Red Shift Model Paper Example 2

Though there are some analytical stretches that are made here, this is a fine example of a Marxist critique of the poem. If the analysis of the poem were more text based, this would have been very successful at an interesting socio-economic analytical angle. The addition to the significance of the title in the introduction would have also been helpful. The idea of eschewing a total capitulation to conform to societal norms seems to be a uniquely American form of Marxist criticism.

Christina Period 6

Ted Berrigan mocks the post-World War II American society in his poem, “Red Shift,” because the country becomes a living example of a broken dream. The setting of the poem takes place on a cold, February night in the streets of New York. The atmosphere is depressing, reflecting the conditions of the American people during the Great Depression in the 1950s. Homeless children and poor people are seen on streets such as 6^th & Bowery, a part of New York that had high crime rates and low-income families. America isn’t described as a land filled with sunshine and endless opportunities. It becomes a country of loss hope.

The speaker’s tone changes throughout the poem. First, he is calm, but disappointed while recalling his present surroundings. The air and smoke represent pollution. Berrigan is unhappy with the filthy American lifestyles—the way they are taking care of their communities and each other. He writes, “…smoke to have character and to lean/In.” (5-6) The poet is disappointed in how easily Americans conform. They smoke to look cool and to fit in with the crowd as if non-smokers are outcasts. Without a difference in beliefs and opinions, the country goes unchallenged and the people lead purposeless lives.

Then, he becomes depressed when observing the conditions that some Americans are forced to live in. The poet writes, “The Calvados is being sipped on Long island now…” (10) While some families are fortunate enough to be having the time of their lives, relaxing at a nice beach, other families are scrambling to find a way to put supper on their tables every night. It’s frustrating to see fellow human beings ignore the existence of those who need a hand. The streets of America are filled with helpless people. This isn’t the way it should be. Berrigan states, “everything/Love, children, hundreds of them, money marriage-ethics, a politics of grace…” (15-16) The people who are living the “American dream”—driving the BMW, maintaining a high-position office job, married and settled in with children—are too preoccupied with their own lives to look around and see that homeless children and families are suffering from hunger and unemployment.

Finally, he hardens with rage when blaming the people for allowing this national catastrophe to occur. He uses anaphoric repetition to emphasize his determination. Berrigan writes, “I will never die… I will never go away…and you will never escape from me.” (34) He sees the weakness of the American society and strives to warn people not to keep making the same mistake. He’s well aware of this, but it’s up to those who have already conformed to redeem themselves and those who haven’t conformed to remain so. He claims, “I’m only pronouns, & I am all of them, & I didn’t ask for this/You did…”(37-38) It is not the duty of one man to remake America. It is up to all of the American people to work together as one and overcome the obstacles together and redefine what their country stands for. The poet believes that people have to power to say no. He writes, “not for sex, not politics/nor even permanent estrangement.” (26-27). A person can refuse to accept an idea, and develop his own beliefs. Peer pressure shouldn’t affect a person’s decision on when to have sex or who they should vote for. It’s up to the individual to make his own decisions, or else he’ll lead a miserable life, tolerating the life that others have paved for him.

Like Frank O’Hara and Allen Ginsberg, Ted Berrigan worked to prevent Americans from being corrupted and accepting materialism. The Beat Generation and the anti-conformist movements influenced Berrigan by making him step back and look at the world he is living in. He wants Americans to maintain their individualities and hold on to their beliefs. Ted Berrigan breaks away from traditional poems by following the rhythm of his own voice and emotions. His pauses in the poem make the audience stop a moment in their lives to register his message and hopefully take action. This movement against conformity must carry on.

Feel free to post any constructive comments here, or questions, or observations. Trenchant insights are always welcome but please (always) avoid pithy observations.