Poem Analysis - Ernest Hemingway And The Latest Quake

Les Murray's "Ernest Hemingway And The Latest Quake" is a contemplative and somewhat philosophical poem that juxtaposes the dynamic, often destructive, geological processes of Earth with the lifeless stasis of Venus. The poem begins with a scientific observation and transitions into a reflection on life, love, and the cost of existence on a planet constantly in motion. The tone is initially factual and observational, shifting to a more reflective and even slightly melancholic mood as the poem progresses. The underlying message suggests that even in the face of destruction, the inherent instability of Earth is what makes life, and particularly love, possible.

Geological Reality and Human Existence

The poem opens by grounding the reader in the reality of constant geological activity. The lines "In fact the Earth never stops moving. Northbound in our millimetric shoving / we heap rainy Papua ahead of us" immediately establish this premise. This movement, though often imperceptible, is presented as both constructive ("we heap rainy Papua ahead of us") and destructive ("tremor and fumarole and shear"). Crucially, Murray emphasizes that "no life without this under-ruckus," suggesting that the planet's dynamic geological nature, even in its destructive aspects, is a prerequisite for life to flourish.

Venus as a Foil: The Absence of Love

The poem contrasts Earth with Venus, depicting the latter as an "armoured shell" trapped in a "static of hell." This vivid imagery paints a picture of a planet devoid of movement and therefore, devoid of life and love. Murray directly states, "Venus has never known love: that was a European error." This assertion implies that love is intrinsically linked to the dynamism and change that characterize Earth. The "heat that would prevent us" on Venus, unlike the stresses that form Earth's continents, cannot create the conditions necessary for love to exist. Venus acts as a powerful symbol of a sterile, unchanging environment, highlighting the value of Earth's volatile but life-giving processes.

The Price of a Dynamic Planet

While the poem celebrates Earth's dynamism as essential for love and life, it doesn't shy away from acknowledging the cost. The lines describing the consequences of geological activity, such as "coastline faulting up to be a tree-line / blur landscape in rare jolts of travel / that squash collapsing masonry with blood," are stark and brutal. The phrase "frantic thousands pay for all of us" underscores the human cost of living on a geologically active planet. This acknowledgement adds a layer of complexity to the poem, preventing it from becoming a simple celebration of Earth's dynamism. It raises the question of whether the possibility of love and life justifies the inherent risks and suffering that accompany it. Is constant risk and sometimes catastrophic loss the necessary price to pay for love?

Images of Change and Implied Sacrifice

Recurring images of change are central to the poem's meaning. The "millimetric shoving," the "tremor and fumarole," and the "continent-tiles being stressed and rifted" all depict a world in constant flux. These images symbolize not only geological processes but also the broader concept of change as an inherent part of life. The image of "collapsing masonry with blood" is particularly striking, serving as a potent symbol of the human vulnerability in the face of these powerful forces. This image encapsulates the theme of sacrifice, highlighting the fact that the possibility of love and life on Earth comes at a cost.

A Synthesis of Instability and Love

In conclusion, "Ernest Hemingway And The Latest Quake" is a thought-provoking meditation on the relationship between geological activity, life, and love. By contrasting Earth with the lifeless Venus, Murray emphasizes the crucial role of change and instability in fostering life and love. While acknowledging the human cost of living on a dynamic planet, the poem ultimately suggests that the potential for love and connection makes the risks worthwhile. The poem encourages us to appreciate the delicate balance between destruction and creation that defines our planet and shapes our existence, implying a connection between earth's unstable geology and the inherently risky, often painful, but ultimately rewarding experience of love.