Poem Analysis - Salutation The Second

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "Salutation The Second" presents a defiant and playful tone, with a clear shift in mood from reflective to rebellious. The poem begins with a somewhat introspective and defensive stance, acknowledging past praise and the passage of time. However, it quickly transitions into a more provocative and irreverent mood, urging his poems to disrupt and challenge conventional expectations. The poem's form, with its conversational and direct address, supports this shift, making the reader feel directly engaged with the speaker's bold assertions.

Historical and Biographical Context

Ezra Pound, an American expatriate poet, was a significant figure in the modernist movement. His work often reflects his desire to break away from traditional poetic forms and themes. "Salutation The Second" can be seen as a manifestation of Pound's rebellious spirit and his advocacy for a new kind of poetry that rejects outdated conventions. The poem's references to contemporary figures and publications, such as "The Spectator" and "Mr. Strachey," ground it in the cultural milieu of the early 20th century, a time of rapid social and artistic change.

Themes of Rebellion and Innovation

The primary theme of the poem is rebellion against established norms and expectations. Pound's poems are personified as "little naked and impudent songs" that are urged to "dance shamelessly" and "make cat calls." This imagery of unrestrained behavior and defiance highlights the speaker's desire to disrupt conventional poetic practices. The repetition of the phrase "Go" emphasizes the urgency and determination behind this call to action, reinforcing the theme of innovation and breaking away from the past.

Themes of Criticism and Provocation

The poem also explores the theme of criticism and provocation. The speaker anticipates and dismisses the criticisms of his detractors, who find his work lacking in "Picturesque" qualities and emotional intensity. By addressing these criticisms head-on, the speaker challenges the status quo and provokes his audience to reconsider their expectations of poetry. The use of colloquial language and direct address further emphasizes the provocative tone, making the reader complicit in the speaker's defiance.

Themes of Rejuvenation and Endurance

Another significant theme is the idea of rejuvenation and endurance. The speaker urges his poems to "rejuvenate things" and declares that they will "live forever." This theme is reinforced by the imagery of bells, confetti, and dancing, which suggest celebration and renewal. The speaker's assertion that his poems do "no work" but will endure forever is a bold claim that underscores the poem's themes of innovation and defiance. It suggests that the true value of art lies in its ability to challenge and provoke, rather than in its adherence to traditional forms and expectations.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in vivid imagery and symbolism. The "little naked and impudent songs" symbolize the speaker's unapologetic and unconventional poetry. The "bells and confetti" represent celebration and renewal, while the "dance of the phallus" and references to "Cybele" evoke themes of fertility, vitality, and the sacred within the profane. The speaker's instructions to "ruffle the skirts of prudes" and "jangle the door-bells" of practical people further emphasize the poem's rebellious and provocative tone. These images contribute to the overall message of defiance and innovation, urging the reader to embrace a new kind of poetry that challenges established norms.

Conclusion

"Salutation The Second" is a bold and provocative poem that challenges conventional expectations of poetry. Through its defiant tone, vivid imagery, and themes of rebellion and innovation, the poem urges the reader to embrace a new kind of art that rejects outdated conventions. The speaker's unapologetic stance and direct address make the poem a powerful call to action, inviting the reader to join in the celebration of unconventional and provocative poetry. Ultimately, the poem's significance lies in its ability to provoke and challenge, encouraging a re-evaluation of what poetry can be and do.