Poem Analysis - Sub Mare

Initial Impression and Tone

Ezra Pound's "Sub Mare" presents a dreamlike and somewhat disorienting narrative. The poem's tone shifts between a sense of calm introspection and a vague, almost eerie, mysticism. The speaker's sanity is questioned, and the setting seems to blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The poem's form, with its irregular lines and lack of a consistent rhyme scheme, supports this sense of disorientation and fluidity.

Themes of Perception and Reality

One of the main themes in "Sub Mare" is the blurred line between perception and reality. The speaker states, "It is, and is not," suggesting a duality or uncertainty about the nature of their experiences. This ambiguity is reinforced by the phrase "I am sane enough," which implies a questioning of the speaker's own mental state. The use of the word "fabrication" to describe the setting further emphasizes this theme, as it suggests that the place the speaker describes may not be real.

Themes of Nature and the Subconscious

The poem also explores the theme of nature and the subconscious. The imagery of "autumn roses" and "goldish colour" creates a vivid, almost surreal, natural setting. The "algæ" and "underwave" suggest a underwater environment, which could symbolize the depths of the subconscious mind. The phrase "older than the names they have" implies that these natural elements have a primal, almost mythical, significance. The "familiars of the god" could refer to spirits or entities from ancient mythology, further emphasizing the theme of the subconscious and the mystical.

Themes of Love and Longing

Another theme is love and longing. The phrase "Since you have come this place has hovered round me" suggests that the speaker's experiences are tied to the presence of another person. This could imply a romantic or emotional connection that has a profound impact on the speaker's perception of reality. The use of the word "gropes" in the line "And one gropes in these things as delicate" could suggest a sense of longing or desire, further emphasizing this theme.

Symbolism of the Underwater World

The underwater world serves as a powerful symbol in the poem. The "pale slow green surgings of the underwave" create a sense of movement and life beneath the surface. This could symbolize the hidden depths of the subconscious mind, or the unseen forces that shape our perceptions and experiences. The "algæ" and other underwater elements could represent the complex, interconnected nature of these forces. The phrase "familiars of the god" suggests a mystical or spiritual dimension to this underwater world, further emphasizing its symbolic significance.

Conclusion

"Sub Mare" is a poem that explores the blurred lines between perception and reality, the power of nature and the subconscious, and the complexities of love and longing. Through its vivid imagery and dreamlike tone, the poem invites readers to question their own perceptions and delve into the depths of their subconscious minds. The underwater world serves as a powerful symbol of these hidden depths, and the poem's ambiguous language and shifting moods reflect the complex, interconnected nature of our inner lives. Ultimately, "Sub Mare" is a meditation on the mysteries of the human experience, and the ways in which our perceptions and emotions shape our understanding of the world.