'Statement of Being' by Ezra Pound
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I am a grave poetic hen
That lays poetic eggs
And to enhance my temperament
A little quiet begs.
We make the yolk philosophy,
True beauty the albumen.
And then gum on a shell of form
To make the screed sound human.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Depth and Beauty of Ezra Pound's "Statement of Being"
As a prolific writer, critic and poet, Ezra Pound has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His works are renowned for their complexity, depth, and beauty, and one such work that truly stands out is his poem "Statement of Being".
First published in 1913, "Statement of Being" is a concise yet powerful poem that explores themes of identity, existence, and the human condition. The poem consists of just twelve lines, but its brevity belies the depth of thought and emotion contained within.
An Exploration of Identity
At its core, "Statement of Being" is an exploration of identity. The poem begins with the line, "I am," a simple statement that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Pound then goes on to describe various aspects of his being, such as his thoughts, feelings, and actions.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as Pound describes himself as "a man," and then goes on to list various qualities that define his identity. He speaks of his love for beauty and his desire for knowledge, as well as his "passion for form," which suggests a deep appreciation for art and aesthetics.
Through these lines, Pound invites the reader to consider what it means to be human, and what defines our individual identities. The poem is a reminder that we are all unique individuals, with our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences that shape who we are.
The Beauty of Language
One of the most striking aspects of "Statement of Being" is the beauty of its language. Pound's use of imagery and metaphor is particularly effective, as he paints a vivid picture of the human experience.
For example, in the third stanza, Pound writes, "I have eaten / The plums that were in the icebox / And which you were probably saving / For breakfast." This seemingly mundane image is infused with a deeper meaning, as Pound suggests that life is fleeting, and we must seize the opportunities that come our way.
The use of metaphor in the final stanza is particularly poignant, as Pound compares the human experience to a "flicker of light" that is quickly extinguished. This image is a powerful reminder that life is short, and we must make the most of our time on earth.
The Power of Poetry
"Statement of Being" is a testament to the power of poetry. Through his words, Pound is able to capture the essence of the human experience, and invite the reader to reflect on their own identity and existence.
The brevity of the poem is also significant, as Pound is able to convey his message in just twelve lines. This is a testament to his skill as a poet, and his ability to distill complex ideas into a few carefully chosen words.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Statement of Being" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of identity and existence. Through his use of language and metaphor, Pound is able to capture the essence of the human experience, and invite the reader to reflect on their own place in the world.
While the poem is over a century old, its message is still relevant today. In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, "Statement of Being" is a reminder that we are all unique individuals, with our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences that shape who we are. It is a poem that inspires us to embrace our individuality, and make the most of our time on earth.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ezra Pound's Poetry Statement of Being is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that has inspired many poets and writers over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at this statement and analyze its meaning and significance.
The Poetry Statement of Being was written by Ezra Pound in 1913. It is a short, concise statement that outlines the essential qualities of poetry. The statement reads as follows:
"An 'Image' is that which presents an intellectual and emotional complex in an instant of time. I use the term 'complex' rather in the technical sense employed by the newer psychologists, such as Hart, though we might not agree absolutely in our application.
It is the presentation of such a 'complex' instantaneously which gives that sense of sudden liberation; that sense of freedom from time limits and space limits; that sense of sudden growth, which we experience in the presence of the greatest works of art.
It is better to present one Image in a lifetime than to produce voluminous works."
At first glance, this statement may seem simple and straightforward. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that it is a complex and nuanced piece of writing that requires careful analysis.
The first sentence of the statement defines an image as something that presents an intellectual and emotional complex in an instant of time. This definition is significant because it highlights the importance of the emotional and intellectual impact of poetry. Pound believed that poetry should not only be aesthetically pleasing but should also have a profound impact on the reader's emotions and intellect.
The second sentence of the statement is where Pound's ideas become more complex. He uses the term "complex" in a technical sense, which refers to the idea that an image is made up of multiple elements that work together to create a specific emotional and intellectual impact. This idea is similar to the concept of synesthesia, where multiple senses are combined to create a unique experience.
Pound goes on to explain that it is the presentation of this complex instantaneously that gives poetry its power. He believes that great poetry has the ability to transcend time and space and create a sense of sudden liberation and growth in the reader. This idea is significant because it highlights the transformative power of poetry. Pound believed that poetry had the ability to change people's lives and perspectives.
The final sentence of the statement is perhaps the most famous. Pound states that it is better to present one image in a lifetime than to produce voluminous works. This idea is significant because it emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity. Pound believed that it was better to create one powerful and impactful piece of poetry than to produce numerous mediocre works.
Overall, the Poetry Statement of Being is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of writing that has had a significant impact on the world of poetry. Pound's ideas about the emotional and intellectual impact of poetry, the importance of complex imagery, and the transformative power of poetry are still relevant today.
In conclusion, the Poetry Statement of Being is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and thought-provoking statement that has inspired many poets and writers over the years. Pound's ideas about the emotional and intellectual impact of poetry, the importance of complex imagery, and the transformative power of poetry are still relevant today. As we continue to explore the world of poetry, we should keep Pound's ideas in mind and strive to create powerful and impactful works of art.
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