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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Plan of Self-Subjection" by Thom Gunn delves into the cyclical nature of self-reflection, aspiration, and the inherent flaws that accompany the human condition. Gunn explores the concept of personal weakness, the quest for self-improvement, and the inevitable return to one’s inherent nature despite efforts to transcend it. The poem begins with a metaphor of a "fragment of weak flesh" caught between "the sky and the hot crust of hell." This imagery sets the stage for a meditation on the human condition, positioning the speaker as a being in perpetual motion, navigating between extremes of aspiration and despair. The act of circling, described in the opening lines, signifies the repetitive nature of human striving and the constant oscillation between contentment and dissatisfaction. Gunn introduces the concept of "magic circles" as a protective measure against contentment, which he views as a stealthy intruder. Contentment, in this context, is seen as a threat to personal growth and ambition. The speaker’s awareness that "the heaven sun / Can scorch like hell itself" underscores the idea that even the pursuit of lofty goals can lead to intense suffering, equating the potential perils of success with those of failure. The poem’s structure reflects a cyclical pattern, mirroring the speaker’s journey. The act of writing ("I put this pen to paper") is an attempt to impose order on the chaos of personal flaws. Yet, this imposition of order is itself a form of self-deception, as the speaker acknowledges that their fault is "worse / Not from condonement but that, double dyed / To rot, it should be treated as the strong." This suggests a recognition that self-awareness does not necessarily lead to self-improvement but can instead exacerbate one's flaws by giving them undue significance. Gunn references historical figures such as Alexander the Great, Mark Antony, and Coriolanus, who symbolize different forms of greatness and aspiration. These figures serve as masks for self-flattery, highlighting the speaker's awareness of their own limitations and the disparity between their aspirations and reality. Despite these lofty comparisons, the speaker remains acutely aware of their own ordinariness, stating, "I stay myself—no perfect king or lover / Or stoic." The poem touches on the theme of authenticity versus pretense. The speaker’s acknowledgment of their inability to fully embody their ideals—whether in poetry, behavior, or sexual conduct—reveals a sense of self-awareness and humility. The line "Each tainted with the other / Becomes diseased, both self and self's ideal" captures the idea that the pursuit of an idealized self can corrupt both the person and their aspirations, leading to a diseased state where neither the true self nor the ideal can exist purely. In the final stanza, Gunn returns to the image of the circle, emphasizing the inevitability of returning to one's starting point. The speaker's longing for shade from both the "heaven sun" and "that hot hell beneath" illustrates a desire for respite from the extremes of existence. The conclusion that "My circle's end is where I have begun" encapsulates the cyclical nature of human striving and the ultimate futility of seeking a permanent transformation. "Plan of Self-Subjection" is a profound exploration of the human condition, examining the tension between aspiration and reality, the cyclical nature of self-improvement, and the inherent flaws that persist despite efforts to overcome them. Gunn's use of rich imagery and historical allusions deepens the poem's meditation on the complexity of the self and the perpetual struggle for authenticity and growth.
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