Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Geoffrey Hill’s "De Anima" is a profound meditation on the nature of the soul, spirituality, and the relationship between the divine and the human. Through its intricate language and dense imagery, the poem explores themes of metaphysical inquiry, the pursuit of wisdom, and the humble acceptance of our place within the larger cosmic order.

The poem begins with "Salutation," setting a tone of reverence and greeting. This opening suggests an address to the spiritual or divine realm, as if acknowledging the presence or importance of higher realities. The phrase "it is as though effortlessly - to reprise - / the unsung spirit" evokes a sense of natural, unforced spirituality that revisits or reaffirms itself. The "unsung spirit" implies an unseen or unrecognized spiritual force that nonetheless influences and shapes our experiences.

Hill's use of "gestures of no account become accountable" highlights the transformation of seemingly insignificant actions into meaningful, accountable ones. This suggests that even the smallest gestures have spiritual significance and can contribute to the larger metaphysical order. The "matters arising / whatever it is that is sought / through metaphysics" points to the ongoing quest for understanding and the nature of being that metaphysics seeks to address.

The poem continues with "research into angelic song ending as praise itself / the absolute yet again atoned with the contingent." Here, Hill delves into the relationship between divine perfection ("the absolute") and human imperfection ("the contingent"). The search for "angelic song" — a symbol of divine harmony and beauty — culminates in praise, suggesting that the ultimate goal of such metaphysical inquiry is to bring together the divine and the human in a state of worship and reverence. This union is described as an atonement, a reconciliation of the divine with the worldly.

Hill’s reference to "typology / incarnate - Bethlehem the open field" invokes the Christian tradition of typology, where events in the Old Testament are seen as prefigurations of events in the New Testament. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, symbolizes the incarnation of divine wisdom in the human world. The "open field" may represent a place of openness and receptivity to divine intervention and revelation.

The line "still to conceive no otherwise: an aphasia of staring wisdom" captures the paradoxical nature of true wisdom. "Aphasia," a condition of impaired language ability, suggests that the highest wisdom might leave us speechless or beyond conventional expression. This wisdom, staring us in the face, is both clear and elusive, compelling us to recognize our limitations in fully grasping it.

Hill's imagery of "the souls images glassily exposed / fading to silverpoint" evokes the delicate and ephemeral nature of spiritual insights. "Glassily exposed" suggests a clarity that is fragile and fleeting, while "silverpoint" — a drawing technique known for its fine, precise lines — conveys the meticulous and transient nature of these spiritual revelations.

The poem concludes with the affirmation "still to be at the last / ourselves and masters of all / humility." This final statement emphasizes the importance of humility in the face of profound spiritual truths. Despite the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, the ultimate realization is that we must remain humble, recognizing our place within the vastness of the divine order.

In "De Anima," Hill masterfully intertwines themes of metaphysical inquiry, divine revelation, and human humility. The poem's rich, layered language and imagery invite readers to reflect on the nature of the soul and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. Hill suggests that true understanding comes not from mastering these concepts but from acknowledging their mystery and approaching them with a humble heart.

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