Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Geoffrey Hill's "Solomon's Mines" is a contemplative exploration of discovery, legacy, and the weight of history. Dedicated to Bonamy Dobrée, an English literary scholar and critic, the poem delves into the themes of excavation, both literal and metaphorical, and the quest for meaning through the unearthing of the past.

The opening line, "Anything to have done!" immediately sets a tone of yearning and urgency. This sentiment is echoed in the following line, "(The eagle flagged to the sun)," suggesting a sense of fatigue or weariness in the pursuit of lofty goals or enlightenment. The image of the eagle, often a symbol of nobility and vision, here appears diminished, "flagged," indicating a struggle against overwhelming forces or the passage of time.

Hill then moves to the idea of uncovering "The buried thrones, the means used;" where "thrones" symbolize power, authority, and perhaps lost civilizations or historical epochs. The "means used" refers to the methods of discovery, possibly hinting at the laborious and meticulous process of excavation, both physically in archaeological terms and intellectually in scholarly research.

The phrases "Spadework and symbol, each deed / Resurrecting those best dead" highlight the dual nature of this endeavor. "Spadework" implies the physical act of digging, while "symbol" points to the deeper, more abstract interpretations of these findings. Each action taken in this pursuit brings back to life "those best dead"—figures from history such as priests, soldiers, and kings who once held power and influence.

Hill describes these resurrected figures as "Blazed-out, stripped-out things," emphasizing their former grandeur now reduced to remnants. The repetition of "out" underscores their transition from significant beings to mere artifacts. The poem suggests a form of decay or stripping away, a loss of the original essence, leaving behind only traces of their former glory.

"Anything to get up and go / (Let the hewn gates clash to) / Without looking round" speaks to a desire for departure, perhaps from the weight of history or the burdens of scholarly endeavor. The "hewn gates" clashing shut evoke a sense of finality, as if sealing off the past or concluding a chapter of intense exploration. This act of moving forward "without looking round" suggests a deliberate choice to avoid dwelling on the past or the consequences of one's actions.

The poem concludes with "Out of that strong land," which can be interpreted in multiple ways. It may refer to the physical departure from a place of historical significance, a land rich with memories and artifacts. Alternatively, it could symbolize leaving behind the mental or emotional weight associated with the past, stepping out of a space that holds strong, perhaps overpowering, connections to history and legacy.

"Solomon's Mines" thus captures the complexity of dealing with history, the desire to uncover and understand the past, and the simultaneous urge to move beyond it. Hill’s language intertwines physical imagery with abstract thought, creating a rich tapestry that reflects on the enduring human quest for knowledge and the inevitable struggle that accompanies it.

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