Poem Analysis - Before Sleep

Ezra Pound's "Before Sleep" presents a dreamlike and somewhat surreal narrative, blending elements of ancient mythology with modern sensibilities. The poem's tone shifts from a sense of being caressed and attended to by unseen forces to a more urgent and determined mood, as the speaker resolves to follow a guiding figure. The imagery is vivid and often disorienting, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of dreams.

Tone and Mood Shifts

The poem begins with a sense of being enveloped and caressed by lateral vibrations, which could be interpreted as the speaker's subconscious mind or the forces of the underworld. The tone here is somewhat passive and receptive, with the speaker allowing these forces to work in their favor. The repetition of the word "caress" and the phrase "pathetically in my favour" suggests a mix of comfort and vulnerability. However, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts to one of determination and urgency, as the speaker declares, "I am up to follow thee, Pallas." This shift indicates a transition from a state of passive receptivity to active pursuit.

Themes of Guidance and Escape

The poem explores themes of guidance and escape. The speaker is attended by various gods and forces, suggesting a need for direction and protection. The repeated invocation of Pallas, a figure associated with wisdom and warfare in Greek mythology, underscores this theme. The speaker's desire to follow Pallas can be seen as a quest for wisdom or a higher purpose. The imagery of the rocket bending its passages from right to left and from left to right in a spiral suggests a struggle to escape the confines of the underworld or the constraints of the subconscious mind. The speaker's resolve to follow Pallas out of the caresses of the gods of drugged sleep indicates a desire to break free from a state of passivity or entrapment.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and vivid imagery. The lateral vibrations and the gods of the underworld represent the subconscious mind or the forces that influence the speaker from below. The figure of Pallas, who is invoked twice, symbolizes wisdom, guidance, and a higher purpose. The rocket imagery, with its bending passages and spiral projection, suggests a struggle for escape and a desire for freedom. The repetition of the phrase "I am up to follow thee, Pallas" emphasizes the speaker's determination to seek guidance and escape the confines of the underworld. The use of ancient mythology in a modern context adds a layer of complexity, suggesting a blend of timeless wisdom and contemporary struggles.

Conclusion

In "Before Sleep," Ezra Pound weaves a dreamlike narrative that explores themes of guidance, escape, and the struggle between passivity and determination. Through vivid imagery and rich symbolism, the poem conveys the speaker's journey from a state of passive receptivity to an active pursuit of wisdom and freedom. The shifting tone and the use of ancient mythology in a modern context highlight the universal struggle for direction and escape from the confines of the subconscious mind. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of the human desire for guidance and the struggle to break free from the forces that seek to control or influence us.