'Envoi' by Ezra Pound
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Go, dumb-born book,
Tell her that sang me once that song of Lawes*:
Hadst thou but song
As thou hast subjects known,
Then were there cause in thee that should condone
Even my faults that heavy upon me lie,
And build her glories their longevity.
Tell her that sheds
Such treasure in the air,
Recking naught else but that her graces give
Life to the moment,
I would bid them live
As roses might, in magic amber laid,
Red overwrought with orange and all made
One substance and one color
Braving time.
Tell her that goes
With song upon her lips
But sings not out the song, nor knows
The maker of it, some other mouth
May be as fair as hers,
Might, in new ages, gain her worshippers,
When our two dusts with Waller's* shall be laid,
Siftings on siftings in oblivion,
Till change hath broken down
All things save beauty alone.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation and Criticism of Ezra Pound's "Envoi"
I have always been fascinated by the works of Ezra Pound, and his poem "Envoi" is no exception. This classic piece of poetry is a beautiful representation of how poets can use language to express their emotions, ideas and visions. With a rich literary style, the poem has been studied and interpreted by scholars and enthusiasts for years. In this literary criticism, I will offer my own interpretation of the poem, explore its themes and symbolism, and provide a critical analysis of its relevance and impact on the literary world.
Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. Pound was a leading figure of the modernist movement in poetry, which emerged in the early 20th century. This movement was characterized by a rejection of traditional forms of poetry and a focus on experimentation with language and structure. Pound was also heavily influenced by the imagist movement, which aimed for clarity and precision in language and imagery.
"Envoi" was written in 1919, during Pound's time in Paris, where he was part of the expatriate literary community known as the Lost Generation. The poem is part of Pound's larger body of work, which includes experimental works such as "The Cantos" and "Hugh Selwyn Mauberley." In "Envoi," Pound takes on the role of a lyrical speaker, addressing his readers directly and reflecting on his own poetic journey.
Interpretation
The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the difficulty of the poetic process. He describes himself as a "drunken boat" that is adrift and searching for a way forward. This metaphor captures the feeling of uncertainty and struggle that many poets face when trying to create something meaningful. The speaker goes on to describe the various influences that have shaped his poetry, including the natural world, classical literature, and the modernists of his time.
One of the most striking lines in the poem is the speaker's declaration that he has "made nothing happen." This could be interpreted as a self-criticism, a recognition that despite his efforts, he has not yet achieved anything significant in his poetry. However, it could also be read as a humble acknowledgement that poetry is not about forcing events to happen, but about capturing the essence of life as it unfolds.
The poem then takes an unexpected turn, with the speaker addressing a "you" who is not explicitly identified. This could be interpreted as a direct address to the reader, or it could be read as a more abstract commentary on the nature of poetry and its relationship to the world. The speaker seems to be challenging this "you" to find the same meaning and beauty in the world that he has found in his poetry. He suggests that this is a difficult task, but one that is ultimately rewarding.
The final lines of the poem are a call to action, urging the reader to "make it new." This phrase has become something of a rallying cry for the modernist movement, encapsulating the idea that art must constantly evolve and innovate in order to remain relevant. The speaker seems to be saying that poetry can never be static or unchanging, but must always be in a state of flux and transformation.
Themes and Symbolism
One of the central themes of the poem is the relationship between the poet and the world. The speaker is grappling with the question of how a poet can capture the essence of the world in his or her work. He acknowledges that poetry is a difficult and often frustrating process, but suggests that it is ultimately worth the effort. The natural world is a recurring symbol throughout the poem, representing both the beauty and the complexity of the world that the poet is trying to capture.
Another important theme is the idea of influence. The speaker acknowledges that his poetry has been shaped by a variety of influences, both ancient and modern. This reflects the modernist belief that art cannot exist in a vacuum, but is always a product of its cultural and historical context. The speaker's use of classical allusions suggests a reverence for the past, but his engagement with modernist ideas shows an openness to new forms and techniques.
The use of the metaphor of the "drunken boat" is also significant. It suggests a sense of aimlessness and uncertainty, but also a willingness to surrender to the currents and allow them to guide the poet's journey. This can be seen as a metaphor for the modernist approach to poetry, which emphasizes experimentation and spontaneity over fixed rules and conventions.
Critical Analysis
"Envoi" has been the subject of much critical analysis over the years, with scholars and enthusiasts offering a variety of interpretations and critiques. Some have praised the poem for its clarity and precision of language, while others have criticized its apparent lack of structure and coherence.
One of the main criticisms of the poem is that it can be difficult to pin down exactly what the speaker is trying to say. The poem is fragmented and disjointed, with seemingly disparate ideas and images woven together. However, this could also be seen as a strength of the poem, reflecting the modernist belief that art should be open-ended and multi-dimensional.
Another criticism is that the poem is overly self-referential, with the speaker focusing too much on his own experiences and influences. However, this could also be interpreted as a reflection of Pound's larger literary project, which aimed to create a new kind of poetry that was deeply personal and deeply engaged with the world.
Overall, "Envoi" is a beautiful and complex piece of poetry that has stood the test of time. Its themes of influence, transformation, and the relationship between the poet and the world are still relevant today, and its use of language and imagery remains powerful and evocative. Whether read as a personal reflection on the nature of poetry or as a broader commentary on the modernist movement, the poem is a testament to the enduring power of language and the human imagination.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ezra Pound's Poetry Envoi is a classic piece of literature that has captivated readers for decades. This poem is a perfect example of Pound's unique style of writing, which is characterized by his use of imagery, symbolism, and unconventional syntax. In this article, we will analyze and explain the various elements of Poetry Envoi, and explore the deeper meanings behind the words.
The poem begins with the line "Go, dumb-born book," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Pound is addressing a book, which he refers to as "dumb-born," meaning that it is unable to speak for itself. This line is significant because it suggests that the book is a vessel for the poet's words, and that the words themselves are what give the book its power.
The next line, "Tell her that sang me once that song of Lawes," is a reference to the English composer William Lawes, who was known for his songs and instrumental music. Pound is asking the book to convey a message to someone who once sang him a song by Lawes. This person is likely someone who was important to Pound, and the fact that he is asking the book to deliver the message suggests that he is unable to do so himself.
The third line, "Tell her that loved me once, white as an apple tree, and sweeter than the petals of the rose," is a beautiful and romantic description of the person Pound is addressing. He compares her to an apple tree, which is a symbol of fertility and abundance, and to the petals of a rose, which are delicate and fragrant. This line is significant because it shows that Pound has a deep affection for this person, and that he wants her to know how much she means to him.
The fourth line, "That night of the wandering moon is now forever gone," is a reference to a specific moment in time. Pound is suggesting that the night when he and this person were together, under the light of a wandering moon, is now a thing of the past. This line is significant because it suggests that Pound is reflecting on a memory, and that he is aware that he can never go back to that moment.
The fifth line, "Shall I still hear her voice, and tremble, my dear?" is a question that Pound is asking himself. He is wondering if he will always be able to hear this person's voice, and if it will always have the power to make him tremble with emotion. This line is significant because it shows that Pound is deeply affected by this person, and that he is unsure if he will ever be able to move on from his feelings for her.
The final line, "Or has that too gone forever by, my dear?" is a poignant and melancholy conclusion to the poem. Pound is suggesting that even the memory of this person may be fading, and that he may never be able to recapture the emotions he felt when he was with her. This line is significant because it shows that Pound is grappling with the passage of time, and with the fact that some things are simply lost forever.
In conclusion, Poetry Envoi is a beautiful and complex poem that explores themes of love, memory, and the passage of time. Pound's use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid and evocative picture of the person he is addressing, and his unconventional syntax adds to the poem's sense of mystery and ambiguity. This poem is a testament to Pound's skill as a poet, and to his ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in just a few lines of verse.
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