Ginsberg pays tribute to Walt Whitman in "A Supermarket in California." He feels a connection to him through poetry. This alludes to the idea that poets not only influence the world, but they influence each other. Through this connection in thought processes, they have a common ground. Ginsberg's writing expresses that this common ground of understanding is something only poets can understand. In particular, Ginsberg expresses his connection to Whitman through imagery. Their writing styles are also similar.
First, He uses the supermarket to separate himself and other poets from the rest of the world. For example, he states, " Aisles full of husbands, wives in avacados, babies in the tomatoes!-" He creates a basic scene, but seperates Whitman and another poet, Garcia Lorea. He states, "I saw you Walt Whitman, childless, lonely old grubber, poking among the meats in the refrigerator and
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In the first paragraph he states, "What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whitman, for I have walked down the sidestreets..." This conversational approach establishes a stronger connection between them, claiming that not only does Ginsberg has Whitman on his mind, but he can communicate with him. In the supermarket, Ginsberg leaves with Whitman, as he has been touched by his work.
In conclusion, Ginsberg and Whitman's poetic connection is justified in "A Supermarket in California." Ginsberg believes that they connect through their thought processes and writing styles. He dedicates this poem to Whitman because of this strong connection, establishing the idea that poets think differently than the rest of the world. He uses "A Supermarket in California" to showcase an everyday senerio in which most people have a simple concept and he turns it into a deeper meaning for poets. He establishes the idea that poets like Whitman and him think