Poem Analysis - Salvationists

Ezra Pound's "Salvationists" is a poem that exudes a tone of disdain and critique, directed towards what the speaker perceives as societal flaws and intellectual mediocrity. The poem shifts from a contemplative and somewhat resigned mood to a more combative and defiant stance. Pound's use of language is sharp and precise, aiming to cut through the "sea of stupidities" and "vulgarities" he observes around him.

Tone and Mood

The poem begins with a somewhat resigned and introspective tone, as the speaker invites his "songs" to discuss "perfection" and acknowledges that they may be disliked for doing so. This initial mood sets the stage for a critique of societal norms and intellectual standards. The tone then shifts to one of defiance and action, as the speaker calls for a battle against the "sea of stupidities" and "vulgarities." This shift underscores the speaker's frustration and desire for change, making the poem a call to arms against what he sees as intellectual and moral decay.

Themes of Critique and Intellectual Superiority

The poem's primary theme is a critique of societal and intellectual mediocrity. The speaker's use of terms like "stupidities," "vulgarities," and "imbeciles" highlights his disdain for what he perceives as a lack of intellectual rigor and moral integrity. The speaker's call to "resurrect" the term "Rusticus" and apply it with "opprobrium" suggests a desire to label and condemn those who fall short of his standards. This theme is further developed through the speaker's decision to consider these individuals "in delicate opulent silence," implying a sense of superiority and disdain.

Imagery of Battle and the Sea

The poem employs vivid imagery of battle and the sea to convey the speaker's sense of struggle and his desire for change. The "sea of stupidities," "vulgarities," and "imbeciles" creates a powerful metaphor for the societal and intellectual landscape the speaker seeks to challenge. The call to "take arms" against these forces underscores the speaker's combative stance and his willingness to engage in a struggle for intellectual and moral superiority. The specific names mentioned, such as "Mumpodorus," "Nimmim," and the "Bulmenian literati," serve as targets for the speaker's critique, though their exact identities are left ambiguous, inviting readers to consider who might fit these descriptions in their own contexts.

Conclusion

"Salvationists" is a poem that critiques societal and intellectual mediocrity, employing vivid imagery and a defiant tone to call for change. Through its themes of critique and intellectual superiority, the poem invites readers to consider their own standards and the battles they might choose to fight. The use of the sea as a metaphor for the challenges faced by the speaker underscores the poem's message of struggle and the need for vigilance against the forces of mediocrity. Ultimately, the poem serves as a call to arms, urging readers to take a stand against the "sea of stupidities" and "vulgarities" that surround them.