Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Volcano," Derek Walcott meditates on the nature of literary greatness, legacy, and the diminishing awe that contemporary culture holds for monumental figures of the past. Through allusions to literary giants like James Joyce and Joseph Conrad, Walcott contemplates the role of the writer and reader in a world where reverence for genius seems to have faded. The poem captures a sense of loss—not only for these iconic figures but for the deeper sense of awe that their work once inspired.

The poem begins with a personal anecdote about James Joyce, noting his fear of thunder, a humanizing detail that contrasts with the grandeur often associated with his literary achievements. The mention of lions roaring at Joyce’s funeral, whether in "Zurich or Trieste," evokes the mythic, almost legendary aura surrounding his death, reinforcing the idea that Joyce, in death, has become larger than life. The details of his funeral—such as the location—are less important than the way in which his passing has been transformed into legend. Walcott points out that "the death of Joyce is a legend," and by extension, the deaths of literary figures like Conrad are similarly mythologized. The reference to Conrad’s novel "Victory" introduces the theme of irony, suggesting that even in their mastery, these giants faced the same human limitations as anyone else.

Walcott uses the imagery of the night horizon, where the speaker watches the distant glow of "miles-out-at-sea derricks," likening them to "the glow of the cigar" and "the glow of the volcano" at the end of "Victory." These two sources of light—one artificial and the other natural—serve as metaphors for human effort and the awe-inspiring force of nature. The image of the cigar evokes human craftsmanship and fleeting pleasures, while the volcano suggests something far more primal and uncontrollable. Together, these lights symbolize the dual forces of creativity and destruction that shape both life and art.

The speaker considers abandoning the act of writing to become "the ideal reader" of great works, focusing on the pleasure of consuming masterpieces rather than the struggle to create them. To be "the greatest reader in the world" would require an appreciation for the genius of others, an attitude of reverence that the speaker believes is increasingly rare in modern times. Walcott laments that "awe, which has been lost to our time," has diminished the way people experience art and literature. This loss of awe is tied to the cultural saturation of experiences and knowledge, as "so many people have seen everything," suggesting that the novelty and wonder that once accompanied discovery have been eroded.

Walcott’s reflection on "the silence of victory" and the "indolence that burns at the core" underscores the quiet, often solitary nature of true accomplishment. The poem suggests that victory—whether in life or in art—is not a loud or dramatic event but a slow-burning, internal process. However, in the modern world, many people have become "erect ash, like the cigar," standing as empty shells of former grandeur, having lost the ability to fully appreciate the majesty of thunder and lightning, which once inspired awe and reverence. This metaphor suggests that people have become desensitized to the power of both nature and art, taking for granted the very forces that once sparked awe and creativity.

The lament for lost giants—those literary and cultural titans like Joyce and Conrad—is central to the poem. The line "there were giants in those days" echoes a biblical tone, reinforcing the idea that these figures belonged to a different, almost mythological era. The mention of "good cigars" in the same breath as these giants subtly critiques modernity’s inability to match the craftsmanship and quality of the past, not just in literature but in other aspects of life. This nostalgia for a time when "they made good cigars" points to a broader longing for a world where excellence was prized and understood.

In the closing lines, the speaker turns the focus inward, declaring, "I must read more carefully." This statement reflects a renewed commitment to engaging with the works of the greats, suggesting that careful reading is an act of reverence and humility. In an era where the awe for literary and artistic mastery has waned, the speaker seeks to reconnect with the works of the past, acknowledging that the giants of literature offer something timeless that still requires careful attention and respect.

In "Volcano," Derek Walcott reflects on the waning awe for literary greatness and the diminishing reverence for the forces—both human and natural—that shape creativity. Through vivid imagery and allusions to figures like Joyce and Conrad, Walcott contemplates the role of the writer and reader in a world that has become desensitized to wonder. The poem serves as both a critique of modernity’s loss of reverence and a call to re-engage with the legacies of the past, reminding us that the power of literature and art still demands careful attention and appreciation.

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