RANDALL JARRELL (1914-65): POTENTIAL FOR WHOLE TOTEM.

The article critiques the poem "The Bad Music," by Randall Jarrell. Particular focus is given to Jarrell's approach to the poem. Topics covered include the poet's serious world view, the need for some knowledge of the poet's life in understanding the poem and the increase in the encompassing universality brought about by the ambiguity at the sixth line of the last stanza. Also mentioned is the poet's sympathy and identification with women.