Explication of "Blackberry Eating"

In the poem “Blackberry Eating”, Galway Kinnell uses many techniques that add to the sound of the poem. The poem has many instances of alliteration, such as “black blackberries” (2) and “blackberries for breakfast” (3). The “b” sound is harsh, which adds emphasis. The alliteration continues when the blackberries are described as “prickly” (4) which the author considers a “penalty” (4). Here, more harsh syllables represent the negative connotations of these words. Kinnell also uses the words “stalks” (7), and the phonetic intensive of the morpheme “st” shows the strength and stability of the blackberry stalks. Kinnell says that the blackberries get “squeezed” (12) or “squinched” (12). Here, the alliteration sounds cacophonous because the language sounds negative. The poet continues to say that he eats blackberries in the “silent, startles, icy, black language” (13). The alliteration sounds softer, and is thus euphonious. The poem itself is written in free verse and thus has no meter. Kinnell uses the word “icy” (2) twice to describe the blackberries, which reinforces the idea that the blackberries are fragile, just like something made from ice. Kinnell also personifies the blackberries, saying that they have earned a penalty for “knowing the black art of blackberry-making” (5-6). Here, personifying blackberries as if they have a unique knowledge helps add to the idea that they are special. Kinnell also provides a slight contrast in that the blackberries are “many-lettered” (11) yet “one-syllabled” (11). This shows the true nature of the blackberries. While the process of growing and gathering the blackberries may seem complex, in reality the blackberries are simple products of nature. This illustrates that blackberries are refined in that they turn the strenuous growing process into a straightforward result. Kinnell also uses specific diction, calling blackberry eating a “language” (13). This implies that like a language, eating blackberries is an art form that is done stylistically and thoughtfully. This shows his respect and gratitude for this experience.