Poem Analysis - Mesmerism

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "Mesmerism" is a vibrant and energetic poem that pays tribute to the poet Robert Browning. The tone is playful and somewhat irreverent, with a colloquial and humorous style that contrasts with the serious admiration the speaker feels for Browning. The poem shifts from mocking to sincere praise, reflecting the speaker's complex feelings about Browning's work and legacy. The use of colloquial language and vivid imagery creates a lively and engaging atmosphere, making the poem accessible despite its literary references.

Historical and Biographical Context

Ezra Pound, an American expatriate poet, was a significant figure in the modernist movement. His admiration for Robert Browning is evident in this poem, which was likely written during a period when Pound was deeply engaged with the literary traditions he sought to both honor and challenge. Browning, a Victorian poet known for his dramatic monologues and psychological depth, was a major influence on Pound. This poem reflects Pound's interest in reviving and reinterpreting literary traditions, a theme that runs through much of his work.

Themes: Admiration and Critique

The poem explores the theme of admiration and critique, as the speaker praises Browning's poetic genius while also playfully mocking his style. The speaker acknowledges Browning's profound insight and powerful language, describing him as having a "sight" of the "in'ards" and words that are "wing'd as her sparks in eruption." This admiration is tempered by a humorous critique of Browning's verbose and sometimes obscure style, as seen in the lines "Tyin' your meanin' in seventy swadelin's" and "You wheeze as a head-cold long-tonsilled Calliope." The speaker's admiration is genuine but not uncritical, reflecting a nuanced view of Browning's legacy.

Themes: Truth and Perception

The theme of truth and perception is central to the poem, as the speaker grapples with the complexity of Browning's vision. The speaker admires Browning's ability to see deeply into human nature, describing him as having a "clear sight" and being "true to the Truth's sake." However, the speaker also acknowledges the difficulty of perceiving this truth, as seen in the lines "Mad as a hatter but surely no Myope" and "Broad as all ocean and leanin' man-kin'ards." The speaker's admiration for Browning's insight is tempered by a recognition of the challenges and ambiguities of perception, suggesting that truth is not always easy to see or understand.

Themes: Legacy and Influence

The poem also explores the theme of legacy and influence, as the speaker reflects on Browning's enduring impact on literature. The speaker praises Browning's ability to "grab at the gold sure" and "had no need to pack cents," suggesting that Browning's work has a lasting value that transcends mere commercial success. The speaker's admiration for Browning's legacy is evident in the final lines, where he describes Browning as a "Clear sight's elector" and praises his ability to "dissect" and reveal the truth. This theme reflects Pound's own interest in the enduring power of literature and his desire to honor and build upon the traditions of the past.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich in vivid imagery and recurring symbols that contribute to its overall message. The image of the "mesmerizer" suggests Browning's ability to captivate and influence his readers, while the "seventy swadelin's" and "verse-barrel" refer to the complexity and depth of his poetic style. The speaker's admiration for Browning's insight is reflected in the image of his "sight" of the "in'ards" and his words that are "wing'd as her sparks in eruption." The poem's playful and colloquial language also contributes to its overall message, suggesting that admiration and critique can coexist and that literary traditions can be both honored and challenged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Mesmerism" is a lively and engaging tribute to Robert Browning that reflects Ezra Pound's complex feelings about his literary legacy. The poem's themes of admiration and critique, truth and perception, and legacy and influence are developed through vivid imagery and recurring symbols, creating a nuanced and multifaceted portrait of Browning's work. The poem's playful and colloquial style also contributes to its overall message, suggesting that literary traditions can be both honored and challenged. Ultimately, the poem offers a powerful reflection on the enduring power of literature and the complexities of artistic influence.