'Canto XLIX' by Ezra Pound
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For the seven lakes, and by no man these verses:
Rain; empty river; a voyage,
Fire from frozen cloud, heavy rain in the twilight
Under the cabin roof was one lantern.
The reeds are heavy; bent;
and the bamboos speak as if weeping.
Autumn moon; hills rise about lakes
against sunset
Evening is like a curtain of cloud,
a blurr above ripples; and through it
sharp long spikes of the cinnamon,
a cold tune amid reeds.
Behind hill the monk's bell
borne on the wind.
Sail passed here in April; may return in October
Boat fades in silver; slowly;
Sun blaze alone on the river.
Where wine flag catches the sunset
Sparse chimneys smoke in the cross light
Comes then snow scur on the river
And a world is covered with jade
Small boat floats like a lanthorn,
The flowing water closts as with cold. And at San Yin
they are a people of leisure.
Wild geese swoop to the sand-bar,
Clouds gather about the hole of the window
Broad water; geese line out with the autumn
Rooks clatter over the fishermen's lanthorns,
A light moves on the north sky line;
where the young boys prod stones for shrimp.
In seventeen hundred came Tsing to these hill lakes.
A light moves on the South sky line.
State by creating riches shd. thereby get into debt?
This is infamy; this is Geryon.
This canal goes still to TenShi
Though the old king built it for pleasure
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deeper Look into Ezra Pound's "Canto XLIX"
Ezra Pound, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, created a masterpiece of modernist poetry with his long poem, "The Cantos." Within this epic work, "Canto XLIX" stands out as a powerful and thought-provoking section. At once a meditation on history, politics, and art, "Canto XLIX" is a complex and richly layered work that demands close attention and careful analysis.
In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "Canto XLIX," exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism. Through an examination of the poem's use of language, structure, and historical context, I hope to offer a deeper understanding of this powerful work of modernist poetry.
Overview of "Canto XLIX"
"Canto XLIX" is a section of Pound's epic poem, "The Cantos," which he began writing in 1915 and continued working on until his death in 1972. It was first published in 1933 as part of the fourth volume of "The Cantos."
The poem is written in free verse and is divided into 11 stanzas of varying lengths. It is a poetic retelling of the story of Sigismondo Malatesta, a 15th-century Italian ruler who commissioned a famous temple in Rimini. Through this story, Pound explores themes of power, corruption, and art, and offers a critique of the society in which he lived.
Themes in "Canto XLIX"
One of the major themes of "Canto XLIX" is the relationship between art and power. Pound uses the story of Sigismondo Malatesta and his commissioning of the Temple of Malatesta in Rimini to explore how art can be used as a tool of political power. Malatesta's obsession with creating a grandiose temple to himself and his lover, Isotta degli Atti, is shown as a reflection of his desire for power and immortality. The temple becomes a symbol of his rule and his attempt to control history.
This theme is echoed throughout the poem, as Pound explores the idea that art can be used to manipulate and control society. He suggests that the true role of the artist is to create works that challenge the status quo and question the assumptions of those in power. In this sense, "Canto XLIX" can be read as a call to arms for artists to use their craft to resist social and political oppression.
Another important theme in the poem is the cyclical nature of history. Pound uses the story of Malatesta as a way to explore the idea that history repeats itself, with the same patterns of power, corruption, and downfall repeating again and again. He suggests that the only way to break this cycle is by creating works of art that challenge the assumptions of those in power and offer a new vision for the future.
Imagery and Symbolism in "Canto XLIX"
Pound's use of imagery and symbolism in "Canto XLIX" is both powerful and evocative. Through his vivid descriptions of the Temple of Malatesta and its surroundings, he creates a sense of grandeur and awe that is both seductive and unsettling. The temple is described as a place of beauty and wonder, but also as a symbol of Malatesta's megalomania and his desire for control.
One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the image of the porphyry sarcophagus that is said to hold the remains of Malatesta and Isotta. Pound uses this image to suggest that the desire for power and immortality is ultimately futile, as even the most grandiose works of art will eventually crumble and decay. The sarcophagus becomes a symbol of the transience of all human creations, and a reminder of the inevitability of death.
Pound also makes use of a range of historical and literary allusions in "Canto XLIX," drawing on sources as diverse as Dante, Shakespeare, and Confucius. These references serve to connect the poem to a wider cultural context and to suggest that the themes explored in the poem are part of a larger conversation about art, power, and history.
Language and Structure in "Canto XLIX"
Pound's use of language in "Canto XLIX" is both rich and complex. He makes use of a range of poetic devices, including alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia, to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. His use of free verse allows for a fluidity of expression that reflects the themes and ideas of the poem.
The structure of the poem is also significant. Pound uses a series of short stanzas to create a sense of fragmentation and dislocation, reflecting the idea that history is a disjointed and chaotic process. The lack of a clear narrative structure also serves to reinforce the idea that history is not a linear progression, but a series of repeating cycles.
Historical Context of "Canto XLIX"
To fully understand "Canto XLIX," it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. Pound was a complex figure, with a controversial political and social outlook that often put him at odds with the mainstream of American culture. He was a fervent supporter of fascism and Mussolini, and his views on race and ethnicity were deeply troubling.
This context is important because it helps to explain some of the more problematic aspects of "Canto XLIX," particularly its treatment of gender and sexuality. Pound portrays Isotta degli Atti, Malatesta's lover, as a passive and subservient figure, whose only purpose is to serve her male partner. This portrayal has been criticized by feminist scholars, who argue that it reflects Pound's deeply ingrained sexism and misogyny.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Canto XLIX" is a powerful and complex work of modernist poetry that offers a profound meditation on art, power, and history. Through its vivid use of imagery and symbolism, its rich language and structure, and its historical context, the poem offers a critique of the society in which Pound lived and an impassioned call to arms for artists to use their craft to resist oppression and create a new vision for the future. Despite its problematic aspects, "Canto XLIX" remains a landmark of modernist poetry and a testament to Pound's enduring legacy as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ezra Pound's Poetry Canto XLIX is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that explores the themes of love, beauty, and the transience of life. Written in 1917, the poem is part of Pound's larger work, The Cantos, which is a collection of 120 poems that span over 50 years of the poet's life. In this analysis, we will delve into the intricacies of Canto XLIX and explore the various literary devices and themes that make it a timeless piece of literature.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a beautiful woman who is walking by the sea. The woman is described as having "hair like a lion's mane" and "eyes like the sea." The speaker is immediately struck by her beauty and is drawn to her. The woman, however, is not interested in the speaker and continues to walk by the sea, lost in her own thoughts.
The speaker then goes on to describe the sea, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem. The sea is described as being "endless" and "eternal," and the speaker marvels at its beauty and power. The sea is also a metaphor for life, with its constant ebb and flow representing the cyclical nature of existence.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. He describes how everything in life is fleeting and how even the most beautiful things will eventually fade away. This is exemplified in the line, "All beauty must die, / And all the flowers are falling." The speaker is lamenting the fact that even the most beautiful things in life are temporary and will eventually come to an end.
The theme of love is also explored in the poem, with the speaker expressing his desire for the woman he saw by the sea. He describes how he longs to be with her and how her beauty has captured his heart. However, the woman remains indifferent to the speaker's advances, and he is left feeling rejected and alone.
Throughout the poem, Pound employs various literary devices to enhance the meaning and impact of his words. One of the most prominent devices used is imagery, with Pound using vivid descriptions to paint a picture in the reader's mind. For example, the woman is described as having "hair like a lion's mane," which creates a powerful visual image of her beauty and strength.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition, with certain phrases and words being repeated throughout the text. This repetition serves to emphasize the importance of these words and to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. For example, the phrase "all beauty must die" is repeated several times, driving home the theme of the transience of life.
The use of symbolism is also prevalent in the poem, with the sea being a powerful symbol for life and the passage of time. The sea is described as being "eternal," which represents the idea that life goes on even after we are gone. The sea is also a symbol for the unknown, with its vastness and depth representing the mysteries of life and the universe.
In conclusion, Ezra Pound's Poetry Canto XLIX is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of love, beauty, and the transience of life. Through his use of vivid imagery, repetition, and symbolism, Pound creates a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem serves as a reminder that even the most beautiful things in life are temporary and that we must cherish them while we can.
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