Poem Analysis - Langue Doc

Overall Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "Langue D'oc" is a collection of medieval-inspired poems that explore the complexities of love, longing, and the passage of time. The tone shifts between passionate longing, frustration, and a sense of urgency, reflecting the fleeting nature of love and the inevitability of time. The poem is divided into four sections, each with its own unique voice and perspective, yet all interconnected by the central theme of love and its challenges.

Themes of Love and Longing

The most prominent theme in "Langue D'oc" is the intense and often unrequited love that the speakers experience. In the first section, the speaker is a watchman who has been waiting outside, pleading for his companion to rise and join him. The imagery of the nightingale and the watchman on the tower emphasizes the passage of time and the urgency of the moment. The speaker's frustration is palpable as he cries, 'And day comes on,' highlighting the fleeting nature of their time together. The repetition of this phrase underscores the theme of time's relentless march, which contrasts with the speaker's desire to prolong their moment of love.

The second section, "Avril," continues the theme of love and longing but adds a layer of nostalgia and regret. The speaker remembers a past love and expresses a deep longing to be reunited. The imagery of the hawthorn branch, which suffers despite and eventually blooms, symbolizes the speaker's hope that their love will endure despite hardships. The speaker's resolve to find his love, 'Till I have my hand 'neath her cloak,' shows the depth of his longing and determination.

The third section, "Descant on a Theme by Cerclamon," delves into the speaker's internal struggle with love. The speaker is torn between his desire for his love and the pain of unrequited feelings. The imagery of the sweet air turning bitter and the cold birds twittering reflects the speaker's inner turmoil. The repetition of the phrase 'For in her is all my delight' emphasizes the speaker's complete devotion and dependence on his love, highlighting the theme of love's transformative power.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

One of the most striking symbols in "Langue D'oc" is the passage of time, often represented by the transition from night to day. This is evident in the repeated phrase 'And day comes on,' which appears in multiple sections. This symbol underscores the urgency and fleeting nature of love, as well as the inevitability of time's passage. The night represents the private, intimate moments of love, while the day signifies the intrusion of the outside world and the end of their stolen time together.

Another recurring image is that of nature, particularly birds and plants. The nightingale, the hawthorn branch, and the birds in the meadow all serve as metaphors for the speakers' emotional states. The nightingale's song, for example, symbolizes the speaker's longing and the beauty of their love. The hawthorn branch, which suffers despite and eventually blooms, represents the speaker's hope and resilience in the face of adversity. These natural images contribute to the overall theme of love's enduring power despite hardships.

Conclusion

"Langue D'oc" by Ezra Pound is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Pound captures the complexities of human emotion and the relentless march of time. The recurring symbols of time's passage and nature's resilience underscore the themes of love's urgency and enduring power. Ultimately, the poem offers a profound insight into the human experience of love, highlighting both its joys and its pains. The poem's significance lies in its ability to evoke universal emotions and remind readers of the fleeting yet powerful nature of love.