Poem Analysis - The Study In Aesthetics

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem The Study In Aesthetics by Ezra Pound presents a vivid and somewhat whimsical scene, shifting between the innocence of children and the playful curiosity of a young boy. The tone is initially lighthearted and almost childlike, capturing the wonder and simplicity of young minds. However, it subtly shifts to a more reflective and introspective mood as the speaker's own feelings are revealed. The poem's form, with its narrative structure and conversational language, supports this shift, making the themes more accessible and relatable.

Themes of Innocence and Wisdom

One of the main themes in The Study In Aesthetics is the contrast between innocence and wisdom. The very small children in patched clothing, who are smitten with an unusual wisdom, represent a form of pure, untainted understanding. Their exclamation Guarda! Ahi, guarda! Ch’ è be’ a! suggests a spontaneous appreciation for beauty, which is both innocent and profound. This theme is further developed through the young Dante, who, despite his elders' commands, finds joy and satisfaction in arranging the fish. His repetition of the same phrase underscores his innocent delight in the beauty of his surroundings.

Themes of Reflection and Self-Awareness

Another prominent theme is reflection and self-awareness. The speaker's mild abashment at the end of the poem indicates a moment of self-realization. The phrase Ch’ è be’ a, which means something like "How beautiful it is!" in Italian, is repeated by both the children and the young Dante, suggesting a universal appreciation for beauty. The speaker's reaction to this phrase highlights his own awareness of the simplicity and purity of this appreciation, contrasting it with his more complex, adult perspective. This theme is reinforced by the speaker's introspective tone, which invites the reader to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty and wisdom.

Symbolism of the Fish and the Children

The fish and the children serve as powerful symbols in the poem. The fish, with their bright and lively appearance, represent the beauty and vitality of the natural world. The children, with their patched clothing and unusual wisdom, symbolize innocence and pure appreciation. The young Dante's interaction with the fish, where he leaps about and arranges them for his own satisfaction, underscores the theme of innocent delight in beauty. The elders' attempts to control him, and his subsequent murmuring of the phrase Ch’ è be’ a, further emphasize the contrast between innocent appreciation and adult restraint. The fish and the children, therefore, contribute to the overall message of the poem by highlighting the themes of innocence, wisdom, and reflection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Study In Aesthetics by Ezra Pound explores the themes of innocence, wisdom, and reflection through vivid imagery and a shifting tone. The poem's use of symbols, such as the fish and the children, reinforces these themes and invites the reader to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty and simplicity. The speaker's mild abashment at the end of the poem serves as a reminder of the purity and universality of innocent appreciation, contrasting it with the complexities of adult perspective. The poem, therefore, offers a profound insight into the nature of beauty and the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and simplicity in our lives.