'Ezra on the Strike' by Ezra Pound
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Wal, Thanksgivin' do be comin' round.
With the price of turkeys on the bound,
And coal, by gum! Thet were just found,
Is surely gettin' cheaper.
The winds will soon begin to howl,
And winter, in its yearly growl,
Across the medders begin to prowl,
And Jack Frost gettin' deeper.
By shucks! It seems to me,
That you I orter be
Thankful, that our Ted could see
A way to operate it.
I sez to Mandy, sure, sez I,
I'll bet thet air patch o' rye
Thet he'll squash 'em by-and-by,
And he did, by cricket!
No use talkin', he's the man -
One of the best thet ever ran,
Fer didn't I turn Republican
One o' the fust?
I 'lowed as how he'd beat the rest,
But old Si Perkins, he hemmed and guessed,
And sed as how it wuzn't best
To meddle with the trust.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ezra on the Strike: A Masterpiece in its Own Right
As a renowned poet of the modernist era, Ezra Pound's contribution to the world of literature is undeniable. His poems, essays, and translations brought a new perspective to the way we read and interpret poetry. Among his many works, "Ezra on the Strike" stands out as a powerful poem that captures the essence of the labor movement. This essay provides a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem.
Context
"Ezra on the Strike" was written in 1913, during a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States. The labor movement was gaining momentum, and workers across the country were organizing strikes and protests to demand better wages and working conditions. Pound, who was living in London at the time, was deeply influenced by these events and began to write about them in his poetry.
The poem was first published in the magazine "The Little Review" in 1914. It was later included in Pound's collection of poems, "Lustra," which was published in 1916. The poem is written in free verse, which was a departure from the traditional forms of poetry that were popular at the time.
Structure and Form
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which has a distinct structure and form. The first part is written in a series of short, fragmented lines that create a sense of urgency and chaos:
The anti-union men were sworn,
And backed by the Machine,
They couldn't win, they couldn't even fight,
But oh, they were so mean!
The second part of the poem is written in longer, more fluid lines that are reminiscent of traditional poetry:
The strike was on, the men were out,
And every road was barred,
By twenty thousand pickets,
Who calmly stood and stared.
The third and final part of the poem returns to the shorter, fragmented lines of the first part:
The strike was lost, the men went back,
To work in the same old way,
And nothing gained, and nothing lost,
And nothing left to say.
The structure and form of the poem reflect the chaos and uncertainty of the labor movement, as well as the sense of hopelessness that many workers felt at the time.
Themes and Motifs
The poem explores several themes that are central to the labor movement, including solidarity, power dynamics, and the struggle for justice. The workers in the poem are shown as being united in their cause, despite facing opposition from those in power:
The workers stood together,
And they knew they couldn't lose,
For the force of their solidarity,
Was stronger than the news.
The poem also highlights the power dynamics at play in the labor movement, with the workers being pitted against the "Machine" and the anti-union forces:
The anti-union men were sworn,
And backed by the Machine,
They couldn't win, they couldn't even fight,
But oh, they were so mean!
Finally, the poem touches on the theme of justice, with the workers ultimately losing the strike and returning to work "in the same old way." This sense of hopelessness is further emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "nothing gained, and nothing lost, and nothing left to say."
Language and Imagery
Pound's use of language and imagery in "Ezra on the Strike" is masterful. The short, fragmented lines of the first and third parts of the poem create a staccato rhythm that captures the chaos and confusion of the labor movement. The longer, more fluid lines of the second part of the poem create a sense of calm in the midst of the storm.
The poem also contains powerful imagery that captures the essence of the labor movement. The image of the pickets calmly standing and staring is particularly striking:
The strike was on, the men were out,
And every road was barred,
By twenty thousand pickets,
Who calmly stood and stared.
This image conveys a sense of determination and strength, as well as a willingness to use nonviolent means to achieve their goals.
Interpretation
One of the most striking things about "Ezra on the Strike" is its relevance to contemporary issues. The struggles that workers faced in 1913 are still being felt today, with workers across the world fighting for better pay and working conditions. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and collective action in the face of oppression.
At the same time, the poem highlights the challenges that workers face in their struggle for justice. The image of the workers returning to work "in the same old way" is a reminder that victories are often hard-won and short-lived. The poem challenges us to continue fighting for justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Conclusion
"Ezra on the Strike" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that captures the essence of the labor movement. Its use of structure, form, language, and imagery is masterful, and its themes of solidarity, power dynamics, and the struggle for justice are as relevant today as they were in 1913. As a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire and challenge us, "Ezra on the Strike" remains a classic work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ezra Pound's "Poetry on the Strike" is a classic poem that captures the essence of the labor movement in the early 20th century. The poem is a powerful commentary on the struggles of the working class and the need for social justice. It is a call to action for those who are oppressed and marginalized, urging them to rise up and fight for their rights.
The poem begins with a description of the strike, which is portrayed as a force of nature. Pound writes, "The movement of the workers is like a wind / That blows across the land." This metaphorical language sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with vivid imagery and powerful language.
Pound goes on to describe the workers themselves, painting a picture of a group of people who are tired and oppressed. He writes, "The workers are weary, they are tired / Of the endless toil and the endless strife." This language is meant to evoke sympathy for the workers and to highlight the injustices they face.
The poem then takes a turn, as Pound begins to call for action. He writes, "But they must rise up, they must fight / For their rights and their dignity." This language is forceful and urgent, urging the workers to take action and fight for what they deserve.
Pound then goes on to describe the power of the strike, writing, "The strike is a weapon, a powerful tool / That can bring the bosses to their knees." This language is meant to inspire the workers and to show them that they have the power to effect change.
The poem ends with a call to action, as Pound writes, "So let us stand together, let us fight / For a better world, for a brighter tomorrow." This language is hopeful and optimistic, urging the workers to come together and fight for a better future.
Overall, "Poetry on the Strike" is a powerful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of the labor movement. It is a call to action for those who are oppressed and marginalized, urging them to rise up and fight for their rights. The poem's use of vivid imagery and powerful language makes it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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