Analysis
Al Young's literary artistry is marked by a deep and dynamic exploration of language, music, and human experience. His novels and poetry are intertwined with the rhythms of jazz and the nuances of vernacular speech, creating a rich tapestry of insight into the American psyche. Young's work is a celebration of individuality and cultural identity, expressed through the lives of his characters and the musicality of his prose and poetry.
Al Young's Novels
Al Young's novels are a testament to his mastery of narrative and character development. His second novel, Who Is Angelina?, and his fourth, Ask Me Now, feature third-person narratives that closely align with the author's voice, yet struggle with purpose and spontaneity. By contrast, his first-person narratives, as seen in Snakes and Sitting Pretty, vibrantly capture the essence of characters at different stages of life, ranging from young adulthood to middle age.
Young's background as a professional musician profoundly influences his narrative style, where music is both a metaphorical and descriptive element. His prose often mirrors the rhythm and tone of human speech, altering standard syntax and diction to achieve a natural, timeless quality. Language, for Young, is not just a medium of communication but a means to convey deeper, nonverbal meanings through sound and rhythm.
Snakes
Snakes introduces M. C. Moore, a character who recalls his formative years with a blend of nostalgia and wisdom. This bildungsroman follows M. C.'s journey towards self-discovery through music, which becomes the core of his existence. M. C.'s musical enlightenment is fueled by his surroundings, from the streets to the voices of those around him.
Under the influence of his grandmother Claude's musical voice and his jazz pianist mentor Tull, M. C. learns that perseverance in music and life is key. His growth is further shaped by his encounters with Shakes, a friend who personifies literature, and Champ, whose struggles with drug addiction contrast with his love for music. Despite the obstacles, M. C. emerges with a mature understanding of life's subtle ironies, equipped with his guitar and his song "Snakes," symbolizing his complex youth.
Who Is Angelina?
In Who Is Angelina?, Young presents a protagonist already entrenched in adulthood, grappling with the triviality of her existence. Angelina's narrative is marked by a sense of disconnection from her environment in Berkeley, prompting her to flee in search of introspection. Her journey, marked by robbery and reflection, offers little dramatic action but rather a thematic exploration of identity and self-worth.
As the novel progresses, Angelina's passive reactions evolve into moments of violence, suggesting a struggle between isolation and a desire for connection. Ultimately, her journey signifies a typical American conflict between individuality and communal identity, highlighting the challenge of self-discovery amidst societal expectations.
Sitting Pretty
Sitting Pretty showcases Sidney J. Prettymon, a character whose wit and irony articulate Young's narrative strength. Prettymon's voice is a powerful tool through which Young explores themes of identity, cultural absurdity, and personal philosophy. The humor and insight in Prettymon's narrative create a rich texture that engages the reader in a direct and intimate way.
Prettymon's interactions, from his prideful resentment towards his son Aristotle to his playful defiance of societal norms, are marked by linguistic creativity and cultural critique. Young's control of language is evident in the novel's dialogue and internal monologues, which reflect a deep understanding of black dialect and its artistic possibilities.
Ask Me Now
In Ask Me Now, Woody Knight's story parallels the themes of cultural and personal dissonance found in Who Is Angelina? Woody, a retired basketball player, finds his world rapidly changing, creating frustration and...
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a sense of disconnection from his family and society. The novel's improbable events, including a car theft and a family crisis, serve as a backdrop for Woody's introspective journey.
Despite the chaotic plot, Woody's responses to life's challenges resonate with authenticity. The metaphors of basketball and dance underscore Woody's quest for "elbow room"—a metaphor for personal space and freedom amidst life's constraints. By the novel's end, Woody, like Angelina, finds a renewed sense of self but remains on a journey of self-completion.
Al Young's Poetry
Young's poetry is characterized by its musicality, visual imagery, and exploration of cultural and personal identity. His poems often draw from jazz, blues, and rhythm and blues, weaving together diverse American dialects and cultural influences. The metaphor of dance is a recurring theme, suggesting both the formal structure and spontaneous movement inherent in his work.
Dancing
Dancing, Young's first poetry collection, explores various forms of dance while rejecting monocultural values. The poems reflect a multicultural world where individuals navigate daily life with resilience and adaptability. Young's use of rhythm, repetition, and sound in poems like "The John Coltrane Dance" pays homage to musical influences and the emotional power they hold.
In "Dancing Pierrot" and "Reading Nijinsky’s Diary," Young examines the duality of artistic freedom and confinement, using dance as a metaphor for the creative process. The collection's title poem, "Dancing," addresses the cultural and personal crises of the late 1960s, blending historical context with personal reflection. Young's poetic vision culminates in a call for individual revolution and self-discovery.
The Song Turning Back into Itself
The Song Turning Back into Itself delves into themes of cyclical history and personal identity through poems like "The Old Fashioned Cincinnati Blues" and "The Song Turning Back into Itself." Young explores the intersection of personal memory and cultural history, drawing from sources like Billie Holiday and Rainer Maria Rilke to express the enduring spirit of the blues.
Geography of the Near Past
In Geography of the Near Past, Young charts a spiritual map of America through poems that reflect on urban life, personal experiences, and cultural landscapes. Poems like "Fun City Samba" and "Inner City Blues" blend musical forms with formal language, offering a nuanced perspective on American society. The collection's title poem, "Geography of the Near Past," employs swimming as a symbol of the journey through life, exploring themes of perception and cultural roots.
The Blues Don’t Change
The Blues Don’t Change is a tribute to the enduring power of the blues, blending whimsy with social satire. Young's poems honor musicians like Billie Holiday and explore the connections between personal life and cultural expression. The collection underscores the blues as a symbol of life's resilience and a testament to the richness of American heritage.
The Sound of Dreams Remembered
The Sound of Dreams Remembered continues Young's exploration of themes such as love, travel, and cultural critique. Influences from poets like Bukowski and Hughes resonate in this collection, which provides a readable and topical history of the decade. Young's poetic voice remains vibrant and relevant, capturing the essence of human experience in a changing world.
Coastal Nights and Inland Afternoons
Coastal Nights and Inland Afternoons reflects Young's role as California Poet Laureate, celebrating the state's landscape and lifestyle while addressing themes of unfulfilled promises and cultural critique. The collection's humor and irony reveal a complex perspective on California's dream, while poems like "Alchemy of Destiny" and "Notes on the Future of Love" explore broader themes of destiny and societal choices.
Something About the Blues
Something About the Blues compiles over a hundred poems that capture the essence of blues music and its impact on human life. Young's lifelong connection to the blues is evident in his tributes to legendary performers and his reflections on personal and cultural experiences. California's landscapes and societal issues also find expression in this volume, linking personal blues with the broader environment.
Al Young's work, through its intricate blend of music, language, and cultural insight, continues to enrich the literary landscape. His novels and poetry celebrate the complexities of identity and the enduring power of artistic expression, inviting readers to engage with the profound rhythms of life.
