Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Galway Kinnell’s "The Dead Shall Be Raised Incorruptible" is a dark, visceral meditation on death, war, and the human condition in the 20th century. The poem’s fragmented structure and stark, often grotesque imagery reflect a world ravaged by violence and moral decay. Through its seven sections, Kinnell explores the physical and psychological aftermath of conflict, the pervasive influence of modernity, and the enduring quest for meaning amidst destruction.

The poem opens with a disturbing image of a piece of flesh emitting smoke in a field, symbolizing the lingering effects of violence and death. The use of terms like "carrion," "caput mortuum," and "gurry dumped from hospital trashcans" emphasizes the dehumanization and degradation associated with war. The repeated exclamation, "Lieutenant! This corpse will not stop burning!" underscores the relentless, inescapable nature of death.

In the second section, the speaker addresses a former military superior, recalling the brutal realities of combat. The description of "little black pajamas jumping / and falling" and the vivid memory of shredding a pilot "down to catgut on his strings" convey the speaker's deep-seated trauma and guilt. The dialogue captures the confusion and chaos of war, as well as the speaker's conflicted emotions, torn between a love for the destructive power of his weapons and the haunting memories of their consequences.

The third section shifts to a satirical critique of modern consumer culture. The litany of bodily complaints and ailments presented in the style of a television advertisement highlights the absurdity and triviality of everyday concerns in contrast to the poem's broader themes of death and destruction. The line "We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed" introduces a biblical reference, suggesting a transformation that is both physical and spiritual.

The fourth section offers a sweeping indictment of the atrocities committed in the name of civilization. The speaker lists the countless victims of religious, racial, and ideological persecution, implicating "Christian man" in a legacy of violence and oppression. The testament of the speaker's last will is a macabre catalog of body parts and their symbolic reassignments, reflecting a profound disillusionment with humanity's actions. The grotesque imagery, such as the tongue given to the "Secretary of the Dead" and the stomach to the Indians, underscores the deep sense of betrayal and the corruption of once-sacred promises.

In the fifth section, the poem returns to the physical decay of the body. The description of snakes crawling over a rotted thigh, the belly opening like a "poison nightflower," and the mosquito sipping a last meal paints a vivid picture of the natural cycle of death and decomposition. The hatching of the fly, described as "the last nightmare," symbolizes the persistence of death and decay, even in the face of destruction.

The sixth section presents a surreal, almost defiant moment of escape. The speaker, with a broken neck, runs while holding his head up with both hands, suggesting a desperate attempt to retain dignity and humanity amidst chaos. The line "the flames may burn the oboe / but listen buddy boy they can't touch the notes" captures a fleeting sense of resilience and hope, emphasizing the enduring power of art and expression.

The final section returns to the image of bones and remnants scattered in the aftermath. The "effigies pressed into grass" and "mummy windings" evoke a sense of loss and memory, while the "cries of love-making" carried by the wind suggest the lingering presence of human connection and desire. The poem concludes with a plea to not let the "last hour pass" and to not remove the "last, poison cup from our lips," highlighting a sense of inevitability and resignation. The wind searching for "two twined skeletons" to blow its last cry across serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for connection and meaning, even in the face of annihilation.

"The Dead Shall Be Raised Incorruptible" is a powerful exploration of the human condition, grappling with the horrors of war, the degradation of modernity, and the enduring search for meaning. Through its stark imagery and fragmented structure, Kinnell captures the profound disillusionment and persistent hope that define the human experience in the 20th century. The poem stands as a testament to the enduring impact of violence and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming destruction.

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