Introduction
The historical periods in the development of literature often play an important part in the creation of specific literary pieces. Various movements initiated by famous authors and poets can heavily impact the contemporary literature of that age, conveying prominent ideas and personal thoughts. The evolution of American post-modernist poetry is an essential topic of discussion for numerous scholars, who highlight the characteristics of this literary style, aiming to uncover the pertinent issues behind the author’s works. Although the poems written by American post-modernists vary significantly based on the chosen topics, the main ideas represented in these pieces remain drastically similar. By addressing such themes as political campaigns, self-reflection, and fragmentation, the writers demonstrated their approach to the current society, post-World War II changes, and modernity (Yousef 34). This work focuses on Allen Ginsberg’s Sunflower Sutra and Jerome Rothenberg’s Der Gilgul (The Possessed), which utilize figurative language, vivid imagery, and symbolism to develop the authors’ perspectives on humanity, sorrow, and society’s negative qualities.
The Cruelty of Man: Adverse Consequences of Conflict and Industrialization
The division between humanity and nature has proven to be a valuable debate subject for numerous authors During the era of American post-modernism. The repercussions following a man’s involvement in the natural order of life, connected to the environment and the well-being of other individuals, were frequently discussed by post-modernists aiming to unravel the dark sides of humanity. The general argument in these works often refers to the cruel and negative characteristics evident in human beings, namely the abundance of violence, consumerism, and the lack of consideration for other creatures (Yousef 35). These overarching suggestions can be observed in both Sunflower Sutra and Der Gilgul, which elaborate on the nature of man.
In Sunflower Sutra, written by Allen Ginsberg, the ideas regarding the severe consequences of one’s actions become explicitly clear. This poem focuses on the dramatic complications that follow the march of industrialization, resulting in the devastation of nature and people (Leddy 395). Ginsberg implements figurative language to depict how the significance of the environment is neglected by humans, who are primarily interested in technological advancements and personal gain rather than the state of the Earth. Through the use of metaphor, the author compares dusty sunflower to the current condition of the natural world, which became miserable after decades of human pollution (Ginsberg 15). Nevertheless, the flower still thrives under the burden of “all that dress of dust, that veil of darkened railroad skin, that smog / of cheek, that eyelid of black mis’ry” (Ginsberg 15). Manifesting considerable strength, the plant aims to survive, resisting the onslaught of industrialization and becoming a symbol of inner beauty, resilience, and inspiration.
The symbolism of the sunflower’s fight can be observed in the description of America and its current environmental state, which is remarkably altered by consumerism and human greed. The people disregard nature, compelling the flower to survive the “blear thoughts of death and dusty loveless eyes and ends and withered roots below, in the home-pile of sand and sawdust, rubber dollar bills” (Ginsberg 15). However, the sunflower is described as thriving, “a perfect excellent lovely sunflower existence!” (Ginsberg 15). Such vivid imagery excellently portrays the struggle between man and the environment, contributing to the negative qualities of contemporary society and representing nature’s resilience (Lee 374). In general, it is argued that the Earth will always be stronger than man, and humanity should be inspired by the natural environment.
A distinctly negative perspective on humans’ endeavors is manifested in Jerome Rothenberg’s Der Gilgul, which conveys the repercussions of violence and consumerism. Similar to the Sunflower Sutra, such literary devices as metaphor, symbolism, and imagery are utilized to describe the gruesome consequences of greed and conflict. As the main character obtains a coin, he becomes possessed with the desire for money and affluence, innate in humans (Rothenberg 6). Even as the protagonist dies, he remains devoted to materialism, fearing that “he would lose his shoes” (Rothenberg 6). The Earth, covered with corpses, also suffers, as it is “growing fat with / the slime of corpses green & pink / that ooze like treacle, turn / into a kind of tallow” (Rothenberg 6). Nonetheless, in contrast with Sunflower Sutra, there is no retaliation from the onslaught of greed and death, and no inspiring outcome can be derived from the poem. From this perspective, the author argues that humanity’s corruption negatively affects the environment, and it will consume everything if not stopped.
The concepts and main ideas discussed in these works are highly pertinent for the current evaluation. In Sunflower Sutra, the primary thoughts manifested regard how nature withstands the pressure of machinery and technological advancements, focusing on survival. The contradiction between the living thing and humanity’s onslaught perfectly explains the poem’s topic: “the dank muck and the razor-sharp artifacts passing into the past— / and the gray Sunflower poised against the sunset” (Ginsberg 15). Another main idea is related to the subject of survival and strength to live. Although humans substantially ignore the Earth’s demands, causing destruction to the environment, nature will always find a possibility to thrive and inspire, which is represented in the sunflower’s prosperity. Finally, the opportunity to rise and redeem humanity is also essential for this poem. Regardless of the current image of humanity, each individual can proclaim that “we’re not dread, bleak, dusty imageless locomotives, we’re golden sunflowers inside” (Ginsberg 15). Therefore, all humans possess inner beauty and strength and, like the dusty sunflowers, will confront life’s challenges.
Alternatively, in Der Gilgul, a more dreary outlook is manifested. The concept of money and its drastic impact on people’s lives is highlighted through the protagonist’s thoughts, which revolve around the subject of losing shoes, even though he is on the verge of death. Another issue revealed in the poem is the environmental damage instigated by humans, which prompts the Earth to become “fat with / the slime of corpses green & pink / that ooze like treacle” (Rothenberg 6). Nevertheless, such instances as “dibbik,” “Kaddish,” and the abundance of corpses might hint at military campaigns in Jewish countries submerged in religious and political confrontations. Thus, in comparison with Sunflower Sutra, the theme of conflict is represented in this work.
Subject Similarities and Argument Resemblance
There are several evident similarities between the arguments presented in each of the poems, namely the impact of humanity on the environmental condition of the Earth. Both Sunflower Sutra and Der Gilgul discuss how industrialization and human conflict can devastate the natural order of life, creating various complications for living beings. Furthermore, the struggle between nature and man’s advancements is a prominent idea that can be observed in both works. Although the overall motives behind the writings remain different, with Sunflower Sutra praising inner beauty and Der Gilgul describing the gruesome consequences of supporting greed, these confrontations are the corresponding topics of these literary pieces.
Unraveling the Hidden Notions
To fully understand the authors’ ideas behind the works, it is essential to consider the following questions. First of all, it is interesting for me to know the deeper meaning behind the locomotive in Allen Ginsberg’s poem. How does the comparison between the sunflower and locomotive enrich the work? Furthermore, what is the significance of the sunflower dreaming of being a locomotive? Even though it seems possible that the author simply contrasts nature and human development, I believe that there is more to this conflict to be uncovered.
After that, I have several questions regarding Der Gilgul and the connections between the protagonist and corpses. At one point, Rothenberg changes the perspective of the narrative, introducing a personal overview of the events: “I am / moving down the field from right to left” (Rothenberg 6). Why was this distinction included? How can the author and the main character be compared? Moreover, what is the significance of the line “he is hidden in the forest / in a world of nails” (Rothenberg 6)? I believe that these questions could help me better ascertain the environment created by the poets, offering a more coherent understanding of the pertinent topics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the poems Sunflower Sutra by Allen Ginsberg and Der Gilgul by Jerome Rosenberg were analyzed thoroughly in this work, highlighting the most prominent arguments, concepts, and main ideas. It is evident that both of these writings capture the ideas of the American post-modernist era, reflecting on the current world environment and society. The authors excellently use vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbolism to portray the contemporary state of nature and social beliefs, outlining how devastating the ramifications of greed and personal gain can become. Furthermore, both poems use similar overarching arguments, describing the negative impact of industrialization and human materialism.
Works Cited
Ginsberg, Allen. Song & Sunflower Sutra. F. Riva, 1969.
Leddy, Michael. “Illuminated Poems.” World Literature Today, vol. 71, no. 2, 1997, p. 390-504.
Lee, Ben. “Howl and Other Poems : Is There Old Left in These New Beats?” American Literature, vol. 76, no. 2, 2004, pp. 367–89.
Yousef, Tawfiq. “Modernism, Postmodernism, and Metamodernism: A Critique.” International Journal of Language and Literature, vol. 5, no. 1, 2017, pp. 33-43.
Rothenberg, Jerome. Khurbn & Other Poems. New Directions, 1989.