Poem Analysis - Impressions Of Francois Marie Arouet

Ezra Pound's "Impressions Of Francois-marie Arouet" is a reflective and somewhat melancholic poem that explores themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the transience of love and beauty. The poem is divided into three sections, each addressing a different woman from the past, and shifts in mood from wistful reminiscence to profound sadness. The tone is introspective and somewhat mournful, with a sense of longing for what has been lost.

Historical and Biographical Context

Ezra Pound, an American expatriate poet, was known for his modernist approach to literature. His work often reflects a deep engagement with historical figures and themes. Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire, is a central figure in the poem, suggesting a historical and literary context. The poem's references to specific historical figures and settings indicate Pound's interest in the past and its influence on the present.

Themes of Nostalgia and the Passage of Time

The poem's first section, "I Phyllidula and the Spoils of Gouvernet," sets a tone of nostalgia and longing for simpler times. The speaker reminisces about a time when the lady Phyllidula could enjoy modest pleasures without the trappings of wealth. The contrast between her past simplicity and her current opulence highlights the passage of time and the changes it brings. The repetition of "etcetera" emphasizes the excess and superficiality of her current lifestyle, suggesting a loss of authenticity and simplicity.

Themes of Love and Mortality

The second section, "II To Madame du Châtelet," delves into the themes of love and mortality. The speaker laments the loss of a time when love was fresh and vibrant. The imagery of dawn light at evening and the parks with dew-covered grass evokes a sense of lost innocence and beauty. The speaker's plea for the return of this time underscores the inevitability of change and the fleeting nature of love. The reference to "two deaths" - one being the loss of love and the other the physical death - emphasizes the profound impact of these losses on the human experience.

Recurring Symbols and Vivid Images

The poem is rich with symbols and vivid images that contribute to its themes. The "soggy, cheap restaurant" and the "hired hansom" in the first section symbolize a simpler, more authentic way of life. In contrast, the "powdered Swiss footman" and the luxurious items like "carpets from Savonnier" and "vases from Japan" represent the superficiality and excess of wealth. The "dawn light at evening" in the second section is a powerful image of longing for a time that can never be recaptured. The "grass showing under the snow" and "birds singing late in the year" in the third section symbolize the persistence of life and beauty even in the face of aging and mortality.

Conclusion

"Impressions Of Francois-marie Arouet" is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the transience of love and beauty. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Pound captures the bittersweet nature of reminiscence and the profound impact of change on the human experience. The poem's introspective tone and historical references underscore the enduring relevance of these themes, offering a timeless reflection on the human condition.