'Helen In Egypt' by H.D.
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Helen herself seems almost ready for this sacrifice
—at least, for the immolation of
herself before this greatest love of Achilles,
his dedication to "his own ship" and the
figurehead, "an idol or eidolon ...
a mermaid, Thetis upon the prow."
Did her eyes slant in the old way?
was she Greek or Egyptian?
had some Phoenician sailor wrought her?
was she oak-wood or cedar?
had she been cut from an awkward block
of ship-wood at the ship-builders,
and afterwards riveted there,
or had the prow itself been shaped
to her mermaid body,
curved to her mermaid hair?
was there a dash of paint
in the beginning, in the garment-fold,
did the blue afterwards wear away?
did they re-touch her arms, her shoulders?
did anyone touch her ever?
Had she other zealot and lover,
or did he alone worship her?
did she wear a girdle of sea-weed
or a painted crown? how often
did her high breasts meet the spray,
how often dive down?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Helen in Egypt: A Masterpiece of Imagery and Mythology
H.D's poem "Helen in Egypt" is a magnificent work of modernist poetry that delves deep into the mythological character of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, who was the cause of the Trojan War. In this poem, H.D. creates an intricate and complex narrative that blends together the mythological and historical elements of Helen's story, offering a unique insight into her character and the impact she had on the ancient world.
At the heart of this poem lies the question of Helen's guilt or innocence. Was she a victim of circumstance, a pawn in the power struggle between the gods and the mortals, or was she a seductress who willingly manipulated men to her advantage? H.D. presents an intriguing perspective on this age-old question, offering a nuanced and multi-layered interpretation of Helen's story that challenges our preconceptions and forces us to reconsider our assumptions about her character.
The Power of Myth and Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of "Helen in Egypt" is the way in which H.D. weaves together different strands of mythology and symbolism to create a rich and evocative tapestry of imagery. From the ancient Egyptians to the Greek gods, H.D. draws on a diverse range of mythological traditions to tell Helen's story.
For example, she uses the figure of the Sphinx as a powerful symbol of mystery and ambiguity. The Sphinx, with its human face and lion's body, represents the enigmatic and elusive nature of Helen's character, as well as the complexity of the forces that shaped her destiny. Similarly, H.D. employs the image of the lotus flower to evoke the sensuality and allure of Helen's beauty, as well as the danger and temptation that it represents.
Through these mythological symbols and archetypes, H.D. creates a poetic language that transcends the boundaries of time and space, allowing us to connect with the profound and universal themes of beauty, love, and betrayal that lie at the heart of Helen's story.
The Role of Women in History
Another key theme that runs through "Helen in Egypt" is the role of women in history. H.D. portrays Helen as a powerful and autonomous figure who defies the expectations and limitations placed on women in her time. She is a woman who is not afraid to assert her own desires and ambitions, even if it means going against the expectations of society.
At the same time, however, H.D. also exposes the vulnerability and fragility of women in a world dominated by men. Helen is a woman who is constantly subject to the whims and desires of powerful men, such as Theseus and Paris, who use her for their own purposes.
Through this portrayal of Helen, H.D. challenges us to reconsider our understanding of history and to question the patriarchal structures that have shaped our world. She reminds us that women have always played a vital role in shaping the course of human events, even if their contributions have often been overlooked or erased from the historical record.
The Complexity of Human Emotions
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of "Helen in Egypt" is the way in which H.D. captures the complexity and depth of human emotions. Through her masterful use of language and imagery, H.D. creates a vivid and immersive experience that allows us to feel the full range of emotions that Helen experiences throughout her journey.
We feel the intense passion and desire that Helen feels for Paris, as well as the remorse and guilt that she experiences after the fall of Troy. We also sense the fear and uncertainty that Helen experiences as she navigates the treacherous waters of power and politics, and the sense of isolation and loneliness that she feels as a result of her position as an outsider in a foreign land.
Through these evocative and powerful emotions, H.D. invites us to connect with Helen on a deep and personal level, and to see her as a human being with all the complexities and contradictions that come with being alive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Helen in Egypt" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that offers a unique and nuanced interpretation of one of the most enduring myths of Western civilization. Through her intricate use of imagery, mythology, and symbolism, H.D. creates a rich and complex narrative that challenges our assumptions about Helen's character and her place in history.
At the heart of this poem lies a profound exploration of the human experience, with its themes of love, desire, power, and betrayal resonating across the ages. Through her masterful use of language and imagery, H.D. captures the full range of human emotions, inviting us to connect with Helen on a deep and personal level.
Overall, "Helen in Egypt" is a work of art that deserves to be celebrated and studied for generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the human imagination.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Helen In Egypt: A Poem of Mythical Proportions
H.D.'s "Helen in Egypt" is a poem of mythical proportions that tells the story of Helen of Troy's journey to Egypt and her encounter with the god Hermes. The poem is a retelling of the classical myth of Helen and the Trojan War, but it is also a meditation on the nature of myth and the power of storytelling.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the myth. The first part, "The Burial of the Dead," begins with a description of Helen's journey to Egypt. She is accompanied by a group of women who are mourning the death of their husbands in the Trojan War. The women are depicted as being in a state of grief and despair, and Helen herself is described as being "pale and wan."
As they travel, they come across a group of Egyptian women who are performing a ritual dance. The dance is described as being "wild and strange," and it seems to have a transformative effect on Helen. She begins to feel a sense of liberation and empowerment, and she is drawn into the dance.
The second part of the poem, "A Game of Chess," is a dialogue between Helen and Hermes. Hermes is depicted as a trickster figure who is both playful and manipulative. He challenges Helen to a game of chess, but the game is really a metaphor for their conversation.
Hermes questions Helen about her role in the Trojan War and her relationship with the Greek hero Achilles. He suggests that Helen was not really in love with Achilles, but was instead using him as a means of escape from her unhappy marriage to Menelaus. Helen is defensive at first, but she eventually admits that Hermes is right.
The third part of the poem, "The Fire Sermon," is a meditation on the nature of myth and the power of storytelling. The poem suggests that myths are not just stories, but are also powerful symbols that can shape our understanding of the world. The poem also suggests that myths are not static, but are constantly evolving and changing.
The poem ends with a description of Helen's transformation. She is no longer the pale and wan figure that she was at the beginning of the poem. Instead, she is described as being "radiant and strong." She has embraced her role as a mythic figure, and she has found a sense of purpose and meaning in her life.
Overall, "Helen in Egypt" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of myth and the power of storytelling. It is a retelling of a classical myth, but it is also a meditation on the ways in which myths shape our understanding of the world. The poem is beautifully written and full of rich imagery and symbolism. It is a must-read for anyone interested in mythology, literature, or the power of storytelling.
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