Poem Analysis - Of Jacopo Del Sellaio

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "Of Jacopo Del Sellaio" is a short, evocative poem that explores themes of love, loss, and enduring memory. The tone is introspective and melancholic, shifting from a reflective remembrance of love to a poignant acknowledgment of loss. The poem's brevity and direct language create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the reader into the speaker's personal experience. The use of personal pronouns like "you" and "me" adds a conversational quality, making the poem feel like a private confession.

Themes of Love and Loss

The poem delves deeply into the themes of love and loss. The opening lines, "This man knew out the secret ways of love, No man could paint such things who did not know," suggest a deep understanding of love, possibly through artistic expression. The phrase "secret ways of love" implies a profound, perhaps hidden, knowledge of love's complexities. The shift to "And now she's gone, who was his Cyprian," introduces the theme of loss. The use of "Cyprian" as a reference to Venus, the goddess of love, underscores the depth of the loss, suggesting that the speaker has lost not just a lover, but a symbol of love itself. The phrase "And you are here, who are ‘The Isles’ to me" introduces a new love, contrasting the past loss with a present, perhaps more stable, affection.

The Enduring Power of Memory

The final lines, "And here's the thing that lasts the whole thing out: The eyes of this dead lady speak to me," emphasize the enduring power of memory. The "eyes of this dead lady" serve as a vivid image of the past that continues to influence the present. The phrase "speak to me" suggests that the memory of the lost love is not just a passive recollection but an active presence in the speaker's life. This theme of enduring memory is reinforced by the poem's form, which is simple and direct, allowing the powerful imagery to stand out. The use of the word "dead" emphasizes the finality of the loss, yet the memory persists, highlighting the enduring impact of past experiences on the present.

The Symbolism of the Eyes

The eyes of the "dead lady" are a recurring symbol in the poem, representing the enduring presence of the past. Eyes are often associated with perception, insight, and communication, and in this poem, they serve as a means through which the past speaks to the present. The phrase "speak to me" personifies the eyes, giving them an almost supernatural ability to convey the emotions and memories of the lost love. This symbolism underscores the idea that the past is not truly gone but continues to influence the present. The ambiguity of whether the eyes are literal or metaphorical adds a layer of depth, inviting the reader to consider the various ways in which memories can persist and affect us.

Conclusion

In summary, "Of Jacopo Del Sellaio" by Ezra Pound is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Through vivid imagery and direct language, the poem conveys the deep emotional impact of past experiences on the present. The symbol of the eyes serves as a powerful reminder of the ways in which memories can continue to influence us, even after the physical presence of a loved one is gone. The poem's introspective tone and personal language create a sense of intimacy, drawing the reader into the speaker's private reflections on love and loss. Ultimately, the poem underscores the idea that while love and loss are inevitable parts of life, the memories they leave behind can endure, shaping our present and future experiences.