Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Alexander" by John Stuart Blackie provides an engaging and detailed narrative of the military exploits of Alexander the Great, one of the most influential figures of antiquity. A poet, scholar, and professor, Blackie was a Scottish academic whose writings often reflected his academic interests and cultural fascination.

This poem traces the life of Alexander the Great, from his early years of growing up in his father's camp at Pydna to his conquests that spanned from Greece to Egypt and far into Asia. The poet vividly illustrates Alexander's adventures, achievements, and relentless pursuit of dominance, portraying him as the epitome of youthful ambition, courage, and strategic brilliance.

The use of the poetic form is a distinctive feature of this work. Blackie employs a consistent rhyme scheme throughout, lending a rhythmic flow to the narrative. This, coupled with the engaging nature of Alexander's story, gives the poem a ballad-like quality that enhances its appeal. The poet uses a steady rhythm, keeping the reader entranced in the tale of Alexander's conquests.

Vivid and rich imagery serves to enhance the depiction of Alexander's exploits. Blackie draws upon a wide range of geographical references - from Pydna and Stagira in Macedonia to Egypt, Babylon, and even the rugged landscape of the Bactrian mountains. The poet creates a comprehensive panorama of the various lands and cultures that Alexander encounters and eventually subjugates.

The poem also showcases Blackie's skillful use of alliteration and personification. Phrases such as "Pride of Susa," "Pride of Persia," and "Bristling wide from wing to wing" not only add rhythmic quality but also intensify the grandeur of Alexander's journey. Personification of rivers and lands gives a sense of the dynamic, alive world that Alexander navigates.

Furthermore, Alexander's personality is masterfully conveyed through the narrative. His leadership qualities, indomitable spirit, and relentless ambition are captured through powerful lines like "Great souls long for large expanse" and "He knew not back."

One significant aspect of the poem is the exploration of Alexander's divinely ordained mission. References to "Hornèd Ammon's priestly spokesman" and the description of Alexander as a "blind pioneer of God" suggest the divine sanction for his mission. This brings a mythic quality to Alexander's journey, placing his conquests within the realm of the divine and predestined.

The ultimate theme of the poem is the celebration of conquest and cultural assimilation, seen through Alexander's efforts to "bind / With strong bonds of human kinship / Westmost Greece and Eastmost Ind." This can be seen as an early allusion to the concept of a globalized world, united under one rule, and embracing multiculturalism.

Blackie's "Alexander" offers a glimpse into the tumultuous life and the grandeur of Alexander the Great's achievements. Through the use of poetic devices such as rhyme, imagery, and personification, the poet succeeds in painting a vibrant portrait of the ancient conqueror. While the poem may not fully interrogate the ethical implications of Alexander's conquests, it serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human ambition and the ever-present desire for power and influence. The poem also presents an interesting intersection of history and literature, demonstrating how historical figures and events can be powerfully reimagined through the lens of poetry.

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