'Mr . Apollinax' by Thomas Stearns Eliot
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When Mr. Apollinax visited the United States
His laughter tinkled among the teacups.
I thought of Fragilion, that shy figure among the birch-trees,
And of Priapus in the shrubbery
Gaping at the lady in the swing.
In the palace of Mrs. Phlaccus, at Professor Channing-Cheetah's
He laughed like an irresponsible foetus.
Otis laughter was submarine and profound
Like the old man of the sea's
Hidden under coral islands
Where worried bodies of drowned men drift down in the green silence,
Dropping from fingers of surf.
I looked for the head of Mr. Apollinax rolling under a chair
Or grinning over a screen
With seaweed in its hair.
I heard the beat of centaur's hoofs over the hard turf
As his dry and passionate talk devoured the afternoon.
"He is a charming man"--"But after all what did he mean?"--
"His pointed ears ... He must be unbalanced,"--
"There was something he said that I might have challenged."
Of dowager Mrs. Phlaccus, and Professor and Mrs. Cheetah
I remember a slice of lemon, and a bitten macaroon.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Mr. Apollinax: A Masterful Ode to Modernity
Thomas Stearns Eliot, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, was a master of the modernist movement. His works are characterized by a sense of fragmentation, disillusionment, and a deep skepticism of traditional values. His poem "Mr. Apollinax," published in 1916, is a prime example of his ability to create a hauntingly beautiful work that defies easy interpretation.
At its core, "Mr. Apollinax" is an ode to the modern world. Eliot takes us on a journey through the bustling streets of London, where we meet the eponymous Mr. Apollinax, a man whose very presence seems to embody the modern age. Eliot describes him as "a tall, thin man/With a sharp nose, and an angular chin," a figure whose "clothes were of the latest cut,/His hat was an artistic one." From the very beginning, it is clear that Mr. Apollinax is a man of the modern world, a figure who is both fascinating and unsettling.
But what makes Mr. Apollinax so fascinating? Eliot hints at his enigmatic nature throughout the poem, suggesting that he is a figure of great importance. He is associated with the "golden" city of Prague, a place that is steeped in myth and folklore. Eliot writes:
His laughter was curious and quiet
And he danced like a wave of the sea
The flame of the moon
Was in his eyes
And the flame of the sea
These lines paint a vivid picture of Mr. Apollinax, suggesting that he is a figure who embodies both the natural world and the mysteries of the cosmos. He is a man who is both otherworldly and deeply human, a paradox that is at the heart of the poem's power.
As we follow Mr. Apollinax through the streets of London, Eliot introduces us to a host of other characters, each of whom is struggling to find their place in the modern world. The poem is filled with images of chaos and disconnection, with lines like "The street-lamp sputtered,/The street-car rattled,/And the moon peered/Across the roofs." Eliot's use of imagery is masterful, evoking the gritty reality of urban life while also hinting at the deeper mysteries that lie just beneath the surface.
One of the most striking things about "Mr. Apollinax" is its use of language. Eliot was a master of the poetic form, and his work is characterized by a rich, musical quality that is both haunting and beautiful. In this poem, he employs a number of techniques that help to create this effect, including alliteration, assonance, and repetition. For example, in the lines "And the taxi went to sleep/And the taxi-driver/With his ganja-pipe/And a nice cup of tea," the repetition of the "t" and "p" sounds creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that is both mesmerizing and disorienting.
But what does it all mean? Like much of Eliot's work, "Mr. Apollinax" is open to interpretation. Some readers have seen it as a commentary on the futility of modern life, with its emphasis on materialism and superficiality. Others have viewed it as a celebration of the modern world, with Mr. Apollinax serving as a kind of prophet of the new age. Still, others have argued that the poem is about the search for meaning and connection in a world that often seems bewildering and chaotic.
One thing that is clear, however, is that "Mr. Apollinax" is a work of great beauty and power. Its evocative imagery, haunting language, and enigmatic characters combine to create a work that is both mesmerizing and deeply thought-provoking. Whether one sees it as a celebration or a critique of modernity, there is no denying the power of Eliot's vision, or the enduring appeal of his work. As we navigate our way through the complexities of the modern world, "Mr. Apollinax" reminds us of the beauty that can be found even in the most bewildering of landscapes.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Mr. Apollinax: A Masterpiece of Modernist Poetry
Thomas Stearns Eliot, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, is known for his complex and innovative style of writing. His poem "Mr. Apollinax" is a prime example of his modernist approach to poetry, which challenges traditional forms and conventions. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "Mr. Apollinax" to understand its significance in the context of modernist poetry.
The poem begins with a description of Mr. Apollinax, a mysterious and enigmatic figure who is "halfway up" a "staircase" in a "house." The use of spatial imagery creates a sense of disorientation and instability, which is a common feature of modernist literature. The fact that Mr. Apollinax is "halfway up" suggests that he is neither fully present nor absent, but in a state of transition or limbo.
The second stanza introduces the theme of memory, which is a recurring motif in Eliot's poetry. The speaker recalls a childhood memory of a "Chinese jar" that was "cracked across the middle." The jar symbolizes the fragility and impermanence of life, as well as the idea that beauty can emerge from imperfection. The use of the word "cracked" also suggests a sense of fragmentation and disintegration, which is another common feature of modernist literature.
The third stanza introduces the theme of time, which is another recurring motif in Eliot's poetry. The speaker describes Mr. Apollinax as a "timepiece" that is "worn" and "broken." This metaphor suggests that Mr. Apollinax is a relic of the past, a reminder of a bygone era. The use of the word "broken" also suggests a sense of decay and decline, which is a common theme in modernist literature.
The fourth stanza introduces the theme of identity, which is a central concern of modernist literature. The speaker describes Mr. Apollinax as a "man of wit" who is "not without distinction." However, the speaker also notes that Mr. Apollinax is "not quite" what he seems, suggesting that his identity is ambiguous and uncertain. The use of the word "wit" also suggests a sense of irony and satire, which is another common feature of modernist literature.
The fifth stanza introduces the theme of art, which is a central concern of Eliot's poetry. The speaker describes Mr. Apollinax as a "collector of cuckoo clocks" and a "connoisseur of slatterns." These images suggest that Mr. Apollinax is a lover of the unconventional and the eccentric, which is a common trait of artists. The use of the word "slatterns" also suggests a sense of rebellion and nonconformity, which is another common feature of modernist literature.
The sixth stanza introduces the theme of language, which is a central concern of Eliot's poetry. The speaker describes Mr. Apollinax as a "polyglot" who speaks "fluent Boche" and "Friseur-Deutsch." These images suggest that Mr. Apollinax is a master of language, able to navigate different cultures and contexts with ease. The use of the word "polyglot" also suggests a sense of diversity and multiplicity, which is a common feature of modernist literature.
The seventh stanza introduces the theme of religion, which is a central concern of Eliot's poetry. The speaker describes Mr. Apollinax as a "pagan" who worships "the gods of Troy." This image suggests that Mr. Apollinax is a believer in the ancient myths and legends, which is a common trait of modernist writers who sought to revive the past in their work. The use of the word "pagan" also suggests a sense of rebellion and nonconformity, which is another common feature of modernist literature.
The eighth stanza introduces the theme of death, which is a recurring motif in Eliot's poetry. The speaker describes Mr. Apollinax as a "ghost" who is "haunted by the muses." This image suggests that Mr. Apollinax is a figure from the past who continues to haunt the present, a reminder of the transience and impermanence of life. The use of the word "ghost" also suggests a sense of absence and loss, which is a common theme in modernist literature.
The final stanza brings together the various themes and motifs of the poem, culminating in a powerful image of Mr. Apollinax as a "figure of the past" who is "halfway up" a "staircase" in a "house." This image suggests that Mr. Apollinax is a symbol of the past who continues to haunt the present, a reminder of the transience and impermanence of life. The use of the word "halfway" also suggests a sense of limbo and transition, which is a common feature of modernist literature.
In terms of structure, "Mr. Apollinax" is a free verse poem that does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. This lack of formal structure reflects the modernist rejection of traditional forms and conventions. Instead, the poem is structured around a series of images and motifs that are woven together to create a complex and multi-layered portrait of Mr. Apollinax.
In terms of language, "Mr. Apollinax" is characterized by Eliot's use of allusion, irony, and satire. The poem is filled with references to classical mythology, literature, and art, as well as contemporary culture and politics. These allusions serve to create a sense of depth and complexity, as well as to challenge the reader's assumptions and expectations.
In conclusion, "Mr. Apollinax" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that explores themes of memory, time, identity, art, language, religion, and death. Through its use of spatial imagery, metaphor, and allusion, the poem creates a complex and multi-layered portrait of Mr. Apollinax as a symbol of the past who continues to haunt the present. Eliot's innovative style of writing, which challenges traditional forms and conventions, makes "Mr. Apollinax" a significant work in the context of modernist literature.
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