Poem Analysis - Mr Nixon

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "Mr. Nixon" presents a stark and somewhat cynical view of the literary world, blending advice from a fictional Mr. Nixon with the poet's own reflections. The poem shifts between a conversational tone, as if Mr. Nixon is speaking directly to the reader, and a more introspective, melancholic mood, particularly in the latter sections. The poem's tone is critical and disillusioned, reflecting a disenchantment with the commercial aspects of literature and the societal expectations placed on artists.

Historical and Biographical Context

Ezra Pound, an influential figure in modernist poetry, was known for his experimental styles and his role in promoting other modernist writers. The poem's setting and references suggest a time when literature was increasingly commercialized, and poets often had to navigate between artistic integrity and financial survival. Pound's own experiences and observations of the literary world likely influenced the themes and tone of this poem.

Themes: Commercialization of Literature

The poem explores the commercialization of literature, highlighting the pressures and compromises that come with trying to make a living as a writer. Mr. Nixon's advice to "butter reviewers" and "take a column, even if you have to work free" underscores the pragmatic, often unglamorous reality of a writer's life. The theme is developed through the contrast between the idealistic pursuit of literature and the practical need to sell one's work, as seen in the lines "I never mentioned a man but with the view of selling my own works."

Themes: Disillusionment and Isolation

Disillusionment and isolation are prominent themes, particularly in the latter sections of the poem. The image of the "stylist" taking shelter beneath a "sagging roof," unpaid and uncelebrated, illustrates the loneliness and struggle of the artist. The poem contrasts the idealized notion of the poet with the harsh reality of rejection and obscurity. The lines "Nature receives him; With a placid and uneducated mistress He exercises his talents" suggest a retreat from the world's expectations, finding solace in simplicity and nature.

Themes: The Role of Poetry and Society

The role of poetry in society is another central theme. The poem questions the value of literary effort and the societal recognition it receives. The reference to "The Lady Valentine" and her "border of ideas" suggests that poetry can be a means of social mobility or a tool for gaining attention, but it also highlights the superficiality of such interactions. The lines "A hook to catch the Lady Jane's attention, A modulation toward the theatre" indicate that poetry can be used strategically, but it also risks being reduced to a mere social commodity.

Recurring Symbols and Images

The poem uses vivid imagery to convey its themes. The "cream gilded cabin of his steam yacht" symbolizes wealth and privilege, contrasting sharply with the "sagging roof" and "creaking latch" of the stylist's humble shelter. This contrast underscores the disparity between the commercial success of literature and the struggles of the individual artist. The image of "Daphne with her thighs in bark" stretching out her leafy hands is a mythological reference that suggests transformation and escape, but also a sense of being trapped or constrained. The "stuffed-satin drawing-room" and "well-gowned approbation" represent the superficial and often insincere appreciation of literature in high society.

Conclusion

"Mr. Nixon" by Ezra Pound offers a critical and disillusioned view of the literary world, highlighting the commercial pressures and societal expectations that artists face. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, the poem explores the themes of commercialization, disillusionment, and the role of poetry in society. The contrast between the idealized and the practical aspects of literature underscores the struggles and compromises that artists often must navigate. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reflection on the true value of artistic endeavor and the challenges of maintaining integrity in a commercialized world.