Poem Analysis - The Return

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "The Return" presents a haunting and evocative scene of figures returning from an unknown journey. The poem's tone is initially tentative and uncertain, reflecting the hesitant movements of the returning figures. As the poem progresses, the tone shifts to one of awe and reverence, culminating in a sense of foreboding and mystery. The use of vivid imagery and symbolic language creates a sense of the supernatural and the divine, leaving the reader with a sense of both wonder and unease.

Themes of Mystery and the Divine

The poem explores several themes, with the most prominent being the mystery of the divine and the unknown. The returning figures are described as "Wing'd-with-Awe" and "Inviolable," suggesting a sense of reverence and awe. The use of the word "Gods" further emphasizes this theme, as the figures are likened to divine beings. The poem also touches on the theme of transformation and change, as the figures return altered and uncertain. The "silver hounds" and the "souls of blood" add a layer of complexity, suggesting a connection to the natural world and the primal instincts of hunting and survival.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and vivid imagery. The "Wing'd-with-Awe" figures are a recurring symbol, representing the divine and the mysterious. The "silver hounds" and the "souls of blood" are also significant symbols, representing the natural world and the primal instincts of hunting and survival. The "pallid leash-men" add a layer of complexity, suggesting a sense of control and restraint. The use of the word "Haie!" is a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of the returning figures. The imagery of the snow hesitating and murmuring in the wind adds to the sense of uncertainty and mystery, as the natural world seems to reflect the hesitation of the returning figures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Return" by Ezra Pound is a poem that explores the themes of mystery, the divine, and transformation through vivid imagery and symbolic language. The poem's tone shifts from tentative and uncertain to one of awe and reverence, culminating in a sense of foreboding and mystery. The recurring symbols of the "Wing'd-with-Awe" figures, the "silver hounds," and the "souls of blood" contribute to the overall message of the poem, which is one of the unknown and the divine. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of wonder and unease, inviting further reflection on the mysteries of the natural and supernatural worlds.