Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Geoffrey Hill’s poem "Whether Moral Virtue Comes by Habituation" delves into the complexities of moral development, the transient nature of fear, and the nuanced interplay between self-expression and self-denial. Hill employs a rich tapestry of imagery and philosophical reflection to explore the arduous path toward moral virtue and the inherent struggles within that journey.

The poem opens with a contemplation of fear, suggesting that "sometimes even fear drops away—exhausted." This indicates that fear, a pervasive and powerful emotion, can eventually dissipate through sheer fatigue. Hill implies that such an exhaustion of fear might lead to a deeper exploration of self and virtue, as fear no longer holds sway over actions and thoughts.

Hill then transitions to the notion of self-expression and selfhood. He posits that self-expression might be "the first to go," implying that in the pursuit of higher moral ground, individuals often sacrifice personal desires and expressions. This immolation of selfhood, or the burning away of ego and personal identity, is portrayed as a significant step in the journey toward virtue. It suggests a process of stripping away superficial layers to reach a core of moral integrity.

Deprivation and dereliction are next in Hill's examination. These states of lack and abandonment become, paradoxically, the very conditions to which one aspires in the quest for moral virtue. Hill suggests that through deprivation and dereliction, individuals may rise to ethereal conjecture, transcending their earthly concerns and engaging with the profound moral questions that define human existence. This ethereal conjecture, or abstract contemplation, is laden with the "heaviness of purchase," indicating the significant cost and weight of such moral pursuits.

Hill's use of "moral nebulae common as lichen" evokes the idea that moral concepts and virtues are as ubiquitous and resilient as lichen, growing slowly and persistently in various environments. This comparison highlights the gradual and often unnoticed development of moral virtues, much like lichen’s slow but steady growth on stones and trees.

The "entire corpus of ruinous sagesse" refers to the body of wisdom that, while potentially ruinous, guides individuals through the moral landscape. This wisdom is moved by rituals ("some rite and pace of being") and by the earth's own natural cycles ("earth in her slow approaches to withdrawal"). Hill suggests that moral virtue is not a static achievement but a dynamic process influenced by both internal rituals and the external natural world.

Finally, the "processionals of seared array" symbolize the ceremonial and often painful journey toward moral virtue. These processionals, marked by the searing heat of trials and tribulations, underscore the idea that moral development is a continuous and often arduous path, characterized by moments of intense challenge and profound transformation.

In "Whether Moral Virtue Comes by Habituation," Hill masterfully intertwines philosophical musings with vivid imagery to portray the complex and multifaceted journey toward moral virtue. He presents it as a process of stripping away fears and self-centered desires, embracing deprivation, and engaging with profound wisdom, all while acknowledging the weighty and often painful nature of this pursuit. Hill’s poem encourages readers to reflect on their own paths toward virtue, recognizing the inherent struggles and the transformative potential within those challenges.

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