Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Politics" by Lawrence Durrell presents a contemplative examination of human nature and the cultural quirks that define different nations, all while hinting at the underlying commonalities that bind humanity together. Durrell uses the metaphor of a chemist comparing properties to explore the distinctions and similarities between people from different cultures, ultimately pointing toward the shared human desires that transcend these differences.

The poem begins with the idea that "chemists might compare their properties," suggesting a scientific approach to understanding the varied characteristics of different nationalities. Durrell playfully references the "Englishman with his Apologising Bag," likely alluding to the stereotype of English politeness and reserve, embodied in the image of a bag that seems to carry the weight of constant apologies. The mention of the "Ainu with interesting stone-age cuffs" invokes the indigenous people of Japan, known for their ancient traditions and distinctive dress. Durrell also refers to "whoever invented stars as a witness," a poetic nod to those cultures or individuals who seek meaning or guidance from the cosmos.

As the poem progresses, Durrell notes how nations, "through excess of sensibility," might retreat into "opium under a great leaf," suggesting a withdrawal from the harsh realities of the world into a state of dreamy detachment. This image of escape contrasts with the "French with their elastic manual code," perhaps referring to France's legal and cultural flexibility, which allows for adaptation and resilience.

Despite these differences, Durrell identifies "the three common desires, / Of hunger, smiling, and of being loved." These fundamental needs—physical sustenance, emotional expression, and affection—are universal, cutting across cultural and national boundaries. Durrell emphasizes that outside the "penumbra of the real Mystery," which he describes as "the whole world as a Why," humans share a common existence driven by these simple yet profound desires. The "penumbra" here refers to the shadowy edge of understanding, the area where the mysteries of existence lie just beyond our grasp.

The poem then shifts focus to the "naked How," which Durrell contrasts with the enigmatic "Why." This "How" represents the practical, everyday aspects of life—the ways in which we live, connect, and function in the world. By "living purely in the naked How," people can unite despite their differences, much like how a writer brings together dissimilar elements in a narrative or a doctor mends broken bones with a "simple perishable function." These acts of creation and healing serve as metaphors for the ways in which human beings navigate their existence, making sense of the disparate elements that define their lives.

The poem concludes with a delicate and hopeful image: "To exhale like a smoke ring the O: Joy." This final line suggests that joy, like a smoke ring, is both fleeting and beautiful, a momentary expression of the deeper, shared experiences that unite humanity. The "O" might symbolize both the simplicity and completeness of joy, an elemental part of the human experience that, despite its transience, holds profound meaning.

In "Politics," Durrell uses cultural observations and metaphors to explore the complexities of human life. He acknowledges the differences that make each culture unique while underscoring the universal desires that connect us all. The poem invites readers to reflect on the balance between the "Why" of existence—the deeper mysteries—and the "How" of everyday life, ultimately suggesting that joy, however brief, is a unifying force in the human experience.

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