Poem Analysis - Lhomme Moyen Sensuel

Introduction to the Poem

Ezra Pound's "L'homme Moyen Sensuel" is a scathing critique of American society, particularly its cultural and intellectual mediocrity. The poem's tone is sarcastic and biting, with a strong sense of disillusionment and frustration. Pound uses vivid imagery and satirical language to expose what he sees as the hypocrisy and superficiality of American culture. The poem shifts between broad social commentary and the personal narrative of a character named Radway, providing a microcosm of the broader themes.

Historical and Biographical Context

Ezra Pound, an American expatriate poet, wrote this poem during a time when he was deeply involved in the literary and artistic movements of the early 20th century. His experiences in Europe, particularly in London and Paris, exposed him to a more cosmopolitan and intellectually vibrant environment, which he contrasts sharply with the cultural landscape of the United States. Pound's disdain for American cultural and intellectual life is evident in his scathing critique of American literature, politics, and social norms.

Themes: Cultural Mediocrity and Intellectual Stagnation

The poem's primary theme is the cultural and intellectual mediocrity of American society. Pound uses vivid imagery to depict a nation stifled by conformity and a lack of genuine intellectual curiosity. He criticizes the American literary scene, describing it as "a state in books that's grown perennial / And antedates the Philadelphia centennial." This imagery suggests a literary tradition that is outdated and uninspired, unable to keep pace with the rest of the world. Pound's use of sarcasm and hyperbole underscores his frustration with the stagnant cultural environment.

Themes: Hypocrisy and Superficiality

Another central theme is the hypocrisy and superficiality of American society. Pound mocks the moralistic and puritanical attitudes that he sees as pervasive, using the character of Radway to illustrate this point. Radway's journey from a naive young man to a hypocritical moralist highlights the superficiality of American values. Pound's description of Radway's transformation is laced with irony: "Not that he'd changed his tastes, nor yet his habits, / (Such changes don't occur in men, or rabbits)." This line underscores the idea that Radway's moralistic stance is merely a facade, hiding his true, unchanging nature.

Themes: The Struggle for Authenticity

The poem also explores the struggle for authenticity in a society that values conformity and superficiality. Pound's critique of American culture is rooted in his belief that true artistic and intellectual expression is stifled by the dominant cultural norms. He contrasts the genuine artistic and intellectual pursuits of European culture with the superficial and conformist attitudes of American society. This theme is evident in his description of Radway's experiences, which are shaped by the "heavy weights, these dodgers and these preachers, / Crusaders, lecturers and secret lechers." These figures represent the forces that shape Radway's life and prevent him from achieving authentic self-expression.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with recurring symbols and vivid imagery that reinforce its themes. One prominent symbol is the character of Radway, who serves as a microcosm of American society. His journey from naivety to hypocrisy represents the broader cultural and intellectual stagnation that Pound critiques. Another recurring image is the "stinking deliquescent saccharine" that Pound uses to describe the cultural and intellectual environment. This imagery suggests a society that is decaying from within, corrupted by superficiality and conformity. The "forty self-baptized immortals" and the "doddering ignorance" of American intellectuals are other vivid images that underscore the poem's themes of mediocrity and hypocrisy.

Conclusion

"L'homme Moyen Sensuel" is a powerful critique of American society, exposing its cultural and intellectual mediocrity, hypocrisy, and superficiality. Through vivid imagery and satirical language, Pound highlights the struggle for authenticity in a society that values conformity and superficial values. The poem's significance lies in its unflinching examination of the cultural and intellectual landscape of early 20th-century America, offering a stark contrast to the more vibrant and intellectually stimulating environments that Pound encountered in Europe. The poem serves as a call to question the superficial values and conformist attitudes that stifle genuine artistic and intellectual expression.