Poem Analysis - German

Introduction: A Child's Defiance

Charles Bukowski's "German" is a starkly personal poem recounting the author's childhood experience with prejudice and his subsequent rejection of American identity. The poem begins with a matter-of-fact tone, describing the difficulties of being a German child in post-World War I Los Angeles. This initial tone of resignation gradually shifts to one of defiance and ultimately, a sort of self-determined contentment. Bukowski uses straightforward language and vivid imagery to convey the lasting impact of this early experience and the formation of his outsider persona.

Historical Scars and Personal Wounds

The poem is deeply rooted in the historical context of post-World War I America, where anti-German sentiment was rampant. This prejudice, fueled by wartime propaganda and resentment, extended even to German-American children. Bukowski's personal experience reflects this broader social climate. The epithet "Hienie," a derogatory term for Germans, highlights the intensity of the animosity he faced. This historical backdrop provides crucial context for understanding the poem's central themes of identity, alienation, and the enduring impact of historical trauma on individual lives.

Alienation and the Rejection of Identity

One of the central themes is alienation, stemming from Bukowski's childhood experiences of prejudice and exclusion. He is ostracized for his German heritage, leading him to feel separate from his peers and the broader American society. This alienation culminates in his decision "never to become an American." The poem develops this theme through descriptions of the American children: "pale and often fat with runny noses and big belt buckles." This unappealing image further solidifies his rejection of American identity and reinforces his sense of otherness.

The Allure of the Outsider: A Hero and a Dream

The theme of embracing the outsider is powerfully conveyed through Bukowski's choice of Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the German "Red Baron," as his hero. Richthofen symbolizes defiance and triumph over the enemy, becoming a figure of admiration for the young Bukowski. This admiration is not simply nationalistic pride; it is a celebration of the individual who stands apart and succeeds against the odds. The poem also explores the theme of personal freedom through Bukowski's dream of living in Iceland "never open[ing] my door to anybody and live on my luck, live with a beautiful wife / and a bunch of wild animals." This vision represents an escape from societal constraints and a desire for self-sufficiency and independence.

Imagery of Flight and Escape

The poem is filled with vivid imagery of flight and escape, reflecting Bukowski's efforts to avoid the gangs of children. He describes himself as "like a cat," knowing "all the paths through brush and alleys" and scaling "6-foot back fences in a flash." This imagery not only portrays his physical agility but also symbolizes his desire to evade the prejudice and hostility surrounding him. The image of the "garage roofs and other hiding places" further reinforces the idea of seeking refuge from a hostile environment. These images of escape connect to his adult life described at the end, a successful self-imposed exile.

Concluding Thoughts: A Life on His Own Terms

Bukowski's "German" is a poignant exploration of childhood prejudice and its lasting impact on identity formation. The poem's straightforward language and vivid imagery create a powerful and relatable narrative of alienation and defiance. Bukowski's choice to embrace his outsider status and live life on his own terms, as evidenced by his adult life mirroring his childhood fantasy, underscores the poem's ultimate message: a rejection of societal pressures and a celebration of individual freedom. The poem leaves the reader contemplating the long-term effects of early experiences of discrimination and the power of the individual to forge their own path in the face of adversity.