Literary Devices in R E D ✍️

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant and visceral world of “R E D” by Chase Berggrun 📖✨! Published in 2018, “R E D” is a groundbreaking work that redefines the boundaries between genres, merging poetry with narrative to craft something truly unique. Chase Berggrun, a trans poet, dives deep into the personal and political, constructing a narrative that is at once a deconstruction and a reimagining of self through the lens of Bram Stoker’s classic, “Dracula”.

Contents

“R E D” stands out not just for its innovative approach to storytelling but also for its profound exploration of identity, transformation, and liberation. It’s a searing voyage into the heart of what it means to dismantle the past’s hold on us and to carve out spaces for new, more liberating narratives to emerge. The genre of this work is hard to pin down—it dances on the edges of poetry, memoir, and feminist and queer theory, making it a seminal piece for readers and scholars interested in contemporary poetry, gender studies, and narrative innovation.

So, let’s embark on this journey through “R E D”, where every page turned is a step closer to understanding the depth of Berggrun’s craft and the power of transformational narrative. 🌹🔍

Plot Summary

“R E D” by Chase Berggrun is a mesmerizing journey through the psyche, constructed as a narrative erasure of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. This innovative structure allows Berggrun to excavate a deeply personal and political story from the bones of a classic. The book doesn’t follow a traditional plot structure with clear events like exposition, climax, and resolution. Instead, it uses the act of erasure to explore themes of identity, transformation, and liberation. Here’s a thematic summary of its structure:

Exposition — The beginning of the book introduces us to the unique form of erasure poetry, setting the stage for a transformative narrative. The reader is quickly made aware that this will not be a conventional journey, but rather an intimate exploration of the self.

Rising Action — As the poems progress, Berggrun delves deeper into personal and collective traumas, reflecting on gender, desire, and the struggle for autonomy. The act of erasing and rewriting Stoker’s text becomes a metaphor for the struggle to assert one’s identity and narrative.

Climax — The climax of “R E D” is less about a single moment of conflict and more about the culmination of emotional and intellectual journeys. It’s where the erasure acts reach their peak in intensity, revealing the most poignant insights into the author’s experiences and the act of reclaiming one’s narrative from oppressive structures.

Falling Action — Following the climax, the poems begin to reflect a sense of resolution and understanding. There’s a gradual move towards acceptance and the reclamation of power, as the author finds strength in vulnerability and the act of creation itself.

Resolution — The book closes on a note of empowerment and transformation. The final poems encapsulate the journey of breaking free from the past’s narratives and moving forward with a newly defined sense of self. It leaves the reader with a sense of completion yet opens up new avenues for contemplation and discussion about identity, gender, and the power of narrative.

“R E D” is a compelling testament to the power of words to both bind and liberate. Berggrun’s journey through erasure is not just about what is removed, but also about what spaces are created for new stories and identities to emerge.

Character Analysis

“R E D” by Chase Berggrun, being a work of erasure poetry derived from Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” reimagines the characters and narratives through the act of erasure, creating a new, deeply personal narrative. The “characters” in “R E D” are more abstract, reflecting facets of the author’s exploration of self, identity, and transformation rather than traditional fictional personas. Here’s an analysis of the primary “characters” as conceptual elements within the work:

The Narrator — The central voice in “R E D” can be seen as an amalgamation of the author’s inner self and a reconstructed version of Stoker’s characters, primarily Mina Harker. The narrator embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation, wrestling with themes of gender, sexuality, and power. They are introspective, bold, and transformative, mirroring the author’s own experiences and the process of creating a new narrative through erasure.

Dracula (Erased) — In “R E D,” Dracula symbolizes the oppressive structures and narratives that the author seeks to erase and overcome. While not a character in the traditional sense, the presence of Dracula is felt through what is removed from the text, representing societal expectations, norms, and the struggle against them.

The Monster/Transformation — Another “character” in the book is the concept of the monster, which stands for both the societal view of non-normative identities and the internal fear of embracing one’s true self. The monster is also the transformative power of self-acceptance and the rejection of societal norms, showcasing the duality of being seen as “other” and the strength found in that otherness.

Character	Personality/Motivation	Development
The Narrator	Introspective, searching, transformative	Moves from erasure to assertion of self
Dracula (Erased)	Represents oppressive norms	Becomes less powerful as the narrative progresses
The Monster/Transformation	Symbolizes fear and empowerment	Shifts from feared to embraced

“R E D” challenges traditional character analysis by foregrounding the act of erasure as a means of exploring identity. The characters are not just entities within a narrative but are deeply intertwined with the author’s journey towards self-definition and the reclamation of power.

Themes and Symbols

“R E D” by Chase Berggrun is rich with themes and symbols that weave through the tapestry of its erasure poetry, each adding layers of meaning to the narrative. Here’s a look at some of the most poignant themes and symbols in the book:

Identity and Transformation — At the heart of “R E D” is the exploration of identity, particularly in the context of gender and self-perception. The process of erasing and rewriting text symbolizes the transformative journey of self-discovery and the reclamation of one’s narrative from societal impositions.

Oppression and Liberation — The act of erasure itself becomes a powerful symbol for the struggle against oppressive structures and norms. By physically removing parts of Stoker’s “Dracula,” Berggrun metaphorically rejects the narratives that society imposes, especially on bodies that deviate from the norm, and crafts a space for liberation and empowerment.

The Body — The body emerges as a central symbol in “R E D,” reflecting the battleground of identity, desire, and autonomy. Berggrun’s focus on the body through the erasure process highlights the physicality of gender and the societal attempts to control and define bodies in binary terms.

Erasure as Creation — Erasure poetry as a form is used in “R E D” not just as a method of subtracting text, but as an act of creation. This duality of erasure represents the destruction of old narratives and the creation of new ones, symbolizing the potential for rebirth and new beginnings within the act of removal.

Monstrosity — The theme of monstrosity is explored not just as something to be feared but as a reflection of society’s views on what is deemed “other” or abnormal. The monster symbolizes both the fear of being seen as different and the power in embracing one’s uniqueness outside societal norms.

Blood — Blood in “R E D” is a multifaceted symbol, representing life, lineage, and the essence of being. It also symbolizes the violence of erasure (both literal and metaphorical) and the vitality of resisting and rewriting one’s story.

Each of these themes and symbols intertwines to create a complex narrative that challenges readers to consider the power of language, the fluidity of identity, and the act of reclaiming one’s narrative as an ongoing process of transformation and resistance.

Style and Tone

The writing style and tone of Chase Berggrun’s “R E D” play a crucial role in shaping the book’s mood and atmosphere, contributing significantly to its unique narrative experience. Let’s delve into these aspects:

Erasure Poetry — The foundational style of “R E D” is erasure poetry, where Berggrun takes the text of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and erases parts of it to create new meanings and narratives. This innovative approach not only demonstrates the author’s creativity but also the thematic emphasis on transformation and reclamation. The style itself becomes a narrative device, symbolizing the act of carving out one’s identity from the confines of pre-existing narratives.
Intimacy and Vulnerability — The tone of “R E D” is deeply intimate, with the poems revealing personal and emotional landscapes that invite the reader into the author’s internal world. This vulnerability is a powerful tool in exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the struggle for self-acceptance. It creates a space where readers can connect with the text on a deeply personal level.
Confrontational and Empowering — While “R E D” is intimate and vulnerable, it also carries a confrontational and empowering tone. The act of erasure against a canonical text like “Dracula” asserts a defiance against traditional narratives and societal norms. This tone reflects the author’s challenge to the constraints imposed by society, particularly around issues of gender and identity.
Reflective and Philosophical — The poems in “R E D” often delve into reflective and philosophical explorations of existence, identity, and the nature of self. This tone encourages readers to ponder their own relationships with the themes presented, making the reading experience both personal and universal.
Evolving and Dynamic — The tone of “R E D” evolves throughout the book, mirroring the journey of transformation and self-discovery it narrates. Beginning with introspection and moving towards an assertive declaration of self, the tone shifts to reflect the stages of the author’s journey. This dynamic nature keeps the reader engaged and emphasizes the ongoing process of self-definition and reclamation.

Through its innovative style and nuanced tone, “R E D” offers a unique reading experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Berggrun’s use of erasure poetry as a stylistic choice amplifies the book’s themes and invites readers to engage with the text in a deeply interactive way, fostering a sense of participation in the act of narrative transformation.

Literary Devices used in R E D

Chase Berggrun’s “R E D” employs a variety of literary devices that enrich the text and deepen its thematic impact. Here are the top 10 devices used, each playing a pivotal role in crafting the book’s unique narrative experience:

Erasure — This is the foundational literary device of “R E D,” where Berggrun takes the text of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and selectively erases to create new poems. This act is both a method of composition and a thematic exploration of identity, transformation, and resistance against pre-existing narratives.
Metaphor — The entire book can be seen as a metaphor for the process of discovering and asserting one’s identity against societal expectations. Specific metaphors within the poems further explore themes like liberation, transformation, and the struggle for autonomy.
Imagery — Berggrun uses vivid imagery to evoke the physical and emotional landscapes of the narrative. This imagery often revolves around the body, nature, and abstract concepts, creating a visceral reading experience that engages the senses.
Symbolism — Various symbols, such as blood, monsters, and the act of erasure itself, carry deep meanings throughout the book. These symbols are used to explore complex themes of identity, societal norms, and the transformative power of self-reclamation.
Allusion — By working within the framework of “Dracula,” “R E D” is filled with allusions not only to Stoker’s original work but also to broader themes and historical contexts related to gender, sexuality, and power dynamics.
Repetition — Strategic repetition of certain words and phrases emphasizes the ongoing struggle for identity and the repetitive nature of societal pressures. This device also highlights the transformative journey of the narrator.
Personification — Berggrun personifies concepts such as desire, fear, and transformation, giving them agency within the narrative. This device enriches the text by blurring the lines between the abstract and the tangible, reflecting the fluid nature of identity.
Irony — The use of irony, particularly through the juxtaposition of the erasure process against the creation of new meanings, underscores the complexities of self-definition and the contrast between societal expectations and personal truths.
Paradox — “R E D” explores paradoxical themes, such as the idea that erasure can lead to creation or that vulnerability can be a source of strength. These paradoxes challenge conventional wisdom and invite deeper reflection on the nature of identity and transformation.
Contrast — Contrast is used throughout “R E D” to highlight the differences between societal norms and personal identity, the original text of “Dracula” and the new meanings created through erasure, and the notions of self before and after the journey of transformation.

These literary devices are integral to the depth and richness of “R E D,” allowing Berggrun to explore and express complex themes in a nuanced and impactful way.

Literary Devices Examples

The use of literary devices in Chase Berggrun’s “R E D” is both innovative and integral to the book’s narrative depth. Below, we’ll explore examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices highlighted previously, showcasing how they contribute to the thematic richness of the work.

Erasure

Example 1: The entire book.
Explanation: Berggrun’s method of selectively erasing text from Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” to create new poetry serves as the foundation for “R E D.” This act of erasure symbolizes the rejection of pre-existing narratives and societal norms, allowing for the exploration and assertion of a new, personalized identity.

Metaphor

Example 1: The transformation from the original text to the new narrative.
Explanation: This transformation acts as a metaphor for personal and gender identity exploration, illustrating the journey from confinement within societal norms to the liberation of self-definition.

Imagery

Example 1: Descriptions of blood and the body throughout the poems.
Explanation: The vivid imagery of blood and bodily forms in “R E D” evokes the physical and emotional aspects of the narrator’s journey, emphasizing themes of life, identity, and transformation.

Symbolism

Example 1: Blood as a symbol.
Explanation: Blood in “R E D” symbolizes life, lineage, violence, and transformation, serving as a potent symbol for the narrator’s exploration of identity and the act of reclaiming one’s narrative.

Allusion

Example 1: References to “Dracula.”
Explanation: The allusions to Stoker’s “Dracula” enrich the narrative by juxtaposing the themes of the original text with the new meanings created through erasure, particularly in relation to identity and power dynamics.

Repetition

Example 1: Repetition of key phrases related to identity and transformation.
Explanation: The strategic use of repetition emphasizes the central themes of the book, highlighting the ongoing struggle for self-definition and the repetitive cycles of societal pressure.

Personification

Example 1: Personification of concepts like fear and desire.
Explanation: Giving agency to abstract concepts like fear and desire allows Berggrun to explore these aspects of the human experience more tangibly, reflecting the complexity of the narrator’s journey.

Irony

Example 1: The creation of new narratives through the act of erasure.
Explanation: There’s an irony in using erasure, an act of removal, to create something new and meaningful. This reflects the ironic nature of seeking liberation through the deconstruction of existing narratives.

Paradox

Example 1: The idea that vulnerability is a form of strength.
Explanation: This paradox challenges traditional notions of strength and vulnerability, suggesting that embracing one’s vulnerabilities can lead to empowerment and self-acceptance.

Contrast

Example 1: The difference between the original “Dracula” narrative and the new narratives created in “R E D.”
Explanation: By contrasting the oppressive themes and narratives of the original text with the liberatory and personal themes of the new text, Berggrun highlights the transformative power of narrative reclamation.

These examples underscore the innovative use of literary devices in “R E D,” each contributing to the overarching themes of identity, transformation, and liberation within the work.

R E D – FAQs

What is the main theme of R E D by Chase Berggrun?
The main theme of “R E D” revolves around identity, transformation, and liberation. Through the innovative use of erasure poetry, Berggrun explores the journey of self-discovery and the reclamation of one’s narrative from societal impositions and norms.

How does Chase Berggrun use erasure poetry in R E D?
Chase Berggrun employs erasure poetry by taking the text of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and selectively erasing portions to create new poems. This method is not only a stylistic choice but also a thematic device that symbolizes the act of carving out a personal identity from existing narratives and resisting societal norms.

Can R E D be considered a feminist work?
Yes, “R E D” can be considered a feminist work as it challenges traditional gender norms and explores themes of autonomy, identity, and the liberation of the self from patriarchal structures. The book’s approach to narrative and form also reflects feminist theories of language and power.

What literary devices are prominent in R E D?
Erasure, metaphor, imagery, symbolism, allusion, repetition, personification, irony, paradox, and contrast are among the most prominent literary devices used in “R E D.” Each device serves to deepen the thematic exploration and enhance the reader’s engagement with the text.

How does R E D reinterpret Bram Stoker’s Dracula?
“R E D” reinterprets “Dracula” by using its text as a foundation for exploration and transformation. Through the act of erasure, Berggrun dismantles the original narrative and themes, creating a new, personal narrative that addresses themes of identity, gender, and liberation, thus offering a critique and reimagining of Stoker’s work.

Is R E D accessible to readers unfamiliar with Dracula?
Yes, “R E D” is accessible to readers who are not familiar with “Dracula.” While knowledge of Stoker’s novel may enrich the reading experience, Berggrun’s work stands on its own as a powerful exploration of identity and transformation. The themes and emotions explored are universal, making it engaging for a wide audience.

What makes R E D unique in the genre of poetry?
“R E D” is unique in the poetry genre due to its innovative use of erasure poetry to both deconstruct a classic work and to construct a new, deeply personal narrative. This method, combined with the book’s exploration of themes such as identity, gender, and liberation, makes it a standout work in contemporary poetry and literary art.

Quiz

Question	A	B	C	D	Correct Answer
What literary technique forms the foundation of R E D by Chase Berggrun?	Metaphor	Erasure	Alliteration	Simile	B
Which classic novel is the source text for the erasures in R E D?	Frankenstein	Wuthering Heights	Dracula	The Picture of Dorian Gray	C
What is a major theme explored in R E D?	Time travel	Identity and transformation	Space exploration	Medieval history	B
How does R E D reinterpret its source text?	By translating it into another language	Through erasure to create new meanings	By illustrating it	By rewriting it in modern prose	B
What does the act of erasure symbolize in R E D?	The permanence of written text	The difficulty of editing	The liberation from oppressive narratives	The challenge of reading	C
Can R E D be considered a feminist work?	Yes, it challenges traditional gender norms	No, it focuses solely on poetry techniques	Yes, but only in the context of 19th-century literature	No, it supports patriarchal structures	A
Which symbol is prominently featured in R E D and carries deep thematic significance?	The ocean	Blood	Trees	The moon	B
What does the transformation from the original text to the new narrative in R E D metaphorically represent?	A journey through different countries	The process of aging	The exploration of identity and self-discovery	A change in weather patterns	C
In the context of R E D, how is the monster symbolically used?	As a representation of societal norms	To evoke fear in the reader	As a reflection of society’s view on what is deemed ‘other’	As a guide to treasure	C
What does blood symbolize in R E D?	Only violence and conflict	Life, lineage, and transformation	A detective’s clue	The end of a day	B

This quiz is designed to test your comprehension of “R E D” by Chase Berggrun, focusing on its literary techniques, themes, symbols, and the innovative use of erasure poetry. Each question delves into different aspects of the book, offering a comprehensive review of its content and thematic exploration.

Exercise

In this exercise, you’ll practice identifying literary devices used in a paragraph from “R E D” by Chase Berggrun. Read the paragraph carefully and then try to spot the literary devices present.

Paragraph for Analysis:

“In the silence of our shadows, we found words etched in blood, a testament to our erasure. These words, once shackles, now forged the key to our liberation. Through the act of unmaking, we discovered the essence of our being, transcending the confines of a narrative not our own.”

Identify the following literary devices:

Answers:

Imagery — “words etched in blood” vividly evokes the physical and emotional intensity of the experience.
Metaphor — “These words, once shackles, now forged the key” compares words to both shackles and a key, illustrating the transformative power of narrative.
Symbolism — “Blood” symbolizes life, struggle, and transformation, carrying deep thematic significance.
Paradox — “Through the act of unmaking, we discovered the essence of our being” presents the paradox of finding creation through destruction.
Erasure — While not explicitly present in the text as a device, the reference to “erasure” as a testament and the act of unmaking references the literary technique central to “R E D.”

This exercise aims to deepen your understanding of how literary devices are used to convey complex themes and emotions in “R E D” by Chase Berggrun, enriching the reading experience and inviting reflection on the narrative’s deeper meanings.