Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Ezra Pound's "Sestina: Altaforte" dives deep into the psychology of conflict, defiance, and exaltation in the face of war. The poem takes the form of a sestina, a highly structured poetic form that relies on end-word repetition. This structure serves as a constant backdrop against the chaotic emotions it attempts to convey, perhaps symbolizing the rigor and discipline required in a battleground as compared to the unpredictable brutality of war.

The poem presents En Bertrand de Born, a historical figure famously placed in Hell by Dante Alighieri in "The Divine Comedy" for being a fomenter of discord. Here, Pound gives voice to de Born, who speaks fervently about his love for battle, war, and the thrilling emotions they evoke in him. The poem becomes both a dramatic monologue and a spirited defense of de Born's love for strife, a sentiment that is considered sinful by Dante's Christian moral framework.

The recurring refrain "swords clash" is symbolic of conflict but also serves as a type of music for de Born, a violent symphony that brings him to life. The swords, the standards, and the cries of warhorses are not just elements of a battle for him, but aesthetic pieces that make up the beauty he perceives in war. He is invigorated by the sight of standards in "gold, vair, purple" and blood turning fields "crimson." To him, these are not just colors but the palette with which the grand tapestry of war is painted.

Rejoicing in conflict, de Born stands "opposing" peace, which he views as a "foul" state that stinks and is fit only for those who "rot" in their cowardice. He likens the blood shed in war to wine, a "crimson" nectar far more intoxicating than any earthly pleasure. De Born's perspective is anchored in an almost primal lust for the visceral aspects of life-conflict, blood, and the base emotions they stir.

In contrast to de Born's perception, it is crucial to remember that his viewpoint is controversial and perceived as immoral within the greater ethical scope, as indicated by his placement in Hell in Dante's work. Thus, Pound doesn't merely romanticize war; he delves into the psychology of a man who does, providing a multi-dimensional view of what society commonly condemns. This enables the reader to engage with the text in a manner that questions conventional morality and humanizes even those we would rather demonize.

It is important to note the concluding lines, a prayer-like invocation, "Hell blot black for alway the thought 'Peace!'" Here, de Born aligns himself completely with the forces of chaos and destruction. He prays for an eternal blotting out of peace, a sentiment that most would find unsettling.

Pound's "Sestina: Altaforte" is thus not just an exploration of war and conflict, but a nuanced look into the minds of those who live for it. By using a structured form like the sestina, Pound brings order to the chaos, perhaps echoing how warriors like de Born find a sort of order and even artistry in the throes of battle. But the poem also serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to examine the costs of such violent exultation, presenting an anti-hero whose lust for battle ultimately condemns him in the eyes of both men and gods.

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