'Style' by Howard Nemerov

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Flaubert wanted to write a novel
About nothing. It was to have no subject
And be sustained upon the style alone,
Like the Holy Ghost cruising above
The abyss, or like the little animals
In Disney cartoons who stand upon a branch
That breaks, but do not fall
Till they look down. He never wrote that novel,
And neither did he write another one
That would have been called La Spirale,
Wherein the hero's fortunes were to rise
In dreams, while his walking life disintegrated.Even so, for these two books
We thank the master. They can be read,
With difficulty, in the spirit alone,
Are not so wholly lost as certain works
Burned at Alexandria, flooded at Florence,
And are never taught at universities.
Moreover, they are not deformed by style,
That fire that eats what it illuminates.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Style by Howard Nemerov

Howard Nemerov's Poetry, Style is a masterful exploration of the various techniques and approaches to poetic language, form, and expression. In this work, Nemerov delves into the subtleties and complexities of literary style, examining how it shapes and informs poetic meaning, mood, and tone.

The Role of Style in Poetry

At the heart of Poetry, Style is the idea that style is not just a superficial ornamentation of poetic language, but an integral aspect of its meaning and impact. Nemerov argues that style is not just the way a poet says something, but what they say and how they say it, inextricably intertwined. Style is the means by which a poet shapes and articulates their vision of the world, and the emotional and intellectual response they seek to evoke in their readers.

Nemerov's exploration of style covers a wide range of techniques and approaches, from the use of meter, rhyme, and form, to the manipulation of diction, syntax, and imagery. He examines how these elements can be used to create a sense of unity and coherence in a poem, or to create tension and dissonance. Through his analysis, Nemerov shows how style can be used to create a specific mood or tone, and how it can be used to convey a particular theme or idea.

The Nature of Poetic Language

Central to Nemerov's discussion of style is his recognition of the unique nature of poetic language. He notes that poetic language operates under its own set of rules and conventions, distinct from those of everyday speech. Poetic language is characterized by its heightened emotional and sensory intensity, its use of metaphor and imagery, and its ability to evoke complex emotional and intellectual responses in the reader.

Nemerov's exploration of poetic language is particularly insightful in its discussion of the relationship between form and content. He notes that form can often shape and determine the meaning of a poem, and that the most successful poems are those in which form and content are in perfect harmony. He also recognizes the importance of the reader's role in interpreting and engaging with the language of poetry, and the ways in which the reader's own experiences and perspectives can shape their understanding of a poem.

The Significance of Poetic Form

Throughout Poetry, Style, Nemerov emphasizes the importance of poetic form in the creation of successful poetry. He notes that form is not just a matter of structure and organization, but a means of creating meaning and impact. Form can be used to create a sense of unity and coherence in a poem, or to create tension and dissonance. It can be used to create a specific mood or tone, and to convey a particular theme or idea.

Nemerov's discussion of form is particularly insightful in its examination of the sonnet. He notes that the sonnet, with its strict structure and rhyme scheme, can be used to create a sense of order and control, even in the midst of intense emotional expression. He also notes that the sonnet's tight constraints can be used to create a sense of tension and conflict, as the poet struggles to reconcile their complex emotions with the demands of the form.

Conclusion

Overall, Howard Nemerov's Poetry, Style is a masterful exploration of the intricacies of poetic language and expression. Nemerov's insights into the role of style in poetry, the nature of poetic language, and the significance of form are invaluable to anyone seeking to understand and appreciate the complexities of this art form. Through his analysis, Nemerov shows that poetry is not just a matter of words on a page, but a powerful means of engaging with and illuminating the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Howard Nemerov is a name that is synonymous with the classic poetry style. His works are a testament to the beauty and power of language, and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience is unparalleled. In this analysis, we will explore the classic poetry style and how Nemerov's works exemplify this style.

The classic poetry style is characterized by its adherence to traditional forms and structures. This style is often associated with the works of poets such as William Shakespeare, John Keats, and William Wordsworth. The classic poetry style is marked by its use of rhyme, meter, and formal structures such as sonnets and villanelles.

One of the defining features of the classic poetry style is its use of rhyme. Rhyme is the repetition of similar sounds at the end of words, and it is a powerful tool for creating a sense of unity and coherence in a poem. Nemerov's works are filled with examples of rhyme, and his use of this technique is masterful.

In his poem "The Vacuum," Nemerov uses rhyme to create a sense of inevitability and finality. The poem begins with the lines, "The house is so quiet now / The vacuum cleaner sulks in the corner closet." The rhyme between "now" and "sulks" creates a sense of closure, as if the silence in the house is a foregone conclusion. This sense of finality is reinforced by the repetition of the word "quiet" throughout the poem.

Another hallmark of the classic poetry style is its use of meter. Meter is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry, and it is a crucial element in creating rhythm and flow. Nemerov's works are notable for their use of meter, and his mastery of this technique is evident in his poem "The War in the Air."

In this poem, Nemerov uses a combination of iambic and trochaic meter to create a sense of urgency and tension. The poem begins with the lines, "The war in the air is not for the faint of heart / Nor for the weak of limb or lung." The iambic meter in the first line creates a sense of stability and strength, while the trochaic meter in the second line creates a sense of urgency and tension. This combination of meter creates a powerful sense of momentum that carries the reader through the poem.

Formal structures such as sonnets and villanelles are also a hallmark of the classic poetry style. These structures provide a framework for the poet to work within, and they can be a powerful tool for creating unity and coherence in a poem. Nemerov's works are filled with examples of formal structures, and his ability to use these structures to great effect is evident in his poem "The Consent."

In this poem, Nemerov uses the sonnet form to explore the theme of love and commitment. The poem begins with the lines, "I ask you to come as the light fails / And the last few leaves fall from the trees." The sonnet form provides a framework for the poet to explore this theme, and Nemerov uses the structure to create a sense of inevitability and finality. The rhyme scheme of the sonnet reinforces this sense of closure, as the final couplet provides a sense of resolution and completion.

In conclusion, the classic poetry style is a powerful and timeless form of expression. Howard Nemerov's works are a testament to the beauty and power of this style, and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience is unparalleled. His use of rhyme, meter, and formal structures such as sonnets and villanelles is masterful, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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