Phasellus Ille
Phasellus Ille - meaning Summary
Satire of Conservative Criticism
Pound satirically depicts a stodgy, unbending editor or publication whose mind was fixed in the 1870s. He mocks its artificiality (papier-mâché
) and its resistance to new ideas, suggesting neither bold critics like Bernard Shaw nor the world’s voice could shift its convictions. The poem ridicules ritualized decorum and conservative taste, implying such institutional poise is merely a hollow model rather than genuine beauty or responsiveness.
Tis papier-mâché, which you see, my friends, Saith 'twas the worthiest of editors. Its mind was made up in 'the seventies', Nor hath it ever since changed that concoction. It works to represent that school of thought Which brought the hair-cloth chair to such perfection, Nor will the horrid threats of Bernard Shaw Shake up the stagnant pool of its convictions; Nay, should the deathless voice of all the world Speak once again for its sole stimulation, Twould not move it one jot from left to right. Come Beauty barefoot from the Cyclades, She'd find a model for St. Anthony In this thing's sure decorum and behaviour.
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