Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In “Pressmarked Urgent, Lawrence Durrell creates a satirical and fragmented reflection on the nature of communication, particularly within the context of the press and media. The poem’s structure mimics the style of a telegram or a coded military message, which might suggest urgency and the disjointed, rapid-fire nature of modern communication. By doing so, Durrell critiques the way information is conveyed and processed in the contemporary world, particularly by those in positions of power and influence.

The poem begins with the phrase "Mens sana in corpore sano," a Latin aphorism meaning "a healthy mind in a healthy body." This phrase, commonly associated with the ideal of well-being, is ironically subverted by labeling it as the "Motto for Press Corps." Here, Durrell may be implying that the press, rather than fostering clarity and truth (hallmarks of a "healthy mind"), often engages in activities that are chaotic, misleading, or detrimental to public understanding.

The poem’s language, with its use of Latin phrases and abbreviations, reflects the formal, somewhat cryptic style of official communications, possibly mimicking how the press or military might issue orders or reports. Terms like "DESPATCH ADGENERAL PUBLICS" and "PERPETUAL MOTION QUITE UNFINDING REST" suggest a continuous cycle of action without resolution, a state of constant movement that fails to reach any meaningful conclusion.

Durrell’s use of "ADVANCES ETRETREATS UPON ILLUSION" further emphasizes the idea that much of what is reported or pursued by the press is ephemeral or deceptive. The phrase "PREPARES NEW METAPHYSICS PERCONFUSION" suggests that confusion and chaos are intentionally or unintentionally creating new realities or belief systems—perhaps reflecting how media can shape public perception and understanding in unpredictable ways.

The poem’s central critique lies in its portrayal of a society—or a press corps—that is caught in a cycle of generating and propagating confusion. "ATTACK IN FORCE SURMEANS NONENDS / BY MULTIPLYING CONFUSION" illustrates how efforts to clarify or resolve issues often result in further obscurity, with the "issues which are plain" being clouded by unnecessary complications or misleading information.

Durrell continues to explore this theme with the lines "ETBY SMALL CONCEPTS LONG NEGLECTED / FIND VIRTUE SUBACTION CLEAR REFLECTED," suggesting that overlooked or seemingly insignificant ideas might hold the key to understanding or virtue, yet they are often buried beneath the overwhelming flow of confusing information. The final line, "BEGIN TO BE REPEAT BEGIN," underscores the cyclical, unending nature of this process, where any attempt to reach clarity or resolution only leads back to the starting point, perpetuating the confusion.

“Pressmarked Urgent” critiques the press and the broader mechanisms of communication and information dissemination, highlighting how these systems often fail to provide clear or truthful insights. Instead, they generate a cycle of confusion, distortion, and superficial engagement with important issues. Durrell’s use of a fragmented, telegram-like structure reflects the fractured, chaotic nature of modern communication, while also satirizing the press’s role in contributing to a world where the simple truths are often obscured by a deluge of misleading or irrelevant information.

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