Poem Analysis - The Coming Of War Actaeon

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem "The Coming Of War: Actaeon" by Ezra Pound presents a vivid and somewhat ominous scene. The tone shifts from serene and contemplative to foreboding and intense. The initial description of the landscape is calm and almost idyllic, but the introduction of Actaeon and the "hosts of an ancient people" brings a sense of impending danger and mystery. The poem's form, with its short lines and fragmented structure, supports the sense of urgency and disquiet.

Themes of Mortality and Inevitability

One of the central themes in the poem is mortality. The mention of Lethe, the river of forgetfulness in Greek mythology, immediately sets a tone of finality and the end of life. The "fields full of faint light but golden" and the "gray cliffs" suggest a landscape that is both beautiful and stark, reflecting the duality of life and death. The "sea harsher than granite, unstill, never ceasing" symbolizes the relentless and inevitable passage of time, which ultimately leads to death. The "high forms with the movement of gods" and their "perilous aspect" further emphasize the presence of a higher, unyielding force that governs life and death.

The Presence of the Past and the Inevitable

Another prominent theme is the presence of the past. The reference to Actaeon, a figure from Greek mythology who was transformed into a stag and hunted to death by his own hounds, suggests a recurring cycle of fate and tragedy. The "hosts of an ancient people, the silent cortège" imply a procession of the dead, emphasizing the continuity of history and the inevitability of death. The "cool face of that field" and the "fair meadows" over which Actaeon moves add a layer of tranquility that contrasts with the underlying sense of doom, highlighting the inexorable march of time and the past's influence on the present.

Symbolism of the Landscape and the Sea

The landscape described in the poem is rich with symbolism. The "fields full of faint light but golden" and the "gray cliffs" create a stark contrast, symbolizing the beauty and harshness of life. The "sea harsher than granite, unstill, never ceasing" is a powerful image that represents the relentless and unyielding nature of fate. The sea's constant motion and unyielding strength suggest the inevitability of change and the passage of time. The "high forms with the movement of gods" and their "perilous aspect" further emphasize the presence of a higher, unyielding force that governs life and death. The "silent cortège" of the "ancient people" adds a layer of mystery and foreboding, suggesting a procession of the dead and the continuity of history.

Conclusion: The Inevitability of Change and Death

In conclusion, "The Coming Of War: Actaeon" by Ezra Pound explores themes of mortality, the presence of the past, and the inevitability of change. The poem's vivid imagery and symbolic landscape create a sense of foreboding and mystery, highlighting the unyielding nature of fate. The references to Greek mythology and the natural world underscore the poem's central message: that life, death, and the passage of time are inexorable forces that shape our existence. The poem serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring power of history.