'Song in the Manner of Housman' by Ezra Pound
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O woe, woe,
People are born and die,
We also shall be dead pretty soon
Therefore let us act as if we were
dead already.
The bird sits on the hawthorn tree
But he dies also, presently.
Some lads get hung, and some get shot.
Woeful is this human lot.
Woe! woe, etcetera . . . .
London is a woeful place,
Shropshire is much pleasanter.
Then let us smile a little space
Upon fond nature's morbid grace.
Oh, Woe, woe, woe, etcetera . . . .
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Ezra Pound's Poetry: Song in the Manner of Housman
Ezra Pound is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. His poetry is known for its complexity, experimentation, and innovation. Pound was a master of the modernist movement and his works have inspired generations of poets around the world. Among his many works, "Song in the Manner of Housman" stands out as a masterpiece of modernist poetry.
In this essay, we will delve into the poem, analyze its themes, and explore the techniques used by Pound to create this stunning piece of literature.
Overview of the Poem
"Song in the Manner of Housman" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas with four lines each. The poem is written in the style of A.E. Housman, a renowned poet of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The poem was written by Pound in 1907 and published in 1911 in his first collection of poems, "Personae".
The poem is a melancholic reflection on the transience of life, the inevitability of death, and the futility of human endeavors. The speaker of the poem mourns the loss of his youth and longs for the simplicity and innocence of childhood. The poem is a powerful meditation on the human condition and the fleeting nature of our existence.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with the line "Her strong enchantments failing". The word "her" refers to time, which is portrayed as a powerful force that can enchant and control us. The use of the word "failing" suggests that time's power is not absolute and that it can be resisted or overcome.
In the second stanza, the speaker laments the loss of his youth and reflects on his past experiences. He longs for the simplicity and innocence of childhood, which he sees as a time of happiness and freedom. The use of the words "golden" and "green" evoke a sense of warmth and joy, which contrasts with the cold and bleak present.
The third stanza continues the theme of loss and nostalgia. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The use of the word "whisper" suggests a sense of secrecy or mystery, which adds to the melancholic tone of the poem.
In the final stanza, the speaker acknowledges the futility of human endeavors and the ultimate insignificance of our lives. The use of the word "vanished" suggests that everything we do is ultimately meaningless and will be forgotten. The poem ends on a note of resignation and acceptance of the transience of life.
Themes of the Poem
"Song in the Manner of Housman" explores a number of themes that are central to Pound's poetry. The primary theme of the poem is the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The poem reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of our existence. The speaker of the poem mourns the loss of his youth and longs for the simplicity and innocence of childhood.
Another theme that is explored in the poem is the futility of human endeavors. The poem suggests that everything we do is ultimately meaningless and will be forgotten. This theme is closely related to the theme of transience, as both reflect on the impermanence of our lives.
Techniques Used by Pound
Pound was known for his experimentation and innovation in poetry. "Song in the Manner of Housman" is a great example of his use of language and form to create a powerful and complex work of literature.
One technique that Pound uses in the poem is alliteration. The use of repeated consonant sounds, such as "strong enchantments failing", creates a musical quality to the poem and adds to its emotional impact.
Another technique that Pound uses is repetition. The repetition of the words "vanished" and "gone" in the final stanza emphasizes the theme of transience and the inevitability of death.
Pound also uses imagery to create a vivid and emotional portrait of the speaker's emotional state. The use of the words "golden" and "green" in the second stanza, for example, creates a strong visual image of the speaker's past experiences and contrasts with the bleakness of the present.
Conclusion
"Song in the Manner of Housman" is a powerful and complex work of modernist poetry. The poem explores themes of transience, nostalgia, and the futility of human endeavors. Pound's use of language, form, and imagery creates a vivid portrait of the human condition and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
As we reflect on the poem, we are left with a sense of the fragility and impermanence of life. The poem reminds us of the importance of cherishing our memories and experiences, and of living in the present moment. It is a timeless work of literature that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Song in the Manner of Housman: An Analysis
Ezra Pound, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, wrote the Poetry Song in the Manner of Housman in 1915. The poem is a tribute to A.E. Housman, a renowned poet of the Victorian era, and is written in the style of Housman's poetry. The poem is a beautiful example of Pound's mastery of language and his ability to capture the essence of another poet's style.
The poem is a short one, consisting of only six lines, but it is packed with meaning and emotion. The first line sets the tone for the entire poem: "Oh, weep for Adonais, he is dead!" This line is a reference to Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem Adonais, which was written in memory of John Keats. Pound's use of this line is significant because it immediately establishes a sense of mourning and loss.
The second line continues the theme of loss: "Wake, melancholy mother, wake and weep!" Here, Pound is addressing the mother of Adonais, who is also a symbol of the mother of all poets. Pound is calling on her to wake up and mourn the loss of Adonais, who represents all poets who have died.
The third line is a direct reference to Housman's poetry: "Yet wherefore? Quench within their burning bed." This line is a nod to Housman's use of the word "quench" in his poem To an Athlete Dying Young. In that poem, Housman uses the word to describe the end of a young athlete's life. Pound is using the same word here to describe the end of Adonais's life and the lives of all poets.
The fourth line is a continuation of the theme of loss: "Thy fiery tears and his fair, fruited head." Pound is using the image of tears and a head to represent the loss of Adonais and all poets. The tears are a symbol of mourning, while the head represents the creative mind of the poet.
The fifth line is a reference to Housman's poem Loveliest of Trees: "Samarkand to the garden of Gethsemane." In Loveliest of Trees, Housman uses the image of a cherry tree to represent the fleeting nature of life. Pound is using the same image here to represent the journey from life to death. Samarkand, a city in Uzbekistan, represents life, while the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was betrayed and arrested, represents death.
The final line is a powerful one: "Redeem the time, redeem the dream." Pound is calling on all poets to make the most of their time on earth and to fulfill their creative dreams. He is urging them to create something that will live on after they are gone.
Overall, the Poetry Song in the Manner of Housman is a beautiful tribute to A.E. Housman and all poets who have died. Pound's use of language and imagery is masterful, and he captures the essence of Housman's poetry perfectly. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of our time on earth. It is a call to all poets to create something that will live on after they are gone, and to redeem the time and the dream.
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