Poem Analysis - Feb 29 1958

A Dream of Acceptance and Self-Doubt

Allen Ginsberg's "Feb. 29, 1958" is a poem steeped in the anxieties of artistic ambition and the yearning for validation from literary giants. The poem starts with a seemingly idyllic dream, painting a picture of T.S. Eliot's warm acceptance. This welcoming vision quickly gives way to introspection and self-reproach as Ginsberg questions the motives behind his dream. The tone shifts from one of whimsical fantasy to one of stark self-awareness and almost comical self-deprecation. The poem ultimately explores the complex relationship between admiration, aspiration, and the fear of selling out artistic integrity.

Ginsberg's Poetic Yearning

The poem speaks directly to Ginsberg's ambition to be a significant historical poet. He dreams of Eliot, a towering figure in modern literature, not just as a person, but as a symbol of literary success and legacy. The detailed description of Eliot's home – "sofas couches fog in England Tea in his digs Chelsea rainbows/curtains on his windows" – suggests a desire for the very trappings of established literary success. When Ginsberg asks himself "What's my motive dreaming his manna? What English Department/would that impress?" he acknowledges the potential for his ambition to be perceived as shallow or opportunistic. This highlights a central conflict: the genuine desire to create meaningful art versus the allure of fame and acceptance.

The Anxiety of Influence

The poem grapples with the concept of "influence," particularly the anxiety that comes with admiring and emulating a literary predecessor. Ginsberg lists contemporary poets, "Corso Creeley Kerouac/advised Burroughs Olson Huncke," asserting his own poetic affiliations, yet still seeks approval from Eliot, representative of a previous, more established generation. The dream itself becomes a metaphor for the process of artistic inheritance, where Ginsberg is both receiving and attempting to give. He wants to share "in his finance of Imagery," suggesting a desire to learn from Eliot's techniques, but also a fear of merely copying him. The final line, "T.S. Eliot would've been ashamed of me," suggests a profound anxiety that his ambition might be perceived as insincere or a betrayal of his own unique voice.

Symbolism of Comfort and Shame

Several symbols permeate the poem. Eliot's home represents literary acceptance and established success. The "fog" creeping in suggests the inescapable realities and anxieties that even established figures must face. The "English Hottie" (a warm drink) and "silken/blanket by the fire on the sofa" create an image of domestic comfort and acceptance. However, this comforting scene is immediately followed by Ginsberg's shame. The red underwear becomes symbolic of his own vulnerability and perhaps a somewhat childlike insecurity about his poetic standing. The dream is a space where these competing desires – for comfort and for originality – collide. But the dream also contains imagery such as "the bearded lady in the Zoo, the/intelligent puma in Mexico City/6 chorus boys from Zanzibar" which shows his poetic reality in comparison to Eliot's more established poetic reality.

A Poet's Self-Scrutiny

In conclusion, "Feb. 29, 1958" is a deeply personal and introspective poem that explores the complexities of artistic ambition and the anxieties of influence. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Ginsberg reveals his desire for recognition alongside his fear of compromising his artistic integrity. The poem is a testament to the universal struggle of emerging artists to find their voice while navigating the legacy of their predecessors, and ultimately a meditation on the relationship between admiration, aspiration, and the burden of self-doubt. It is a glimpse into the vulnerable heart of a poet grappling with his place in literary history, leaving the reader to ponder the true nature of artistic success and the cost of ambition.