Poem Analysis - Close To Greatness

Introduction: The Circus of Fame

Charles Bukowski's "Close To Greatness" is a cynical and humorous take on the nature of fame and the lengths people will go to in order to bask in its reflected glory. The poem recounts the speaker's encounters with two individuals claiming close relationships with the poet Ezra Pound. The tone is initially anecdotal and almost amused, but it shifts to a more critical and skeptical stance as the speaker reflects on the motivations behind these claims. The poem ultimately questions the validity of these connections and exposes the absurdity of chasing after fame through association.

Background: Bukowski's Anti-Establishment Stance

While specific historical context directly linked to the poem beyond Ezra Pound's confinement at St. Elizabeth's is limited, understanding Bukowski's general attitude is essential. Bukowski was known for his anti-establishment views and distrust of intellectual pretension. This skepticism towards literary elites likely fueled his cynical perspective on individuals claiming close ties to famous figures like Pound. Bukowski often championed the experiences of ordinary people and viewed attempts to capitalize on fame with disdain.

The Illusion of Connection: Theme of Authenticity

One of the central themes of the poem is authenticity versus pretension. The man and woman's claims of knowing Pound are presented as suspect, highlighting the ease with which individuals can fabricate or exaggerate relationships for personal gain. Bukowski implies that these individuals are more interested in elevating themselves through their alleged connection to Pound than in genuine appreciation of his work or person. The speaker's ultimate conclusion that Pound likely knew neither of them reinforces the idea that true greatness is often obscured by the clamoring of those seeking to share in it.

The Fleeting Nature of Fame: Theme of Mortality and Legacy

The poem also touches upon the theme of mortality and the construction of legacy. The lines, "when a man is living / many claim relationships / that are hardly so / and after he dies, well, / then it's everybody's party," underscore how death often magnifies the desire for association with the deceased. When someone is alive, proximity may be desired for immediate benefits. However, after death, the association becomes a means of connecting to a legacy, a way to prolong one's own existence through the achievements of another. This suggests that fame, in a way, becomes a kind of currency, used and manipulated by those left behind.

The Madhouse as Metaphor: Symbolic Isolation

The "madhouse time" mentioned in the final stanza serves as a potent symbol of Pound's isolation and the absurdity of the situation. St. Elizabeth's Hospital was a mental institution, and to think of Pound wasting his time with such people, who might very well be delusional or simply attention-seeking, underscores the futility of chasing fame. Bukowski implies that Pound’s creative genius should have been spent on worthwhile pursuits rather than being squandered on these superficial interactions. The madhouse setting perhaps extends to the whole situation, highlighting the insanity of the pursuit of fame itself. Was Pound aware of his visitors' ulterior motives, or was he truly as isolated as his setting suggests? The poem leaves that open to interpretation, adding another layer of complexity to the theme of authenticity.

Conclusion: The Enduring Cynicism

"Close To Greatness" is a cynical yet insightful exploration of fame, authenticity, and the human desire for recognition. Bukowski's poem exposes the opportunistic behavior that often surrounds celebrated figures, both during their lives and after their deaths. It questions the validity of claims to fame by association, suggesting that such connections are often driven by self-interest rather than genuine admiration. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a sense of skepticism towards the narratives we construct around famous individuals, highlighting the often-tenuous relationship between greatness and those who seek to bask in its light.