Poem Analysis - Roman Elegies VII

Ode to Roman Transformation

Goethe's "Roman Elegies VII" is a vibrant declaration of joy and liberation experienced by the speaker upon arriving in Rome. The poem opens with a stark contrast between a gloomy past in the North and the radiant present in Italy. It unfolds as a prayer and a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Roman gods, particularly Jupiter, for this newfound happiness and inspiration. The tone is initially celebratory, shifting to reverent supplication and ending with a peaceful acceptance of mortality. The poem showcases transformation through the power of place.

Northern Gloom vs. Roman Radiance

The poem establishes a powerful dichotomy between the speaker's past and present. The "grey days" of the North are described as oppressive, characterized by "dark" skies, a "colourless, formless, dull" world, and a descent into introspective "brooding." This imagery evokes a sense of stagnation and spiritual confinement. In stark contrast, Rome is depicted as a place of light and vitality. "Brighter air shines" and "Phoebus, the god, calls up colour and form," suggesting a rejuvenation of the senses and a spark of creativity. The vivid imagery emphasizes the transformative power of the Roman landscape and its impact on the speaker's state of mind.

Divine Gratitude and the Embrace of Beauty

A central theme in "Roman Elegies VII" is the speaker's gratitude to the Roman gods for their hospitality and blessings. The speaker directly addresses Jupiter, expressing disbelief at their own good fortune: "What happiness for a mortal! Do I dream?" They extend "imploring hands" and acknowledge the roles of Hebe and Fortune in their arrival and continued well-being. This reverence highlights the belief that the speaker's artistic and personal awakening is a gift from the gods. The poem subtly explores how aesthetic appreciation and the pursuit of beauty can be a form of worship. The acknowledgement of Fortune's capricious nature adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that even divine gifts are subject to chance and change.

The Acceptance of Mortality

While the poem celebrates the joy of the present moment, it also touches upon the theme of mortality. The final lines reveal an acceptance of death as a natural part of life. The speaker asks Jupiter to accept them in Rome and requests that Hermes later lead them "quietly, by Cestius’ Pyramid, down to Orcus." Cestius' Pyramid, a prominent Roman landmark and a tomb, serves as a visual reminder of mortality. This reference suggests that the speaker is not seeking immortality but rather a peaceful transition into the afterlife. The contrast between the vibrancy of Rome and the solemnity of death creates a poignant juxtaposition, reminding the reader that even in the midst of beauty and joy, mortality remains a constant presence.

The Capitoline Hill as a Symbolic Olympus

The image of the Capitoline Hill as a "second Olympus" is a powerful symbol. It suggests that Rome, in its artistic and cultural richness, offers a kind of earthly paradise. The speaker's desire to be accepted on this "second Olympus" reflects their yearning for creative and spiritual fulfillment. It symbolizes the integration of pagan ideas into the speaker’s worldview and also highlights the idea that artistic inspiration and creation can elevate one to a higher plane of existence. Is the "poet" merely seeking artistic recognition, or is this also a plea for belonging and acceptance within the broader cultural landscape of Rome?

Rome as a Catalyst for Transformation

In conclusion, "Roman Elegies VII" is a testament to the transformative power of place. The poem highlights the stark contrast between the speaker's gloomy past and the radiant present they find in Rome. Through vivid imagery, reverent supplication, and an acceptance of mortality, Goethe explores themes of gratitude, artistic inspiration, and the ephemeral nature of earthly existence. The poem's significance lies in its portrayal of Rome not merely as a location, but as a catalyst for personal and creative awakening, a place where the burdens of the past can be shed and the potential for a brighter future embraced. The poem shows the profound impact the change of scenery and environment can have on our emotional and spiritual well being.