Yes, the humour in Berryman is often underestimated,
his "Sonnets" too are filled with wonderful black humour,
though telling the story of a desperate extra-marital affair
which undoubtedly occasioned great pain (and not just to
Berryman).
Late in the 20th C his reputation slid a bit, but I think he'll
be seen as more interesting by this century (if that's not being
too Toynbee-like in perspective).
Cheers, Anthony,
Hugh
----- Original Message -----
From: Anthony Lawrence <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>; <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2000 5:36 PM
Subject: Re: Berryman
> >Perhaps more blackface than black -- Berryman is
> >imitating/parodying/alluding to corked-up white vaudeville entertainers,
> >isn't he, rather than any authentic American speech?
>
> I agree with Robin. I've always thought of the Mr Bones/Henry
> dialogue as pure parody, a commentary. Also often hilarious.
>
> best
>
> Anthony
>
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