Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Lawrence Durrell’s poem "Self to Not-Self" is a contemplative exploration of the journey from self-awareness to a more universal or transcendent understanding of existence. The poem reflects on the tension between the individual self and the larger, often elusive, forces that shape our lives. Durrell uses rich imagery and philosophical musings to delve into the complexities of identity, the pursuit of truth, and the desire for spiritual or existential liberation.

The poem begins with a plea: "Darkness, divulge my share in light / As man in name though not in nature." Here, Durrell sets up a contrast between darkness and light, symbolizing the unknown and the known, or perhaps ignorance and enlightenment. The speaker is asking the darkness—often a metaphor for the subconscious or the hidden aspects of existence—to reveal their "share in light," suggesting a desire to understand their place in the grander scheme of things. The phrase "man in name though not in nature" hints at the speaker's awareness of the limitations and artificial constructs of human identity, as opposed to a deeper, perhaps more authentic, nature that transcends labels.

The following lines, "Lay down truth's black hermetic wings / For less substantial things," suggest a surrendering of rigid, perhaps dogmatic, truths in favor of something more fluid and ethereal. "Truth's black hermetic wings" could represent a protective but isolating barrier that truth can create, preventing one from engaging with the more subtle, less concrete aspects of existence. The speaker seems to seek a more personal, "less substantial" understanding—something that resonates on a deeper, more intimate level.

Durrell then introduces the idea of "love's nomenclature," implying that love is a language or a system of naming that can help the speaker define or "call my weight my own." This line suggests that through love, or perhaps through the understanding that comes from love, one can find a sense of ownership or identity. The idea of being "matriculate by harmlessness / From this tuistic zone" implies a graduation or initiation into a state of being that is defined by gentleness or harmlessness—a move away from self-centeredness ("tuistic" referring to the self and its interests) to something more selfless and universal.

The line "Possessing what I almost own" encapsulates the theme of the poem: the struggle to fully grasp or own one's existence and identity, which always seems just out of reach. It reflects the ongoing tension between self-identity and the larger forces that influence and define it.

Durrell then shifts to a more cosmic imagery: "And where each heap of music falls / Burns like a star below the sea." This evokes a sense of beauty and mystery, where music—an ethereal, intangible force—burns brightly even in the depths of the ocean, a place typically associated with darkness and the unknown. The image of music burning like a star "below the sea" suggests that even in the deepest, most obscure parts of existence, there is light and harmony.

The idea of "mirror its plurality / Through nature's tideless nights and noons" speaks to the reflection of the many aspects of nature and existence in each other. The ocean, with its "cracked saloons" (perhaps suggesting the fragmented, imperfect aspects of life), mirrors the vastness and diversity of existence. The "tideless nights and noons" emphasize a sense of stillness and continuity, unchanging yet full of potential.

The final lines of the poem bring the focus back to the self and its struggles: "Teach me the mastery of the curse, / The bending circumstance to free, / And mix my better with my worse." Here, Durrell is asking for the wisdom to navigate the challenges of life—the "curse" of existence, which could be interpreted as the burden of self-awareness or the inevitable hardships of life. The "bending circumstance to free" suggests a desire to transcend or overcome the limitations imposed by life's circumstances, to find freedom despite them. Finally, "mix my better with my worse" reflects a yearning for integration and acceptance of all aspects of the self, both good and bad, as part of a complete, authentic existence.

"Self to Not-Self" is a meditation on the journey towards self-understanding and transcendence. Durrell uses the language of light and darkness, music and nature, to explore the complexities of identity and existence. The poem suggests that true understanding and freedom come not from rigid truths or isolated self-interest, but from a deeper engagement with the subtleties of love, the acceptance of all parts of the self, and the ability to navigate the inherent challenges of life with grace and wisdom.

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