Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Lawrence Durrell's "Noctuary in Athens" is a deeply introspective and meditative poem that explores themes of loss, suffering, redemption, and the search for grace. The poem is structured in five parts, each delving into the narrator's experiences and reflections as he grapples with misfortune, spiritual yearning, and the complexities of human existence. Through a blend of mythological references, personal confession, and symbolic imagery, Durrell creates a nocturnal meditation that is both poignant and profound.

The poem opens with the narrator reflecting on his experience of suffering: "I have tasted my quantum of misfortune." This phrase suggests a life marked by significant hardship, yet the use of "quantum" implies a measured, almost scientific acknowledgment of this suffering—as if it is a necessary portion of his existence. The "left-handed woman" to whom he has prayed may symbolize a figure of unconventional or difficult fortune, possibly an allusion to fate or destiny, which is often depicted as feminine in classical mythology.

As the stanza progresses, the narrator likens himself to a swimmer in "the ocean of self," navigating the vast and solitary depths of his inner being. The metaphor of the swimmer, "alone" and "uttering his journey like a manual welcome," suggests a conscious and deliberate engagement with his own soul, seeking "grace" through the act of introspection and self-sculpture. The rain of heaven, "downfalling," is compared to the taste of space, evoking a sense of cosmic vastness and the spiritual journey that transcends earthly concerns.

In the second part, the narrator speaks of having "sipped from the flask of resurrection" and "eaten the oaten cake of redemption." These sacramental images suggest a spiritual renewal or rebirth, perhaps after the period of misfortune mentioned earlier. Yet, despite this renewal, the narrator remains aware of the inevitability of death, as "love, sweet love," who weeps by the "water-clock," can summon the sexton and the box—the symbols of burial and finality.

The line "I wear my age as wood wears voluble leaves" beautifully captures the natural process of aging, likening it to a tree that naturally bears leaves—symbols of temporal life—without effort. The "temporal hunger and the carnal locks" further emphasize the physical and emotional desires that persist through time, even as the narrator moves through life with the weight of his experiences.

The third section shifts to a more somber and reflective tone, as the narrator speaks of burying his wife "under a dolmen," a type of ancient stone tomb. The imagery here is rich with historical and mythical connotations, as dolmens are often associated with prehistoric burial practices and the mysteries of the past. The reference to others who "sleep as naked as the clouds" suggests a return to a natural state, stripped of all earthly concerns, lying in death's embrace.

In this setting, the "tamarisk, lentisk lean to utter sweets," hinting at the bittersweet nature of memory and loss. The natural world, with its fragrant plants and "angels in their shining moods," offers a contrast to the sorrow of the tomb, yet the "voice of truth" that emerges from the wells is a reminder of the inevitability and finality of death, even as it pronounces judgment or wisdom.

Returning to the motif of suffering, the narrator again declares, "I have tasted my quantum of misfortune," but this time in "the desert, the cities of ash and feathers." The desert represents a barren and desolate place, while "cities of ash and feathers" evoke images of destruction and transience, perhaps alluding to the fragility of human achievements and the fleeting nature of life.

The narrator's spiritual journey continues as he speaks of having "spoken the vowel" and "knelt to the curly wool, the uncut horns," which may symbolize acts of ritual or devotion. The "tribulation" carried "in a basket of wattle" suggests a burden borne with humility, much like an owl, a symbol of solitude and wisdom, contemplating its penance in the darkness.

The final section of the poem introduces a poignant and sorrowful image: the narrator has "set my wife's lip under the bandage," indicating an attempt to heal or cover a wound, whether physical or emotional. The plea to "pound the roses, bind the eye of the soul" and "recite the charm of the deep" suggests a desperate attempt to find healing and solace, both for the self and the soul. However, the looming presence of the mountains and the sky's walls as accusatory forces indicates that nature itself bears witness to the narrator's suffering and the weight of his actions.

The call to "put the book of sickness in the embers" signifies a desire to burn away the past, to cleanse oneself of the memories and afflictions that have accumulated over time. Yet, despite these efforts, the narrator concludes with the same refrain: "I have tasted my quantum of misfortune," underscoring the enduring nature of his suffering and the cyclical nature of human experience.

"Noctuary in Athens" by Lawrence Durrell is a profound exploration of the human condition, capturing the tension between suffering and redemption, memory and loss, spirituality and the material world. Through rich, symbolic language and a deeply personal voice, Durrell invites the reader into the narrator's inner world, where the struggles of life are met with a stoic acceptance and a search for meaning. The poem's cyclical structure and recurring themes of misfortune, reflection, and the pursuit of grace emphasize the inevitability of suffering, while also offering a glimpse of the resilience and quiet strength that can be found within it.

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