Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Ezra Pound?s “Mesmerism” is a spirited homage to Robert Browning, a poet Pound admired for his complexity, intellectual vigor, and insight into the human condition. Written in a colloquial and jocular tone, the poem reflects Pound’s appreciation for Browning’s unique style while poking gentle fun at its dense and often impenetrable qualities. The title itself suggests the spellbinding effect Browning’s work has on readers, as well as the difficulty of fully grasping his layered meanings.

The poem opens with a direct and playful address: “Aye you?re a man that! ye old mesmerizer.” From the start, Pound casts Browning as an enchanter, tying his meanings in “seventy swadelin’s” (seventy layers of wrapping). The image humorously acknowledges the challenging nature of Browning’s verse, which requires careful unraveling by the reader. The phrase “One must of needs be a hang’d early riser / To catch you at worm turning” reinforces this idea, suggesting that engaging with Browning’s poetry demands diligence and intellectual effort, akin to catching an early bird or decoding a riddle.

In the second stanza, Pound uses vivid and whimsical imagery to describe Browning’s thought process: “Cat’s i’ the water butt! Thought’s in your verse-barrel.” This chaotic metaphor captures the elusive, almost playful quality of Browning’s ideas, as if they are darting around unpredictably in a confined space. Yet, despite this elusiveness, Pound expresses admiration for Browning’s poetic craft: “Tell us this thing rather, then we’ll believe you.” Here, the plea reflects the reader?s desire for clarity, a hallmark of Browning’s reputation as both a masterful and challenging poet.

Pound’s characterization of Browning’s poetic voice as “a head-cold long-tonsilled Calliope” humorously acknowledges its idiosyncrasies. The reference to Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, positions Browning within the tradition of great poets while acknowledging the quirks of his style, which Pound likens to a wheezy organ. This playful critique is balanced by reverence for Browning’s perceptive insight: “But God! what a sight you ha’ got o’ our in’ards.” Browning’s poetry, for all its eccentricities, is credited with plumbing the depths of the human psyche and exposing its inner workings.

The third stanza intensifies Pound’s admiration. Browning’s “heart that was big as the bowels of Vesuvius” conveys the poet’s emotional magnitude, likened to the eruptive power of a volcano. This image underscores Browning’s passion and intensity, qualities that Pound views as integral to his artistry. The lines “Eagled and thundered as Jupiter Pluvius, / Sound in your wind past all signs o’ corruption” continue this theme of grandeur, aligning Browning with mythic figures and forces of nature. Here, Pound asserts the purity and enduring power of Browning’s poetic vision, untouched by decay or mediocrity.

The final stanza shifts into a celebratory toast, affirming Browning’s legacy. Pound calls him “Old Hippety-Hop o’ the accents,” a lighthearted nod to Browning’s innovative use of rhythm and meter. The description of Browning as “True to the Truth’s sake and crafty dissector” highlights his commitment to probing deeper truths and his skill in analyzing complex ideas. Pound also admires Browning’s independence and integrity, noting that he “grabbed at the gold sure; had no need to pack cents / Into your versicles.” This line suggests that Browning aimed for artistic greatness rather than pandering to popular tastes or commercial success.

The closing exclamation, “Clear sight’s elector!” encapsulates Pound’s ultimate assessment of Browning. Despite the obscurities and eccentricities of his style, Browning remains a champion of clarity in vision and truth in expression. This duality—the labyrinthine nature of Browning’s poetry and its profound insights—is at the heart of Pound’s tribute.

Structurally, the poem mirrors Browning’s own robust, energetic style, with lively rhythms and conversational diction. The playful tone, filled with colloquialisms and puns, reflects Pound’s engagement with Browning as both an admirer and a critic. The poem’s informality belies its deeper appreciation of Browning’s achievements, positioning him as a towering figure whose influence Pound respects and celebrates.

In “Mesmerism,” Pound offers a nuanced portrait of Robert Browning, acknowledging his complexities while celebrating his genius. The poem is both an affectionate critique and a sincere homage, capturing the spirit of a poet who, in Pound’s view, succeeded in illuminating the truths of human existence through his art.

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