Close Reading Poetry Analysis

"Be Kind" by Charles Bukowski

Lives Wasted by Ignorance

In the poem “Be Kind” by Charles Bukowski, the choppy line breaks, repetition and rhetorical question emphasize the speaker’s frustration with the expectation that one should hold their tongue.

The abrupt line breaks put emphasis on certain words, allowing the author to more strongly relay his point. When describing the opinions of others Bukowski calls them “out-dated/ foolish or/ obnoxious” (Bukowski 5-7), each adjective harsh and accusatory. Each term is separated, existing on its own line to give punch to the speaker’s feelings about other’s viewpoints, clearly showing is annoyance. The technique of leaving the words on their own lines allows them to each stand alone, instead of the adjectives blending together. To further emphasize the extent of his feelings, Bukowski uses asyndeton referring to their views as “their total error/their life-waste” (Bukowski 10-11). Each description is secluded as if the speaker has paused and decided a less mild accusation was more appropriate. It gives the stronger of the two descriptions its own emphasis, indicating his growing rage.

Bukowski’s use of rhetorical question contributes to the accusatory tone, giving his speech a demanding feel. The questions are all incomplete sentences, signifying a more rapid interrogation as he asks, “not their fault” (Bukowski 25)? This initial question is immediately backed up with “whose fault?/mine?” showing his disagreement with the first statement, one we can assume he’s heard before (Bukowski 26-27). This repetition of rhetorical question implies that the speaker wants an answer but knows he cannot receive one, furthering his point and showing his frustration in the demanding tone. 

Bukowski’s frequent repetition demands emphasis on the extent of his disappointment with humanity. “For fear of their/ fear” (Bukowski 31-32), indicates a censorship of society and the repetition of the word “fear” shows a criticism by the speaker on the power and hold that fear has on society. In the final stanzas the parallel between “deliberately wasted life” and “deliberately wasted lives” illuminates the extent to which the speaker feels that holding back opinion affects society.

This concern is also very apparent in the book, The Mandelbaum Gate. In an area of the world separated with so much hostility, the sharing of ideas is very rare. Speaking against the stereotypical viewpoints of your people is largely looked down upon. If there is any breaking of native bonds or interaction between competing races, the people are considered “snoopers for their government” (Spark 80). With such suspicion, open communication is unlikely and therefore people “have refused to see” (Bukowski 23-24). These “wasted lives” (Bukowski 40-41) lead to a continuation of separation despite the secretive face that “people- they are people” a comment by Alexandros in The Mandelbaum Gate that must not be repeated for fear he would be pinned a spy.

Bukowski criticized the fact that it doesn’t matter how ridiculous a person’s  viewpoint may be, people are still encouraged to save their own opinion “for fear of their fear” (Bukowski 31) or a bruising of feelings. Freddy, in The Mandelbaum Gate, experiences this frustration and is unable to hold back his feelings when he criticizes the Cartwrights of “blow[ing] neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm” (Spark 80). This outburst and frank display of opinion is surprising to the people of that setting and time. But both Freddy and Bukowski share the need to move against the current and change the path of “so many deliberately wasted lives” (Bukowski 38-41).