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 terms of figurative language and poetic technique. One of the about overarching experimental conditions 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 have 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- traces that are slightly unique. Partly these long-lines can be attributed to a come along tribute to Whitmans own tendency towards incorporating this form in his poems. Notably, poet Garcia-Lorca is also referenced in this reckon. In terms of poetic form the poem is highl y 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 Movements embrace of alternative modes of expression. Additionally, the poems narrative -- as embracing American counter-ethnical elements -- is perhaps trounce articulated 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 old grubber, poking among the meats in the refrigerator and eyeing the grocery boys (Ginsberg, 11-12). here at that place is the obvious allusion to homosexuality through the eyeing of 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 Whitmans there is the recognition of American society as more in direct contact with natural elements. The picture of the poems 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 maturement their own subsistence. This interpretation is heightened by Ginsbergs subtly comedic line, I heard you asking questions of each Who killed the pork 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 interweave s a number 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, theatre to our silent cottage? (Ginsberg, 26-27). Just as Whitman articulated a profound 19th century ken of America, Ginsberg here is working to capture the essence of time. In addition to