Poem Analysis - Old Idea Of Choan By Rosoriu

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's Old Idea Of Choan By Rosoriu is a vivid and sensory-rich poem that transports readers to an imagined or historical scene of grandeur and mystery. The poem's tone is initially regal and opulent, describing a lavish procession and ornate surroundings. As the poem progresses, the mood shifts to one of introspection and wonder, particularly in the second stanza, where the speaker reflects on the transient nature of encounters and the unknown. The poem's form, divided into two stanzas, supports this shift in mood, moving from a descriptive, almost cinematic, scene to a more contemplative and philosophical reflection.

Themes of Opulence and Transience

One of the main themes in Old Idea Of Choan By Rosoriu is opulence, depicted through the vivid imagery of the royal procession and the ornate architecture. The poem opens with a description of the narrow streets leading to a wide highway, where dark oxen and white horses drag seven coaches adorned with jewels and perfumed wood. This imagery of luxury and grandeur is further emphasized by the golden saddles, the canopy embroidered with dragons, and the mist that borders the trappings. These details create a sense of wealth and splendor, highlighting the theme of opulence.

The theme of transience is also prominent, particularly in the second stanza. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of encounters and the unknown, asking How shall we know all the friends whom we meet on strange roadways? This question underscores the ephemeral quality of life and the uncertainty of future meetings, contrasting with the enduring opulence described earlier. The use of natural imagery, such as birds with flowery wings and hovering butterflies, adds to this sense of transience, as these elements are temporary and ever-changing.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with recurring symbols and vivid imagery that contribute to its overall message. The use of color is particularly striking, with references to golden saddles, jade-like trees, and silver-tinged terraces. These colors evoke a sense of richness and beauty, reinforcing the theme of opulence. The mist that borders the trappings and the hundred cords of mist that double the trees also serve as symbols of transience and the passage of time, as mist is ephemeral and ever-changing.

The imagery of the royal procession and the ornate architecture also serves as a symbol of the fleeting nature of power and wealth. The grandeur described in the first stanza is contrasted with the introspective tone of the second stanza, suggesting that even the most opulent displays are temporary and subject to change. The question How shall we know all the friends whom we meet on strange roadways? further emphasizes this theme, as it highlights the uncertainty and transience of human connections.

Conclusion and Final Insight

In conclusion, Old Idea Of Choan By Rosoriu is a poem that explores the themes of opulence and transience through vivid imagery and symbolic language. The poem's shift in mood from regal grandeur to introspective wonder underscores the fleeting nature of wealth and power, as well as the uncertainty of human encounters. The recurring symbols of color and mist, along with the imagery of the royal procession, contribute to the poem's overall message of the ephemeral quality of life. The poem invites readers to reflect on the transient nature of their own experiences and the unknown, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the connections they make along the way.