Burroughs

 Burroughs writing offers clues to his personal way of thinking. It seems clear from the snippets and poems of Burroughs's is, at the same time, sporadic and lucid. I especially enjoyed reading his poetry, not only because this is my first time encountering the fresh and bold "cut-up method" but mostly because it allows me to understand Burroughs a little more. Though his series of cancer poems appear to be erratic and contain no point, Burroughs echoes words and phrases in a distinct manner to gain attention of these cancer issues. His cut-up technique illuminates the ridiculous tone popular mainstream prints had constructed in the face of a rising epidemic that had heavy homosexual overtones. Burroughs capitalizes on this potentially homophobic sublimation in his poem "Cancer Men... These Individuals Are Marked Foe." So, oddly enough, at first glance what seemed to be an enjoyable and meaningless piece to read, Burroughs provided a stark interpretation of what was once headlining news. I think of this to be both brilliant and hilarious.