Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Five Soliloquies Upon the Tomb of Uncebunke: 3," Lawrence Durrell continues to explore the themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the rituals that accompany death. The poem uses a blend of satire, humor, and solemnity to reflect on the demise of both an individual and a bygone era, all while addressing the audience directly with a mix of formality and irreverence.

The poem begins with a call to "Friends, Humans, Englishmen!" This play on the famous opening from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar immediately sets a tone that is both grand and ironic. The inclusion of "Humans" alongside "Englishmen" broadens the address, making it more universal, yet it also hints at the absurdity of nationalistic or elitist distinctions in the face of death. Durrell’s playful invocation of different societal roles—"Officer at the bar and gentleman in bed, / Kings in your counting-houses, clerks at cricket"—serves to remind us that all, regardless of social status or occupation, are ultimately equalized by death.

The poem's reference to the "desperate game" in which all participate suggests that life is a high-stakes endeavor, filled with uncertainty and inevitable loss. The metaphor of cricket, particularly the "tenth wicket," evokes the sense of being the last man standing, facing the endgame of life. Durrell's suggestion that "All you who play in this desperate game" will be "raised to the rank of aunt / In the new millennium" adds a touch of absurdity, implying that our societal roles and honors may be redefined or trivialized over time, perhaps even mocked by future generations.

Durrell then calls for the acceptance of a "bromoid encomium of the harmonium," an oddly phrased request that blends the idea of a formal, possibly stale, eulogy ("bromoid encomium") with the music of a harmonium, an instrument often associated with traditional, sometimes mournful, church music. This combination underscores the tension between the solemnity of death and the banality of the rituals that surround it.

The directive to "Wear the heart at half-mast and signal / A feudal death of an old order" suggests a moment of mourning not just for the individual, but for a whole era or social structure that is passing away. The "dissolving warrior in his iron hat" represents the decline of traditional forms of power and authority, now fading into obsolescence. The "iron hat" might symbolize the old guard, now rusting and irrelevant in the face of modernity.

Durrell then shifts to a more reflective tone with "Observe the soul’s decorum: stand, my son, / Hymn number one." This line calls for a moment of respect and adherence to ritual, even as the earlier lines have undercut the seriousness of those rituals. "Hymn number one" might refer to a traditional funeral hymn, a marker of respect for the dead, even if performed out of habit rather than heartfelt sentiment.

The "Anthem" that follows provides a brief, poignant reflection on the fate of "Poor Tom," whose "hope was sterile dust." This image of sterile dust emphasizes the futility of worldly aspirations, which ultimately amount to nothing in the face of death. However, in death, Tom "now perches on an angel's thumb," suggesting a form of transcendence or divine care, albeit in a somewhat whimsical or precarious position. The cherubims "with silky limbs" who "around him hymn and hum" add to the surreal, almost playful tone, suggesting that even in death, there is a lightness or a return to a childlike state.

"Five Soliloquies Upon the Tomb of Uncebunke: 3" continues Durrell's exploration of mortality with a mix of irony, humor, and solemnity. The poem reflects on the passing of individuals and eras, questioning the rituals and social norms that surround death while acknowledging the universal nature of the human experience. Through its blend of formal and informal language, the poem invites readers to consider the absurdities and inevitabilities of life and death, while also maintaining a sense of respect for the rituals that help us navigate these profound experiences.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...