“A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

“A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg a seminal work of the Beat Generation, was initially published in his 1956 collection “Howl and Other Poems.” This free verse composition is distinguished by its conversational tone, vivid imagery, and a sense of longing for connection. Ginsberg, in fact, seamlessly merges the quotidian setting of a supermarket with fantastical elements, envisioning an encounter with the poet, Walt Whitman. The poem, thus, explores the themes of consumerism, homosexuality, and the quest for meaning in modern American society, all while paying homage to Whitman’s enduring legacy.

Text: “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whitman, for I walked down the sidestreets under the trees with a headache self-conscious looking at the full moon.
         In my hungry fatigue, and shopping for images, I went into the neon fruit supermarket, dreaming of your enumerations!
         What peaches and what penumbras! Whole families shopping at night! Aisles full of husbands! Wives in the avocados, babies in the tomatoes!—and you, Garcia Lorca, what were you doing down by the watermelons?

         I saw you, Walt Whitman, childless, lonely old grubber, poking among the meats in the refrigerator and eyeing the grocery boys.
         I heard you asking questions of each: Who killed the pork chops? What price bananas? Are you my Angel?
         I wandered in and out of the brilliant stacks of cans following you, and followed in my imagination by the store detective.
         We strode down the open corridors together in our solitary fancy tasting artichokes, possessing every frozen delicacy, and never passing the cashier.

         Where are we going, Walt Whitman? The doors close in an hour. Which way does your beard point tonight?
         (I touch your book and dream of our odyssey in the supermarket and feel absurd.)
         Will we walk all night through solitary streets? The trees add shade to shade, lights out in the houses, we’ll both be lonely.
         Will we stroll dreaming of the lost America of love past blue automobiles in driveways, home to our silent cottage?
         Ah, dear father, graybeard, lonely old courage-teacher, what America did you have when Charon quit poling his ferry and you got out on a smoking bank and stood watching the boat disappear on the black waters of Lethe?

Annotations: “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

Line	Annotation
“What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whitman, for I walked down the sidestreets under the trees with a headache self-conscious looking at the full moon.”	The poem opens with a direct address to Walt Whitman, a major influence on Ginsberg. The setting is urban and nocturnal, suggesting a moment of reflection and introspection. The “headache” and “self-conscious” feeling indicate a state of mental fatigue and introspection.
“In my hungry fatigue, and shopping for images, I went into the neon fruit supermarket, dreaming of your enumerations!”	Ginsberg describes himself as tired and in search of inspiration, using the supermarket as a metaphorical space for creativity. The “neon fruit” highlights the artificiality of modern life, contrasted with Whitman’s more organic enumerations of the world.
“What peaches and what penumbras! Whole families shopping at night! Aisles full of husbands! Wives in the avocados, babies in the tomatoes!—and you, Garcia Lorca, what were you doing down by the watermelons?”	Ginsberg uses vivid, surreal imagery to depict the supermarket scene, blending the mundane with the poetic. The mention of Garcia Lorca, a Spanish poet, adds a layer of literary companionship and surrealism to the scene.
“I saw you, Walt Whitman, childless, lonely old grubber, poking among the meats in the refrigerator and eyeing the grocery boys.”	Whitman is portrayed as a lonely figure, wandering through the supermarket. The description “childless, lonely old grubber” emphasizes his isolation and search for connection.
“I heard you asking questions of each: Who killed the pork chops? What price bananas? Are you my Angel?”	Whitman is depicted as inquisitive and seeking deeper meaning in mundane objects, questioning the origins and significance of everyday items. The questions add a layer of existential inquiry to the poem.
“Where are we going, Walt Whitman? The doors close in an hour. Which way does your beard point tonight?”	Ginsberg questions the direction and purpose of their journey, using Whitman as a guide. The closing doors symbolize the passage of time and the urgency of finding meaning.
“(I touch your book and dream of our odyssey in the supermarket and feel absurd.)”	This parenthetical line highlights the surreal nature of the imagined journey and Ginsberg’s self-awareness of its absurdity. It emphasizes the contrast between the mundane setting and the profound connection with Whitman.
“Will we stroll dreaming of the lost America of love past blue automobiles in driveways, home to our silent cottage?”	Ginsberg longs for a nostalgic, idealized version of America, filled with love and simplicity. The “blue automobiles” and “silent cottage” evoke a sense of longing for a past that no longer exists.
“Ah, dear father, graybeard, lonely old courage-teacher, what America did you have when Charon quit poling his ferry and you got out on a smoking bank and stood watching the boat disappear on the black waters of Lethe?”	In the final lines, Ginsberg addresses Whitman as a father figure and mentor. The reference to Charon and the river Lethe from Greek mythology underscores themes of death, memory, and the passage to the afterlife, questioning what kind of America Whitman envisioned in the end.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

Themes: “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

1. Consumerism and Modernity: The supermarket, a symbol of post-war American consumerism, replaces natural landscapes with “neon fruit” and “brilliant stacks of cans,” reflecting a shift from organic connection to artificial abundance. The speaker’s “hungry fatigue” amidst this plenty underscores the spiritual emptiness of material excess. The juxtaposition of “families shopping at night” with the speaker’s solitary yearning emphasizes the alienation inherent in this modern landscape, where communal experiences are replaced by individual consumption.
2. Homosexuality and Desire: Ginsberg subtly weaves homoerotic undertones into the narrative, depicting Whitman as a “childless, lonely old grubber, poking among the meats” and “eyeing the grocery boys.” This challenges the heteronormative ideal of the nuclear family, which is prominently displayed in the supermarket aisles. The encounter with Garcia Lorca, a homosexual Spanish poet, near the “watermelons” further solidifies the presence of a queer subculture navigating the heteronormative space.
3. The Search for Identity and Meaning: The speaker’s aimless wandering through the supermarket aisles mirrors a deeper existential quest for meaning in a society consumed by materialism. The repeated question “Where are we going, Walt Whitman?” expresses a yearning for guidance and a search for an authentic self amidst the overwhelming consumerist culture. The “lost America of love” represents a nostalgic longing for a time when human connection was not overshadowed by the pursuit of material goods.
4. The Legacy of Walt Whitman: Ginsberg evokes Walt Whitman, a symbol of American individualism and unrestrained expression, as a guiding spirit in his exploration of the supermarket. This ghostly presence represents a connection to a past era of poetic vision and a yearning for a return to Whitman’s unfiltered celebration of the human experience. Ginsberg seeks solace in Whitman’s legacy, hoping to find a path towards a more genuine and fulfilling existence in the face of overwhelming modernity.

Literary Theories and “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

Literary Theory	References from the Poem	Explanation
New Historicism	“What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whitman, for I walked down the sidestreets under the trees with a headache self-conscious looking at the full moon.”	New Historicism examines the historical context of a text. This poem reflects post-World War II America, characterized by consumerism and the loss of traditional values. Ginsberg juxtaposes modern life with Whitman’s idealized vision of America, highlighting the cultural and societal changes over time.
Psychoanalytic Theory	“I saw you, Walt Whitman, childless, lonely old grubber, poking among the meats in the refrigerator and eyeing the grocery boys.”	Psychoanalytic theory explores the unconscious mind and desires. Ginsberg’s depiction of Whitman in the supermarket reflects his own feelings of loneliness and desire for connection. The imagery of “poking among the meats” and “eyeing the grocery boys” suggests deeper, possibly repressed, sexual and emotional longings.
Postmodernism	“In my hungry fatigue, and shopping for images, I went into the neon fruit supermarket, dreaming of your enumerations!”	Postmodernism focuses on the fragmentation and multiplicity of meaning. Ginsberg’s surreal and fragmented imagery in the supermarket scene breaks down the distinction between reality and imagination. The blending of the mundane and the poetic challenges traditional narrative structures and highlights the fluidity of meaning in contemporary life.

Critical Questions about “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

• How does Ginsberg’s portrayal of the supermarket reflect his critique of post-war American consumerism and its impact on individual identity and connection to nature?
• The poem juxtaposes the artificial abundance of the supermarket, filled with “neon fruit” and “brilliant stacks of cans,” with the speaker’s “hungry fatigue,” suggesting that material excess cannot satisfy spiritual longing. The speaker’s isolation amidst “whole families shopping at night” highlights the alienation fostered by consumer culture, which prioritizes individual consumption over genuine human connection. Additionally, the supermarket’s artificial lighting and manufactured goods stand in stark contrast to the natural world, reflecting a loss of connection to nature and a reliance on manufactured experiences.
• How does the poem challenge traditional notions of sexuality and gender roles in 1950s America through its portrayal of Walt Whitman and the speaker’s interactions within the supermarket?
• Ginsberg’s depiction of Whitman as a “childless, lonely old grubber” who eyes “grocery boys” subtly undermines the idealized image of the heterosexual nuclear family, which is prominently displayed in the supermarket aisles. The speaker’s own wandering and questioning within this space suggests a search for identity outside of societal norms. The presence of Garcia Lorca, a homosexual Spanish poet, further emphasizes the existence of a queer subculture navigating a heteronormative environment.
• How does the speaker’s journey through the supermarket mirror a larger existential quest for meaning and authenticity in a society dominated by materialism?
• The speaker’s aimless wandering through the aisles reflects a broader sense of disorientation and a search for purpose beyond the confines of consumerism. The repeated question “Where are we going, Walt Whitman?” reveals a yearning for guidance and a longing for a “lost America of love,” where human connection was not overshadowed by material pursuits. The supermarket, with its endless rows of products, becomes a symbol of the overwhelming choices and distractions that can lead to spiritual emptiness.
• What role does Walt Whitman play in the poem, and how does Ginsberg use his presence to comment on the state of American poetry and the search for a uniquely American voice?
• Ginsberg evokes Whitman’s ghost as a symbol of poetic rebellion and an embodiment of the American spirit. Whitman’s presence challenges the conformity and materialism of the supermarket, offering an alternative vision of individual freedom and a celebration of the human experience. The speaker’s dialogue with Whitman reflects a desire to connect with a deeper American tradition and find inspiration for a new generation of poets who can speak authentically to the complexities of modern life.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statement about “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

Literary Works Similar to “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

1. “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg: Similarity: Both poems are written by Ginsberg and explore themes of modernity, consumerism, and a sense of disillusionment with contemporary society. “Howl” also reflects on the struggles of the individual against societal norms.
2. “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman: Similarity: Ginsberg’s poem directly addresses Walt Whitman, who is a central figure in “A Supermarket in California.” Whitman’s style of free verse, celebration of the self, and exploration of the American experience heavily influenced Ginsberg.
3. “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman: Similarity: This poem by Whitman, like Ginsberg’s work, celebrates the diversity and vitality of American life. It shares the theme of seeking a deeper, more authentic understanding of America and its people.
4. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: Similarity: Eliot’s poem shares themes of fragmentation and disillusionment with modern civilization. Both poems employ vivid imagery and juxtaposition to convey a sense of loss and yearning for a more meaningful existence.
   1. “America” by Allen Ginsberg: Similarity: Another poem by Ginsberg that critiques American society. “America” uses a conversational tone and direct address to explore themes of patriotism, politics, and identity, similar to the introspective and critical approach in “A Supermarket in California.”

Suggested Readings: “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

Books:

• Ginsberg, Allen. Howl and Other Poems. City Lights Books, 1956.
• Miles, Barry. Ginsberg: A Biography. Simon and Schuster, 1989.
• Kramer, Jane. Allen Ginsberg in America. Random House, 1968.

Articles:

• Grossman, Allen. “Allen Ginsberg: The Jew as an American Poet.” Judaism 11.4 (1962): 303.
• Geneson, Paul, and Allen Ginsberg. “A Conversation with Allen Ginsberg.” Chicago Review 27.1 (1975): 27-35.
• Rosenberger, Peter W. “New Topics, New Powers, and New Spirit: Walt Whitman and Allen Ginsberg and the Power of the Poet.” (2014).
• Shechner, Mark, and Mark Shechner. “The Survival of Allen Ginsberg.” The Conversion of the Jews and Other Essays (1990): 60-69.

Weblinks:

• The Poetry Foundation: “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg
• Academy of American Poets: Allen Ginsberg – https://poets.org/poet/allen-ginsberg
• Modern American Poetry: Allen Ginsberg – [invalid URL removed]

Additional Resources:

• The Allen Ginsberg Project

Representative Quotations from “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whitman, for I walked down the sidestreets under the trees with a headache self-conscious looking at the full moon.”	The opening line where Ginsberg addresses Whitman, setting the tone for a reflective and introspective journey.	New Historicism: Reflects on the historical influence of Whitman and the contrasts between his time and post-war America.
“In my hungry fatigue, and shopping for images, I went into the neon fruit supermarket, dreaming of your enumerations!”	Ginsberg enters a supermarket, symbolizing a search for inspiration in a commercialized, modern setting.	Postmodernism: Highlights the fragmentation and artificiality of contemporary life, blending reality with imagination.
“What peaches and what penumbras! Whole families shopping at night! Aisles full of husbands! Wives in the avocados, babies in the tomatoes!”	Vivid, surreal imagery describing the supermarket scene, blending the mundane with poetic elements.	Surrealism: Uses surreal imagery to emphasize the strangeness and absurdity of modern consumer culture.
“I saw you, Walt Whitman, childless, lonely old grubber, poking among the meats in the refrigerator and eyeing the grocery boys.”	Depicts an imagined encounter with Whitman in the supermarket, emphasizing his isolation and curiosity.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Suggests deeper, unconscious desires and the loneliness of modern existence.
“Will we walk all night through solitary streets? The trees add shade to shade, lights out in the houses, we’ll both be lonely.”	Contemplates a night of wandering with Whitman, evoking a sense of solitude and introspection.	Existentialism: Explores themes of loneliness, existential search for meaning, and the individual’s place in the world.