Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Marriage" is a poem by Gregory Corso that was first published in 1960. The poem was written during a time of increased social and cultural change, as traditional values and expectations were being challenged and redefined. Corso's work often reflects the countercultural values of the Beat Generation, of which he was a prominent member.

Content: 

"Marriage" is a satirical and irreverent poem that challenges the societal expectations of marriage and monogamy. The opening lines of the poem pose the question of whether or not to get married, and the later stanzas explore the potential drawbacks and limitations of the institution. The poem is notable for its use of humor and irony, which create a sense of lightness and playfulness in the language.

Form: 

The poem's form is characterized by its free-verse stanzas and seamless flow, which create a sense of intimacy and immediacy in the language. The use of repetition and rhyme helps to reinforce the poem's themes and create a sense of unity and coherence.

Poetic Elements: 

The poem employs a wide range of poetic devices, including repetition, rhyme, and irony. The use of repetition and rhyme helps to create a sense of musicality and unity in the language, while the use of irony helps to underscore the poem's satirical and irreverent tone.

Summary: 

"Marriage" is a powerful and evocative poem that challenges the traditional values and expectations surrounding the institution of marriage. The poem's use of humor and irony helps to create a sense of lightness and playfulness in the language, while also underscoring the seriousness of the poem's critique. The poem is a testament to the countercultural values of the Beat Generation, and its ongoing challenge to societal norms and expectations.

Poem Excerpt:

Should I get married? Should I be good?

Astound the girl next door with my velvet suit and faustus hood?

Don't take her to movies but to cemeteries

tell all about werewolf bathtubs and forked clarinets

then desire her and kiss her and all the preliminaries

and she going just so far and I understanding why

not getting angry saying You must feel! It's beautiful to feel!

Instead take her in my arms lean against an old crooked tombstone

and woo her the entire night the constellations in the sky—

But don't tell me to marry.

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