Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Geoffrey Hill's "That Man as a Rational Animal," the poet delves into the interplay between reason and desire, exploring the complexities of human nature and the quest for understanding and happiness. The poem's dense language and layered meanings invite readers to consider the philosophical and existential questions that underpin human existence.

The poem opens with "Abiding provenance," suggesting a lasting origin or source, possibly referring to the inherent nature of humanity. Hill states, "I would have said the question stands even in adoration," indicating that fundamental questions about human nature persist even within acts of reverence or worship. The phrase "clause upon clause with or without assent" evokes the idea of layered complexity and the conditional nature of understanding, where agreement is not always necessary for contemplation.

Hill brings together "reason and desire on the same loop," highlighting the intertwined nature of rational thought and emotional longing. This duality is central to the human experience, suggesting that our rational and emotional selves are not separate but coexist in a continuous cycle. The repetition of "I imagine singing I imagine getting it right" reflects a longing for harmony and correctness in expressing these intertwined aspects of our nature.

The line "the knowledge of sensuous intelligence entering into the work" suggests that true understanding involves both intellectual and sensory perception. Hill implies that a deeper, more holistic form of knowledge arises when we engage both our rational minds and our sensory experiences. This integrated approach leads to "spontaneous happiness," a state that was once naturally given to us, a form of pure, instinctual joy.

Hill concludes with the notion of "innocence of first inscription," alluding to a primal, unblemished state of being. This phrase evokes the idea of an original, uncorrupted understanding or perception, akin to the biblical concept of Eden or a state of grace. The poem suggests that beneath the complexities and layers of rational thought and desire lies a fundamental innocence and purity.

In "That Man as a Rational Animal," Geoffrey Hill presents a meditation on the nature of humanity, the relationship between reason and desire, and the quest for understanding and happiness. Through his intricate language and philosophical reflections, Hill invites readers to consider how these elements intertwine and how they might return to a state of innocent perception and spontaneous joy.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...