Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Return of Kral Majales" is a poem by Alen Ginsberg written in 1965. The poem explores themes of politics, spirituality, and the search for personal and collective liberation. The poem describes the speaker's journey to Prague, where he encounters the spirit of Kral Majales, a mythical king of May. The poem uses a range of poetic devices to create a vivid and evocative portrayal of the speaker's thoughts and feelings.

Explanation:

The poem "Return of Kral Majales" by Allen Ginsberg describes the speaker's journey to Prague, where he encounters the spirit of Kral Majales, a mythical king of May. The speaker reflects on the political and spiritual significance of Kral Majales, and on his own role as a poet and political activist. The poem explores themes of liberation, spirituality, and the search for meaning.

Poetic Elements:

Imagery: The poet uses vivid and detailed imagery throughout the poem, such as "silver bodhisattva armies" and "a hundred thousand electric guitars."

Allusion: The poem alludes to a range of cultural and historical figures, such as Jesus Christ and William Blake.

Metaphor: Kral Majales is used as a metaphor for the search for personal and collective liberation.

Symbolism: The image of the May King and the May Queen can be interpreted as a symbol of fertility, renewal, and the natural world.

Tone: The tone of the poem is celebratory and joyful, conveying a sense of spiritual and political liberation.

Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "Return of Kral Majales" emphasizes the central theme of the poem and its significance.

Enjambment: The use of enjambment throughout the poem creates a sense of flow and continuity, emphasizing the speaker's stream-of-consciousness style.

Rhyme: The poem is written in free verse and does not have a consistent rhyme scheme. However, the poet uses occasional internal rhyme to create a sense of rhythm and musicality.

Imagery: The poet uses vivid and detailed imagery throughout the poem, such as "silver bodhisattva armies" and "a hundred thousand electric guitars."

Personification: The poet personifies the spirit of Kral Majales, describing it as a living being with a message of liberation.

Poem Snippet:

"Kral Majales returned with silver laughter

Shining on the streams & forests

As he had promised when he left

With his silver-stick’d peg-leg

To walk across the Pacific

Oceans of Washington"

In summary, "Return of Kral Majales" is a powerful and visionary poem that explores themes of politics, spirituality, and the search for personal and collective liberation. The poem uses a range of poetic devices to create a vivid and imaginative portrayal of the spirit of Kral Majales and its significance, as well as the speaker's journey of self-discovery. The poem remains a significant work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today, inspiring us to see beyond the limitations of our current reality and to imagine a world of spiritual and political liberation.

*NOTE: Kral Majales is a mythical figure in Czech folklore who represents the king of May. 

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