A Supermarket in California Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A Supermarket in California - Essay ExampleThis essay examines Ginsbergs A Supermarket in California in price 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 Whitmans Leaves of Grass. This is clearly reflected in the poem as Ginsberg makes frequent reference to Walt Whitman within the poems very narrative structure. Indeed, Ginsberg wistfully addresses Whitman in a number of ways. Ginsberg states, What thoughts I wear of you tonight, Walt Whitman, for I walked down the side streets under the trees with a headache (Ginsberg, 1-2). The poem also contains long- clienteles that are slightly unique. Partly these long-lines can be attributed to a and tribute to Whitmans own tendency towards incorporating this diverseness in his poems. Notably, poet Garcia-Lorca is also referenced in this work. In terms of poetic wreak the poem is super uniq ue 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 Movements embrace of alternative modes of expression. Additionally, the poems narrative -- as embracing American counter- cultural elements -- is perhaps vanquish render by an irregular form. The narrative as embracing counter-cultural elements is indeed a study consideration within this work. Ginsberg writes, I saw you, Walt Whitman, childless, lonely anile grubber, poking among the meats in the refrigerator and eyeing the grocery boys (Ginsberg, 11-12). Here there is the obvious allusion to homosexuality through the eyeing of grocery boys. While poetic form constitut es 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 Whitmans there is the recognition of American society as more in direct contact with natural elements. The fit of the poems narrative within the supermarket then is perhaps a means of ironically commenting on the nature of industrialized world as furthest removed from the direct process of hunting and growing their own subsistence. This interpretation is heightened by Ginsbergs subtly comedic line, I heard you asking questions of each Who killed the pork barrel chops? What price bananas? Are you my Angel? (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, there is also the recognition that Ginsberg expertly interweaves a numb er of profound themes. One such consideration is the meditation on the present day cultural milieu. Ginsberg writes, Will we stroll dreaming of the lost America of love past blue automobiles in driveways, home to our silent cottage? (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