Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Your Birthday in Wisconsin You Are 140" by John Berryman is a tribute to the iconic American poet Emily Dickinson on what would be her 140th birthday. Through a conversational and somewhat irreverent tone, Berryman addresses Dickinson directly, blending admiration with a candid exploration of the challenges and sorrows that marked her life and work. The poem reflects on Dickinson's legacy, her personal struggles, and the enduring vitality of her poetry.

Berryman begins by referencing Dickinson's reputation as "One of the wits of the school," immediately juxtaposing this recognition of her intellect with a colloquial "Hot diggity!" This contrast sets the tone for the poem, which oscillates between reverence for Dickinson's genius and a more casual, even flippant, treatment of the tragic aspects of her life.

The poem delves into the various sources of Dickinson's anguish, including her oppressive father, referred to as the "'pure & terrible' Congressman," the deaths of loved ones like Mr. Humphrey and Benjamin, and her unrequited love for "Master," a figure often speculated about in Dickinson scholarship. Berryman highlights the profound impact these experiences had on Dickinson's life and work, suggesting that they contributed to her withdrawal from the world and her decision to dress only in white.

Berryman also mentions Dickinson's correspondence with Thomas Wentworth Higginson, to whom she famously wrote, "say if my verse is alive." This plea for validation and understanding from a literary mentor underscores Dickinson's desire for recognition and her uncertainty about the value of her own work.

The reference to Otis, likely George Gould, points to another source of Dickinson's heartache—her unreciprocated romantic feelings. Berryman portrays Dickinson's love as both intense and doomed, further emphasizing the theme of unfulfilled desire that permeates her life and poetry.

Despite the focus on Dickinson's personal trials, Berryman ultimately celebrates the vibrancy and resilience of her poetry. He declares that he is in Wisconsin, "drinking your ditties," affirming that Dickinson's verses are indeed "alive"—more so than the teachings of "Mrs F who teaches farmers' red daughters & their beaux my ditties and yours & yours & yours!" This assertion serves as a testament to Dickinson's lasting influence and the way her poetry continues to resonate with readers across generations.

"Your Birthday in Wisconsin You Are 140" is both a homage to Emily Dickinson and a reflection on the complexities of her life and art. Berryman navigates the space between personal admiration and literary critique with wit and empathy, offering a nuanced portrait of Dickinson as a figure of enduring significance in American literature.

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