Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Cities, Plains and People: 5," Lawrence Durrell presents a reflective and critical examination of the human condition, exploring themes of mortality, identity, and the struggle for authentic existence within the constraints of society and culture. The poem juxtaposes different paths to self-realization, critiquing the ways in which individuals may become trapped in mundane, predetermined roles or, conversely, find their way to deeper truths through literature and introspection.

The poem opens with the stark image of "Faces may settle sadly / Each into its private death," suggesting a sense of resignation and inevitability. This idea of "private death" can be interpreted as the gradual loss of individuality and vitality that occurs when people become consumed by routine, "business travel or fortune." The metaphor of "fat congealing on a plate" reinforces the notion of stagnation and the loss of energy or purpose, while the "fogged negative of labour" suggests the obscured and dulled results of a life lived through the motions, devoid of clarity or vision.

Durrell describes this existence as one where "dumb fastidious rectitude / Brings death in living as a sort of mate," indicating that strict adherence to societal norms or work ethics can lead to a life that, while outwardly proper and correct, is inwardly deadened. The phrase "death in living" encapsulates the paradox of being alive yet not truly living, a condition that is described as having death as a constant companion.

The poem then shifts focus to the possibility of finding a different path: "Here however man might botch his way / To God via Valery, Gide or Rabelais." These references to Paul Valéry, André Gide, and François Rabelais—a poet-philosopher, a novelist, and a satirist respectively—suggest that literature and intellectual exploration offer alternative routes to understanding or enlightenment. The word "botch" implies that this journey is not straightforward or guaranteed, but it is a path worth attempting for those seeking something beyond the superficial aspects of life.

Durrell continues by affirming, "All rules obtain upon the pilot's plan / So long as man, not manners, makyth man." This line emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-determination over mere adherence to social conventions ("manners"). The "pilot's plan" could symbolize a higher or guiding principle, suggesting that as long as a person remains true to their inner nature ("man"), they are on the right path, regardless of external expectations.

The poem then contrasts different cultural figures: "Some like the great Victorians of the past / Through old Moll Flanders sailed before the mast," referencing the robust and adventurous spirit of the Victorian era, exemplified by Daniel Defoe's character Moll Flanders. In contrast, "savage Chatterleys of the new romance / Get carried off in Sex, the ambulance," refers to the characters from D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover and the modern preoccupation with sex and sensationalism. This contrast highlights the shift from a more disciplined, morally driven past to a present where passion and scandal often dominate the narrative.

Durrell concludes with a reiteration of the earlier sentiment: "All rules obtain upon the pilot's chart / If governed by the scripture of the heart." This final line reinforces the idea that true guidance comes from within, from the "scripture of the heart" rather than from external authorities or societal rules. It suggests that the most authentic and meaningful life is one lived in accordance with one's inner truth, even if that path is unconventional or challenging.

In "Cities, Plains and People: 5," Durrell navigates the complexities of modern existence, critiquing the ways in which people can become disconnected from their true selves through societal pressures and routine. At the same time, he offers hope through the exploration of literature and personal authenticity as avenues for deeper understanding and fulfillment. The poem's reflective tone and rich allusions invite readers to consider their own paths, encouraging a life that is not merely lived, but deeply felt and consciously directed.

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