Poem Analysis - The Social Order

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem The Social Order by Ezra Pound presents a stark and somewhat cynical view of societal interactions and mortality. The tone shifts from a detached observation of social behavior in the first section to a more somber and critical reflection on death and inheritance in the second. Pound's use of vivid imagery and stark contrasts highlights the superficiality and hypocrisy he perceives in social norms and rituals. The poem is divided into two distinct parts, each offering a different perspective on the themes explored.

Themes of Hypocrisy and Social Rituals

One of the main themes in The Social Order is the hypocrisy inherent in social rituals and interactions. In the first section, Pound describes a government official who has a caressing air when shaking hands with young ladies, suggesting a superficial and perhaps insincere charm. This image underscores the idea that social interactions are often performative and lacking in genuine emotion. The official's wife being several years his senior adds a layer of complexity, hinting at a marriage of convenience rather than love. This portrayal of social behavior as artificial and contrived sets the stage for the poem's critique of societal norms.

Mortality and the Afterlife

The second section delves into the theme of mortality and the afterlife, presenting a grim and somewhat humorous take on death and inheritance. The old lady, who was so old that she was an atheist, is now surrounded by religious symbols, indicating a return to faith in the face of death. The image of the second wife of a nephew making hay with the things in her house suggests a callous disregard for the deceased, focusing instead on material gain. The cats going before her into Avernus, a reference to the underworld in Roman mythology, adds a layer of mythological depth, suggesting that even in death, the old lady is not spared from the mundane and the trivial. The hope that their spirits will walk with their tails up and a plaintive mewing adds a touch of dark humor, highlighting the absurdity of human rituals surrounding death.

Symbolism of Candles and Crucifix

The candles and crucifix surrounding the old lady are powerful symbols that contribute to the poem's exploration of mortality and faith. These religious symbols suggest a return to spiritual beliefs in the face of death, contrasting with the old lady's former atheism. The candles, often associated with vigils and remembrance, emphasize the solemnity of the moment, while the crucifix represents the Christian faith and the promise of an afterlife. These symbols serve to underscore the poem's critique of societal rituals and the human tendency to seek meaning and comfort in religious practices, even in the face of death.

Final Insights

The Social Order by Ezra Pound offers a biting critique of societal norms and rituals, highlighting the hypocrisy and superficiality that often underlie social interactions. Through vivid imagery and stark contrasts, Pound explores themes of mortality, faith, and the absurdity of human behavior. The poem's use of symbolism, particularly the candles and crucifix, adds depth to its exploration of these themes, inviting readers to reflect on the rituals and beliefs that shape our understanding of life and death. Ultimately, The Social Order serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions that define human experience, encouraging us to question the authenticity of our social interactions and the rituals that govern our lives.