A Supermarket in California (Masterplots II: Poetry, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Allen Ginsberg
- First Published: 1956
- Type of Work: Narrative
- Genres: Poetry, Narrative poetry
- Subjects: Freedom, North America or North Americans, United States or Americans, Gay men, Homosexuality or homosexuals, Poetry or poets, California, West, U.S., Loneliness, Edible plants, Suburban life, Fruit, Exploration or explorers, Grocery trade
The Poem
“A Supermarket in California” is a short poem in free verse, its twelve lines divided into three stanzas. The title suggests a bland setting—not the expected source of a poem. The title and setting prove ironic, however, as Allen Ginsberg demonstrates that for most people in America, exploration goes no further than the local grocery store.
The poem is written in the first person, which is typical of Ginsberg’s work; he writes very personally of his visions and experiences in America. Ginsberg is speaking in the first person not only to share his...
[The entire page is 1533 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
See Also
