Poem Analysis - And Thus In Nineveh

Initial Impression and Tone

And Thus in Nineveh by Ezra Pound presents a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone, with a touch of defiance. The speaker, a poet, contemplates his place in the world and his inevitable end. The poem shifts from a contemplative mood to a more assertive one, as the poet affirms his role and the respect he expects to receive. The repetition of certain phrases and the use of vivid imagery create a sense of continuity and depth.

Themes of Mortality and Legacy

The poem explores the theme of mortality, as the speaker reflects on his impending death and the rituals that will follow. The repeated phrase And upon my tomb shall maidens scatter rose leaves and men myrtles emphasizes the inevitability of death and the rituals that surround it. The speaker acknowledges that his songs may not be the highest or sweetest, but he asserts his role as a poet, suggesting that his legacy will endure. The theme of legacy is further emphasized by the reference to other singers who have passed before him, indicating a sense of continuity and tradition.

The Role of the Poet

The poem delves into the theme of the poet's role in society. The speaker asserts that he is a poet, not because his songs are the best, but because he drinks of life as lesser men drink wine. This suggests that the poet's role is to experience life deeply and to express that experience through his art. The speaker's defiance in the face of his own mortality and his assertion of his role as a poet highlight the importance of the poet's role in society. The repetition of the phrase And am I poet emphasizes the speaker's identity and his pride in his role.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and imagery. The rose leaves and myrtles scattered on the tomb symbolize respect and remembrance, while the night slaying the day with her dark sword or blue sword represents the inevitability of death. The wave-worn beauty and the wind of flowers are vivid images that suggest the passage of time and the transient nature of beauty. The dim halls where no man troubleth his sleep or song may symbolize the afterlife or the realm of the imagination, where the poet's songs will continue to resonate. The ambiguity of these symbols invites the reader to reflect on their own interpretations and the deeper meanings they may hold.

Conclusion

And Thus in Nineveh by Ezra Pound is a reflective and defiant meditation on mortality, legacy, and the role of the poet. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem explores the inevitability of death and the enduring power of art. The speaker's assertion of his role as a poet, despite the transient nature of his songs, highlights the importance of the poet's role in society. The poem invites the reader to reflect on their own mortality and the legacy they hope to leave behind, as well as the power of art to transcend the boundaries of time and space.