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PROEM, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography


"Proem" by Richard Aldington is a contemplative and introspective poem that reflects on the search for tranquility and understanding amid the chaos and suffering of life. The poem is characterized by Aldington's exploration of existential themes and his use of vivid imagery to convey the internal struggle for meaning and clarity.

The poem begins with a description of the turbulent state of the world or the speaker's life as "this turmoil and passion, / This implacable contest, / This vast sea of effort." This imagery suggests a sense of overwhelming struggle and conflict, whether in the context of personal life, societal turmoil, or perhaps the horrors of war, which was a common theme in Aldington's work, especially influenced by his experiences in World War I.

The speaker expresses a desire to find "something of repose" amidst this chaos. They seek an "intuition of the inalterable gods," which symbolizes a yearning for timeless wisdom or a connection to something eternal and unchanging. The reference to "Some Attic gesture" evokes the classical world, particularly ancient Greece, known for its philosophical and artistic achievements. This longing for an "Attic gesture" implies a desire for the elegance, simplicity, and profound insight associated with that era.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reveals a growing restlessness, a feeling that the sought-after peace and understanding are slipping away: "Each day I grow more restless, / See the austere shape elude me." This "austere shape" may represent the elusive nature of truth, wisdom, or peace of mind that the speaker is striving to grasp.

The speaker is acutely aware of the world's suffering, "Gaze impotently upon a thousand miseries / And still am dumb." This line conveys a sense of helplessness and frustration in the face of widespread pain and injustice. Despite the speaker's deep desire to comprehend and perhaps articulate a response to these miseries, they find themselves unable to find the words or means to do so.

In summary, "Proem" by Richard Aldington is a poignant exploration of the quest for tranquility, wisdom, and understanding in a world marked by turmoil and suffering. The poem captures the speaker's internal conflict and frustration in their inability to find the peace and insight they so desperately seek. Aldington's use of vivid imagery and the invocation of classical themes underscore the poem's exploration of the human desire for a deeper connection to the eternal and unchanging amidst the chaos of life.


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