'La Fraisne' by Ezra Pound
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For I was a gaunt, grave councilor
Being in all things wise, and very old,
But I have put aside this folly and the cold
That old age weareth for a cloak.
I was quite strong—at least they said so—
The young men at the sword-play;
But I have put aside this folly, being gay
In another fashion that more suiteth me.
I have curled mid the boles of the ash wood,
I have hidden my face where the oak
Spread his leaves over me, and the yoke
Of the old ways of men have I cast aside.
By the still pool of Mar-nan-otha
Have I found me a bride
That was a dog-wood tree some syne.
She hath called me from mine old ways
She hath hushed my rancour of council,
Bidding me praise
Naught but the wind that flutters in the leaves.
She hath drawn me from mine old ways,
Till men say that I am mad;
But I have seen the sorrow of men, and am glad,
For I know that the wailing and bitterness are a folly.
And I? I have put aside all folly and all grief.
I wrapped my tears in an ellum leaf
And left them under a stone
And now men call me mad because I have thrown
All folly from me, putting it aside
To leave the old barren ways of men,
Because my bride
Is a pool of the wood and
Tho all men say that I am mad
It is only that I am glad,
Very glad, for my bride hath toward me a great love
That is sweeter than the love of women
That plague and burn and drive one away.
Aie-e! 'Tis true that I am gay
Quite gay, for I have her alone here
And no man troubleth us.
Once when I was among the young men . . . .
And they said I was quite strong, among the young
Once there was a woman . . . .[men.
. . . . but I forget . . . . she was . . . .
. . . . I hope she will not come again.
. . . . I do not remember . . . .
I think she hurt me once but . . . .
That was very long ago.
I do not like to remember things any more.
I like one little band of winds that blow
In the ash trees here:
For we are quite alone
Here mid the ash trees.
Editor 1 Interpretation
La Fraisne: Ezra Pound's Masterpiece
If you want to read poetry that can take you to a different world, then La Fraisne by Ezra Pound is the perfect choice for you. This masterpiece is not just a poem, but also a statement of Pound's vision for modernist poetry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, style, and structure of La Fraisne, and understand why it is considered one of Pound's greatest works.
The Setting: A Beautiful Oak Tree
La Fraisne is set under the shade of a beautiful oak tree, which Pound describes in detail. The tree is not just a physical presence, but also a metaphor for the beauty of nature and the continuity of life. As the poem progresses, the oak tree becomes a representation of the divine, and the speaker's search for spiritual fulfillment.
The Speaker's Quest for Spiritual Fulfillment
The poem begins with the speaker's desire to find a way to transcend the mundane world and reach a higher level of consciousness. The speaker sees the oak tree as a symbol of the divine, and wants to connect with it in order to find spiritual fulfillment. The oak tree is described as "a cross of God / Upon this world-tree's bark," which suggests that the speaker sees the tree as a representation of Christ on the cross.
The speaker's quest for spiritual fulfillment is a recurring theme in the poem. Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the nature of existence, the meaning of life, and the search for enlightenment. The speaker is seeking a way to connect with the divine, and the oak tree becomes a symbol of that connection.
The Oak Tree as a Metaphor for Continuity
As the poem progresses, the oak tree becomes a metaphor for continuity. The oak tree is described as "an oak, / A tower of ivy and mistletoe," which suggests that the tree has been around for a long time, and will continue to be around long after the speaker is gone. The oak tree becomes a symbol of the continuity of life, and the speaker's desire to be a part of that continuity.
The Style of La Fraisne: Imagism
La Fraisne is a masterpiece of Imagism, which was a literary movement that Pound helped to establish. Imagism was a reaction against the flowery language and sentimental themes of Victorian poetry. Imagist poets believed that poetry should be concise, precise, and focused on the sensory experience.
Pound's use of Imagism in La Fraisne is evident in his use of concrete images that evoke the senses. For example, he describes the oak tree as "a tower of ivy and mistletoe," which creates a vivid image in the reader's mind. Pound's use of Imagism also allows him to convey complex ideas in a concise and precise manner.
The Structure of La Fraisne: The Villanelle
La Fraisne is written in the form of a villanelle, which is a highly structured poem that consists of five tercets and a quatrain. The first and third lines of the first tercet are repeated alternately throughout the poem, and the second line of each tercet is repeated as the last line of the following tercet.
Pound's use of the villanelle structure in La Fraisne is significant because it allows him to create a sense of repetition and circularity that matches the speaker's quest for spiritual fulfillment. The repeated lines create a sense of continuity that mirrors the continuity of life represented by the oak tree.
Conclusion: Why La Fraisne is a Masterpiece
La Fraisne is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that explores themes of spirituality, continuity, and the beauty of nature. Pound's use of Imagism creates vivid images that evoke the senses, while the villanelle structure creates a sense of repetition and circularity that mirrors the speaker's quest for spiritual fulfillment. La Fraisne is a testament to Pound's vision for modernist poetry, and it continues to inspire readers and poets alike.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry La Fraisne: An Analysis of Ezra Pound's Classic Poem
Ezra Pound, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, wrote a masterpiece in the form of Poetry La Fraisne. This poem, written in 1912, is a perfect example of Pound's unique style of writing, which combines classical and modern elements to create a work of art that is both timeless and innovative.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which is composed of four lines. The first stanza sets the scene, describing a "cool green pool" surrounded by "mossy stones" and "shaded by the beechen trees." The second stanza introduces the "fairy folk" who inhabit this idyllic setting, while the third stanza concludes with a reflection on the transience of life.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple pastoral scene, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface. Pound uses a variety of literary techniques to convey his message, including alliteration, assonance, and metaphor.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of alliteration. Pound employs this technique throughout the poem, using repeated consonant sounds to create a musical effect. For example, in the first stanza, he writes "cool green pool" and "mossy stones," while in the second stanza, he uses "fairy folk" and "flickering fireflies." This repetition of sounds not only creates a pleasing rhythm but also serves to emphasize the beauty of the natural world.
Assonance is another technique that Pound uses to great effect in Poetry La Fraisne. This involves the repetition of vowel sounds within words, and Pound uses it to create a sense of harmony and unity. For example, in the first stanza, he writes "shaded by the beechen trees," while in the second stanza, he uses "fairy folk" and "flickering fireflies." These repeated vowel sounds help to tie the poem together and give it a sense of cohesion.
Metaphor is perhaps the most important literary technique used in the poem. Pound uses metaphor to convey his message about the transience of life and the importance of living in the moment. For example, in the third stanza, he writes "the fairy folk are gone, they are gone," comparing the fleeting existence of the fairies to the fleeting nature of life itself. This metaphor is particularly powerful because it reminds us that life is short and that we should make the most of every moment.
Another metaphor used in the poem is the comparison of the "flickering fireflies" to the "fairy folk." This metaphor serves to emphasize the magical quality of the natural world and reminds us that there is much more to life than what we can see with our eyes.
Overall, Poetry La Fraisne is a masterful work of art that combines classical and modern elements to create a timeless masterpiece. Pound's use of alliteration, assonance, and metaphor creates a musical and harmonious effect that draws the reader in and conveys his message about the transience of life. This poem is a testament to Pound's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
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