Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Dames du Temps Jadis" by Robert Lowell is a reflective and evocative poem that draws upon the famous "Ballade des dames du temps jadis" ("Ballad of the Ladies of Times Past") by François Villon. The poem contemplates the fleeting nature of beauty, fame, and existence through the invocation of historical and mythical figures renowned for their allure and significance. The poem echoes the themes of transience and the passage of time, which are central to Villon's work.

The poem opens with an invocation to memory: "Say in what country, where is Flora, the Roman," referring to the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, symbolizing beauty and renewal. Lowell's inclusion of Flora, alongside figures like "Archipaida or Thais far lovelier," conjures images of idealized beauty from classical antiquity. Thais, likely referencing the courtesan associated with Alexander the Great, and Archipaida, a figure less commonly known but possibly from Greek mythology or literature, represent the allure of physical beauty that captivates across cultures and eras.

Lowell then shifts to the mythological figure of Echo, known for her voice that could only repeat the last words spoken to her. The line "whose voice would answer across the land or river-her beauty more than human" highlights her ethereal and tragic nature, emphasizing that her beauty was beyond ordinary human comprehension. This emphasis on the extraordinary nature of these figures underscores the poem's meditation on the ephemeral nature of beauty and the inevitability of its loss.

The poem continues by invoking "our wise Eloise and Peter Abelard," a reference to the famous medieval lovers known for their intellectual and romantic relationship. Their story, marked by passion and tragedy, culminated in Abelard's castration, ordered by Eloise's uncle, a consequence of their forbidden love. Lowell's mention of Abelard being "gelded at Saint Denis for love of her" emphasizes the severe consequences of their passion and the sacrifice endured for love.

The poem further reflects on the historical figure "Jehanne the good maid of Lorraine," referring to Joan of Arc, the French heroine who led her country's armies against English occupation and was later burned at the stake in Rouen. Her inclusion in the poem highlights themes of martyrdom, bravery, and the tragic end that often befalls even the most noble and beautiful figures.

The recurring refrain, "Where, mother of God, is last year's snow?" encapsulates the poem's meditation on the transitory nature of life and beauty. This line, a direct echo from Villon's original ballad ("Mais où sont les neiges d'antan?"), serves as a poignant reminder that all things, no matter how beautiful or significant, eventually fade and disappear. The reference to "last year's snow" symbolizes the inevitability of change and the passage of time, suggesting that just as snow melts and is gone, so too does beauty, fame, and life itself.

"Dames du Temps Jadis" by Robert Lowell is a contemplative poem that reverently acknowledges the beauty and impact of historical and mythical figures while lamenting their inevitable disappearance. By drawing on Villon's timeless question and exploring the stories of these iconic women, Lowell reflects on the universal and enduring nature of loss and the ephemeral quality of existence. The poem serves as a meditation on the transient nature of life, urging the reader to consider the fleeting moments of beauty and significance that define human experience.

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