Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Triumph of Love: 148," Geoffrey Hill confronts the intertwined nature of pride, anger, and covetousness, while also reflecting on the purpose of poetry. The passage delves into the internal conflicts and realizations that accompany the human experience, ultimately presenting poetry as a medium for consolation.

Hill begins by examining "obnoxious means, far back within itself, / easily wounded," suggesting that what may seem abrasive or disagreeable on the surface often masks a deeper vulnerability. This vulnerability is linked to pride, an emotion that Hill describes as a "related self / of covetousness." The idea that pride and covetousness are interconnected implies that the desire for what others have (covetousness) often stems from a wounded sense of self-worth (pride).

The poet acknowledges his late realization of this connection, stating, "I came late / to seeing that. Actually, I had to be / shown it." This admission of needing external guidance to understand such an intrinsic aspect of human nature highlights the difficulty of self-awareness and the importance of external perspectives.

Hill recalls a particularly rough experience that revealed this truth to him, which "still pains me. Perhaps it should pain me more." This lingering pain suggests a continuous struggle with pride and its consequences. He then asserts, "Pride is our crux: be angry, but not proud / where that means vainglorious." Here, Hill distinguishes between anger, which can be justified or righteous, and vainglorious pride, which is self-aggrandizing and harmful.

The passage references Leopardi and his observations of Tasso's unremarkable memorial among grandiose monuments, illustrating the disparity between true worth and ostentatious displays. Hill finds in this scene "a sad and angry consolation," a phrase he repeats and examines. This repetition underscores the dual nature of consolation found in poetry: it is both a recognition of sadness and an expression of justified anger.

Hill addresses figures such as "Croker, MacSikker, O'Shem," possibly critics or fellow poets, asking, "what are poems for?" His answer, "They are to console us / with their own gift, which is like perfect pitch," suggests that poetry's value lies in its ability to resonate deeply and provide comfort through its inherent beauty and truth.

Hill's repeated inquiry and response—"What ought a poem to be? Answer, a sad / and angry consolation. What is / the poem? What figures? Say, / a sad and angry consolation"—reinforces the idea that poetry serves as a medium to process and express complex emotions. This refrain emphasizes the importance of acknowledging both sorrow and righteous indignation, finding solace in the act of poetic creation.

In "Triumph of Love: 148," Hill eloquently captures the essence of poetry as a means of confronting and consoling the profound emotional experiences of pride, anger, and loss. Through introspection and literary references, he presents poetry as a powerful tool for understanding and articulating the human condition.

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