards incorporating this form in his poems. Notably, poet Garcia-Lorca is also referenced in this work. In terms of poetic form the p oem is highly unique in that it does not conform to traditional types of stanza or rhyme scheme. What can be termed the first stanza extends for twelve lines; three more stanzas of varying line length follow this stanza. There is no discernable rhyme scheme in the poem, with Ginsberg refraining from even implementing a rhyming couplet. Additionally, these elements that eschew traditional poetic form are clearly in-line with the Beat Movementââ¬â¢s embrace of alternative modes of expression. Additionally, the poemââ¬â¢s narrative -- as embracing American counter-cultural elements -- is perhaps best articulated by an irregular form. The narrative as embracing counter-cultural elements is indeed a major consideration within this work. Ginsberg writes, ââ¬Å"I saw you, Walt Whitman, childless, lonely old grubber, poking among the meats in the refrigerator and eyeing the grocery boysâ⬠(Ginsberg, 11-12). Here there is the obvious allusion to homosexuality through the eyeing o f grocery boys. While poetic form constitutes a major element within this specific work, the narrative has perhaps gained the most critical attention. As noted the work is partly a tribute to Walt Whitman. Further analysis reveals a number of notable elements. During Whitmanââ¬â¢s there is the recognition of American society as more in direct contact with natural elements. The setting of the poemââ¬â¢s narrative within the supermarket then is perhaps a means of ironically commenting on the nature of industrialized world as far removed from the direct process of hunting and growing their own subsistence. This interpretation is heightened by Ginsbergââ¬â¢s subtly comedic line, ââ¬Å"I heard you asking questions of each: Who killed the pork chops? What price bananas? Are you my Angel?â⬠(Ginsberg, 13-14). Here one recognizes the comedic potential of placing Whitman in a modern day supermarket. While the poem embraces irregular poetic form and counter-cultural elements, t here is also the recognition that Ginsberg expertly interweaves a number of profound themes. One such consideration is the meditation on the present day cultural milieu. Ginsberg writes, ââ¬Å"Will we stroll dreaming of the lost America of love past blue automobiles in driveways, home to our silent cottage?â⬠(Ginsberg, 26-27). Just as Whitman articulated a profound 19th century vision of America, Ginsberg here is working to capture the essence of time. In addition to
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