Poem Analysis - Homage To Sextus Propertius 9

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "Homage to Sextus Propertius - 9" is a richly layered poem that blends classical mythology with personal emotion. The tone shifts from ominous and foreboding to pleading and hopeful, reflecting the speaker's deep concern for a loved one's fate. The poem's language is both vivid and evocative, drawing on ancient Greek and Roman mythology to explore themes of love, mortality, and the power of the divine. The use of classical references adds a timeless quality to the speaker's personal struggles, suggesting that these themes are universal and enduring.

Themes of Love and Mortality

The poem's central themes are love and mortality. The speaker's love for a woman is so intense that he is willing to follow her into death if she perishes. This is evident in the lines "I shall live, if she continue in life, If she dies, I shall go with her." The speaker's love is not just romantic but also deeply protective, as seen in his plea to Zeus to save the woman. The theme of mortality is intertwined with love, as the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death for all, regardless of their beauty or fortune. The lines "Beauty is not eternal, no man has perennial fortune, Slow foot, or swift foot, death delays but for a season" underscore this inevitability, adding a sense of urgency to the speaker's pleas.

Divine Intervention and the Power of the Gods

The poem also explores the theme of divine intervention and the power of the gods. The speaker appeals to Zeus and Persephone, invoking their mercy and protection. The mention of Persephone, who was abducted by Hades (Dis) to the underworld, adds a layer of mythological depth to the speaker's fears. The speaker's plea to Persephone and Dis to have mercy on the woman suggests a belief in the gods' ability to influence human fate. This theme is further emphasized by the speaker's instructions to the woman to pay her vows to Dian (Artemis), the goddess of virgins, indicating a belief in the gods' power to protect and guide.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery, with the moon, the owl, and the lake of Avernus playing significant roles. The moon, which declines to descend, symbolizes the speaker's hope and longing, as well as the uncertainty of the woman's fate. The owl's hoot is an ominous sign, foreshadowing the potential tragedy. The lake of Avernus, the entrance to the underworld, represents the speaker's fear of loss and death. The cerulean waters, on the other hand, symbolize hope and the possibility of salvation. The speaker's tears for two suggest a deep emotional connection and a shared fate. The imagery of the gods and the underworld adds a mythological dimension to the speaker's personal struggles, suggesting that these themes are part of a larger, timeless narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Homage to Sextus Propertius - 9" is a powerful exploration of love, mortality, and divine intervention. Through vivid imagery and classical references, Pound creates a timeless narrative that resonates with universal themes. The poem's shifting tone and rich symbolism invite readers to reflect on the enduring power of love and the inevitability of death, as well as the role of the divine in human affairs. The speaker's pleas and fears are not just personal but also part of a larger mythological and philosophical discourse, making the poem a profound meditation on the human condition.