Poem Analysis - Dieu Quil La Fait

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "Dieu! Qu'il La Fait" presents a lyrical celebration of a woman's beauty and charm, creating a tone of admiration and reverence. The poem's language is formal and almost archaic, evoking a sense of timelessness and grandeur. The speaker's awe and devotion are evident from the start, with a consistent praise of the woman's attributes. The mood remains steady throughout, focusing on the speaker's admiration and the woman's enchanting qualities.

Themes of Adoration and Enchantment

The primary theme of the poem is adoration, as the speaker repeatedly praises the woman's beauty and charm. The phrase "How she is so fair and bonny" is repeated, emphasizing the speaker's fixation on her physical attractiveness. This admiration is not merely superficial; it extends to her enchanting qualities, as seen in the lines "For the great charms that are upon her" and "Thoughts of her are of dream's order." The speaker's admiration is so profound that it seems almost magical, suggesting a theme of enchantment. The woman's charms are described as spells that renew constantly, making her irresistible.

Universal Appeal and Exclusivity

Another theme is the universal appeal of the woman's beauty, contrasted with her exclusivity. The speaker asserts that "all folks" are ready to reward her for her charms, indicating her widespread appeal. However, the speaker also claims that "there's not any" other woman with such perfect charms, suggesting her uniqueness and exclusivity. This contrast highlights the speaker's belief in the woman's unparalleled beauty and charm, further emphasizing the theme of adoration.

Symbolism of Borders and Dreams

The poem uses vivid imagery and symbols to convey its themes. The phrase "part him from her borders" suggests a boundary or limit that the speaker cannot cross, symbolizing the woman's exclusivity and the speaker's admiration from a distance. The "sea's border" could represent the vastness of the speaker's admiration, stretching as far as the sea. The "dream's order" in which thoughts of her exist suggests a realm of fantasy and enchantment, further emphasizing the magical quality of the speaker's admiration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Dieu! Qu'il La Fait" is a poem that celebrates the enchanting beauty and charm of a woman, exploring themes of adoration, enchantment, and universal appeal. Through vivid imagery and symbols, Pound conveys the speaker's profound admiration and the magical quality of the woman's charms. The poem's steady tone and formal language create a sense of timelessness and grandeur, highlighting the speaker's reverence and awe. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of the power of admiration and the enchanting qualities of beauty.