Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Eleanor Wilner's "Conversation with a Japanese Student" explores the contrasting perceptions of beauty, glory, and mortality between different cultures, as well as the broader implications of these concepts on history and human experience. The poem begins with a discussion about the Morning Glory flower, known in Japanese as "asakao" or "Morning Face," highlighting the cultural differences in interpreting beauty and significance. The Japanese student's question about the meaning of "glory" introduces a reflection on how glory is portrayed and pursued in Western culture, often at great cost.

Wilner sets the stage with a vivid depiction of an artist at work, using his brush to capture the grand themes of history on a large, allegorical canvas. This artist, embodying history's voice, paints a picture of Glory—a figure representing triumph and greatness. Unlike Mortality, who casts a shadow and signifies the inevitability of death, Glory is depicted as an ethereal, almost divine figure. She is adorned in a classical tunic, her limbs rendered with the richness of oil paint, symbolizing the allure and aspiration associated with her.

The poem critiques the pursuit of glory through the depiction of an army marching in Glory's shadow, darkening the land. This image suggests that the pursuit of glory often leads to destruction and suffering. The fleeting image of a peasant woman raising her gaunt baby momentarily blocks the light of Glory, representing the human cost of this pursuit. This interruption underscores the contrast between the idealized vision of glory and the harsh realities faced by ordinary people.

Wilner draws on classical and historical references to deepen the critique. The mention of Beatrice and Helen invokes iconic representations of idealized beauty and desire. The image of Beatrice's skirt and the fluttering doves in Helen's thighs symbolize the unattainable and destructive nature of absolute desire. The poet argues that the relentless pursuit of such ideals can lead to catastrophic consequences, as illustrated by the story of Michelangelo's rage against his last Pietà.

Michelangelo's attack on his own sculpture represents the destructive potential of striving for perfection. In his frustration with the stone's refusal to conform to his vision, he nearly destroys the work, requiring his servant to intervene and save it. This incident serves as a metaphor for humanity's tendency to destroy in the pursuit of unattainable ideals. The poem suggests that this destructive impulse can tear apart the fabric of creation itself, leaving only a monstrous cloud of destruction.

The final lines of the poem evoke the image of a fungus growing on the axis of the world, casting a white shadow on the hills. This metaphor underscores the parasitic nature of glory and its dependence on the destruction of what sustains it. The image of the fungus, pitiless and consuming, symbolizes the insidious and pervasive impact of the pursuit of glory on the world.

In "Conversation with a Japanese Student," Wilner invites readers to reflect on the cultural constructs of beauty and glory, and the often devastating consequences of their pursuit. Through rich imagery and historical references, the poem critiques the idealization of glory and highlights the importance of recognizing the human cost of such aspirations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need for a more humane and grounded understanding of greatness, one that values the lives and experiences of ordinary people over abstract ideals.

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