'The Return' by Ezra Pound
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See, they return; ah, see the tentative
Movements, and the slow feet,
The trouble in the pace and the uncertain
Wavering!
See, they return, one, and by one,
With fear, as half-awakened;
As if the snow should hesitate
And murmur in the wind,
and half turn back;
These were the "Wing'd-with-Awe,"
Inviolable.
Gods of the wingèd shoe!
With them the silver hounds,
sniffing the trace of air!
Haie! Haie!
These were the swift to harry;
These the keen-scented;
These were the souls of blood.
Slow on the leash,
pallid the leash-men!
Submitted by Michael Schiavo
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Return: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
When it comes to modernist poetry, Ezra Pound is a name that will never go unnoticed. His works, such as "The Waste Land" and "Cantos," are celebrated for their innovative style and complex themes. However, one of his lesser-known poems, "The Return," deserves just as much attention. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and meaning to understand why it is a remarkable piece of literature.
Overview of "The Return"
"The Return" is a short poem, consisting of only six lines. Despite its brevity, it manages to convey a powerful message. The poem tells the story of a man who has been away from his homeland for a long time. He returns, only to find that everything has changed. The streets are different, and the people he knew are gone. However, he still feels a sense of belonging, as he has memories of the place. The poem ends with the line, "The gods have not returned."
Structure
The structure of "The Return" is straightforward. It consists of six lines, each with a varying number of syllables. The first line has nine syllables, the second has ten, and the third has eleven. The fourth line is the shortest, with only six syllables, while the fifth line has ten syllables, and the final line has eight. The lines do not rhyme, and there is no consistent meter. The poem's structure is simple, yet effective. The varying number of syllables and lack of rhyme create a sense of uncertainty and instability that echoes the poem's theme.
Language
The language in "The Return" is sparse yet evocative. Pound uses simple words to convey complex emotions. The first line sets the scene, "See! They return; ah, see the tentative / Movements." The use of the exclamation mark and the word "ah" creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. The word "tentative" implies that the return is uncertain and temporary.
In the second line, Pound writes, "The uncertain light of the single and solitary / Remaining star." The use of the words "uncertain" and "solitary" reinforces the idea that the return is not permanent. The use of the word "remaining" suggests that something has been lost.
The third line reads, "The last shadow passes overhead the town." The word "last" implies finality, and the use of "shadow" suggests that something has left.
The fourth line, "The dust is raised," is the shortest in the poem. The use of the word "dust" creates an image of something being disturbed, and the lack of a subject creates a sense of ambiguity.
In the fifth line, Pound writes, "I know the former purgatory of my mistakes." The word "purgatory" suggests a place of punishment and redemption. The use of "former" implies that the speaker has moved on from this place.
The final line, "The useless dawn of the horned day / Lights its uselessness," is the most complex. The use of "horned day" suggests a time of reckoning, while the word "uselessness" implies a lack of direction or purpose.
Interpretation
At its core, "The Return" is about the theme of change. The man in the poem returns home after a long absence, only to find that everything has changed. The streets are different, the people he once knew are gone, and even the light is uncertain. However, he still feels a sense of belonging, as he has memories of the place. The gods, however, have not returned, which suggests that the past cannot be fully reclaimed.
The image of the "dust" being raised creates a sense of ambiguity, as it is unclear what is being disturbed. This ambiguity is reinforced by the varying number of syllables in each line and the lack of rhyme. The poem's structure reflects the uncertainty and instability of the situation.
The line "I know the former purgatory of my mistakes" suggests that the speaker has learned from his past mistakes and has moved on. The use of "former" implies that the place of punishment and redemption is no longer relevant. The final line, "The useless dawn of the horned day / Lights its uselessness," reinforces the idea that the past cannot be reclaimed. The horned day suggests a time of reckoning, but the uselessness of the dawn implies that there is no purpose to it.
Conclusion
"The Return" is a remarkable piece of literature that uses simple language to convey complex emotions. The poem's structure, language, and meaning all contribute to its effectiveness. The theme of change is universal and resonates with readers of all ages. It is a poem that is easy to read and understand but has depth and complexity that rewards careful analysis. Pound's use of language and structure shows that even a short poem can have a profound impact. "The Return" is a testament to the power of poetry and a reminder that sometimes less is more.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Return: A Masterpiece of Imagery and Symbolism
Ezra Pound, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, wrote The Return in 1912. This classic poem is a masterpiece of imagery and symbolism that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the depths of this poem, exploring its structure, language, and meaning.
Structure
The Return is a short poem, consisting of only 12 lines. However, within these 12 lines, Pound manages to create a powerful and evocative narrative. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each containing four lines. The first and third stanzas are identical, while the second stanza contains a slight variation. This structure creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is echoed in the poem's themes of return and repetition.
Language
Pound's use of language in The Return is both simple and complex. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. However, Pound's use of imagery and symbolism creates a rich and complex tapestry of meaning. The poem is full of sensory details, such as the "scent of pine" and the "sound of water." These details create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, drawing them into the world of the poem.
Symbolism
The Return is a poem full of symbolism, with each image and detail carrying multiple layers of meaning. The most prominent symbol in the poem is the river. The river represents the passage of time, flowing inexorably towards the sea. The river is also a symbol of change and transformation, as it constantly reshapes the landscape around it. The river is both a force of nature and a metaphor for the human experience.
Another important symbol in the poem is the pine tree. The pine tree represents the enduring nature of love and memory. The scent of pine is a powerful trigger for memory, and the tree itself is a symbol of longevity and resilience. The pine tree is also a symbol of the natural world, standing in contrast to the human world of change and impermanence.
The final symbol in the poem is the return itself. The return represents the cyclical nature of life, with each ending leading to a new beginning. The return is both a physical and a metaphorical journey, representing the journey of the soul through life and death.
Meaning
The Return is a poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The poem is a meditation on the cyclical nature of life, with each ending leading to a new beginning. The poem suggests that even in the face of loss and change, love and memory endure.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene, describing the river and the pine tree. The second stanza introduces the idea of loss, with the speaker lamenting the absence of a loved one. The third stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker returning to the river and the pine tree. The repetition of the first stanza creates a sense of closure, suggesting that even in the face of loss, there is always the possibility of return.
The Return is a poem that speaks to the human experience, reminding us of the impermanence of life and the enduring power of love and memory. The poem is a testament to the power of language and imagery, showing us that even in the simplest of forms, poetry can convey complex and profound ideas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Return is a masterpiece of imagery and symbolism that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Pound's use of language and structure creates a powerful and evocative narrative, drawing the reader into the world of the poem. The poem's symbols, such as the river, the pine tree, and the return, carry multiple layers of meaning, creating a rich and complex tapestry of ideas. The Return is a poem that speaks to the human experience, reminding us of the impermanence of life and the enduring power of love and memory.
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