Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s poem "Into Darkness, In Granada" is a poignant meditation on artistic aspiration and the struggle to channel one's unhappiness into creativity. The poem is steeped in the influence of Federico García Lorca, the great Spanish poet and playwright, and reflects a longing for Lorca's lyrical spirit and ability to transform personal suffering into timeless art.

The poem begins with an exclamation of frustration and aspiration: "O if I were not so unhappy I could write great poetry!" Ferlinghetti recognizes the burden of his own unhappiness and how it inhibits his creative process, lamenting that his emotional state prevents him from achieving the heights of poetic greatness. This sentiment introduces the central theme of the poem: the desire to transcend personal sorrow and produce meaningful art.

Ferlinghetti then sets the scene of "Dusk falls through the olive trees," immediately situating the reader in a Spanish landscape reminiscent of García Lorca's work. The olive trees evoke the Andalusian countryside, an integral backdrop in Lorca's poetry. The next lines bring Lorca directly into the scene: "Federico García Lorca / leaps about among them / dodging the dark as it falls upon him." Here, Ferlinghetti imagines Lorca as a nimble and ethereal figure, skillfully avoiding the encroaching darkness while continuing to dance and sing. Lorca becomes an idealized embodiment of the artistic spirit that Ferlinghetti admires and aspires to emulate.

The poem continues with Ferlinghetti's desire to "leap like him and make great songs." He longs for the same creative freedom and lyrical mastery that Lorca possessed. However, he acknowledges his own limitations: "Instead I swing about wildly as in a children's jungle gym / in a vacant lot by Ben Shahn." This metaphor conveys a sense of playful yet chaotic movement, as Ferlinghetti compares himself to a child swinging haphazardly on playground equipment. The "vacant lot by Ben Shahn" connects this imagery to the artist Ben Shahn, known for his social realism and political engagement, hinting at Ferlinghetti's own artistic influences and the struggle to find meaning in the face of adversity.

The poem shifts to a series of surreal and powerful images: "jump up suddenly / upon the back of a running horse / in the face of a plains' twister." This image suggests a desperate attempt to harness wild energy and ride it through the storm. The "plains' twister" represents the chaos and unpredictability of life, while the act of leaping onto a running horse reflects Ferlinghetti's longing to take control of his artistic journey.

In the final lines, Ferlinghetti expresses his wish to "paddle away slowly into total darkness / in a Dove boat." The "Dove boat" refers to a small, simple vessel, suggesting a desire for peace and escape. The image of "total darkness" evokes the finality of death or oblivion, while the act of paddling implies a slow and deliberate movement toward this inevitable end. The "Dove boat" could also symbolize hope and peace, as doves traditionally represent these qualities, hinting that Ferlinghetti seeks solace and serenity despite the darkness.

"Into Darkness, In Granada" reflects Ferlinghetti’s admiration for Federico García Lorca and his own struggle to write "great poetry" in the face of unhappiness. By invoking the imagery of the Andalusian landscape and Lorca's poetic spirit, Ferlinghetti captures the tension between artistic aspiration and personal despair. The poem becomes a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the longing for transcendence, even when confronted with the darkness of the human condition.

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