Poem Analysis - Au Salon

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "Au Salon" presents a reflective and somewhat cynical tone, exploring the superficialities of social interactions and the enduring values that shape personal preferences. The poem begins with a contemplative mood, appreciating the qualities of a specific individual, and then shifts to a more critical examination of societal norms and personal biases. The language is both elegant and sarcastic, revealing the poet's disdain for certain aspects of modern life while acknowledging the inevitability of human nature.

Themes of Social Critique and Personal Preference

The poem delves into several interconnected themes, including the critique of modern society and the enduring nature of personal preferences. Pound contrasts the superficiality of social interactions with the deeper, more enduring values that individuals hold dear. The phrase "Some circle of not more than three that we prefer to play up to" highlights the idea that true connections are limited to a small, select group, contrasting with the broader, more superficial interactions of society. The repetition of "Some few whom we'd rather please" emphasizes the importance of personal preferences and the desire for genuine connection.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem is rich with vivid imagery and symbolism that reinforce its themes. The phrase "Have tea, damn the Caesars" is a striking example of how Pound uses everyday activities to symbolize deeper truths. Tea, a mundane activity, becomes a symbol of resistance against the grandiosity of historical figures, representing the poet's disdain for superficiality. The "consummate pack" and "Sir Roger de Coverley's" are metaphors for the trivial pursuits and gossip that dominate social interactions. The "aegrum vulgus" splitting its beery jowl" is a vivid image of the common people, depicted as crude and unrefined, contrasting with the poet's preference for a more select and refined audience.

The Enduring Nature of Personal Values

Pound explores the idea that certain values and preferences are immutable, regardless of external circumstances. The phrase "That no shift of mood can shake from us" suggests that these values are deeply ingrained and resistant to change. The repetition of "Some certain peculiar things, cari laresque, penates" emphasizes the importance of familiar and comforting routines, even if they seem trivial. The "absolute unimportant" is a paradoxical phrase that highlights the significance of these small, personal preferences in the grand scheme of life. This theme is reinforced by the final lines, which suggest that true satisfaction comes from these enduring values, rather than from the approval of the masses.

Conclusion

In "Au Salon," Ezra Pound offers a nuanced critique of modern society, highlighting the superficiality of social interactions and the enduring nature of personal preferences. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Pound contrasts the trivial pursuits of everyday life with the deeper values that truly matter. The poem ultimately suggests that true satisfaction comes from the small, select circle of individuals and routines that we hold dear, rather than from the approval of the broader, more superficial society. This insight underscores the poem's significance as a reflection on the enduring values that shape our lives.