Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Frederick Louis MacNeice’s poem "Letter to Graham and Anna" is a playful, reflective, and richly descriptive account of the poet’s journey to Reykjavik, Iceland, in the summer of 1936. Written in the form of a letter, the poem captures the sense of adventure, the search for meaning, and the desire to escape the mundane that characterize both the physical journey to a remote part of the world and the internal journey of self-exploration.

The poem begins with a vivid description of MacNeice’s voyage to Reykjavik: "I have got here, you see, without being sick / On a boat of eight hundred tons to Reykjavik." The tone is light and conversational, as MacNeice recounts the details of his trip with a touch of humor. He mentions his choice to travel second-class, noting that it was a more pleasant experience compared to the "first-class crowd." The food on the journey is described in a way that reflects the cultural diversity he encounters, with a "smart line-up of Scandinavian dishes."

As he arrives in Iceland, MacNeice reflects on the uniqueness of the land: "So I came here to the land the Romans missed, / Left for the Irish saint and the Viking colonist." The description of Iceland as a place that the Romans did not conquer but was instead settled by saints and Vikings evokes a sense of mystique and historical depth. However, he quickly questions the purpose of his journey: "But what am I doing here? Qu’allais-je faire / Among these volcanic rocks and this grey air?" This self-questioning tone suggests a deeper search for meaning beyond the mere novelty of travel.

MacNeice humorously contrasts Iceland with more traditional, warmer vacation destinations like Cyprus and Madeira, questioning the logic of choosing such a remote, stark landscape. Yet, he finds something compelling in Iceland’s "scarcity of population" and the absence of "bores or hacks," appreciating the simplicity and solitude that the country offers. This leads him to ponder the "ethics of Going North," drawing a parallel between his journey and that of previous travelers like William Morris and ancient Irish monks who sought spiritual or intellectual renewal in remote places.

The poem transitions into a more philosophical reflection on modern life. MacNeice critiques the "blowsy intellects" of contemporary society, which are fed on "backchat and self-pity," always needing noise and distraction. He contrasts this with the "silence of the islands" and the need for mental and spiritual grappling—represented by the image of "knuckle on stony knuckle"—to rediscover what has been lost in the hustle and bustle of modernity. The metaphor of a "different rhythm" in Iceland, where "the juggled balls / Hang in the air," suggests that this journey provides a pause, a moment of reflection before returning to the frenzied pace of everyday life.

MacNeice acknowledges the underlying reason for his trip: his friend, Wystan (W.H. Auden), invited him to join in writing a book about Iceland. However, he downplays this practical explanation, delving into a more abstract exploration of the "nature" they seek to find in themselves through this journey. This search for self-knowledge is framed in Aristotelian terms, as MacNeice invokes the idea of discovering one’s "final pattern," comparing it to the transformation of a "slattern" into a "princess" by a fairy godmother’s touch.

The poem then shifts to a critique of the modern world, with its "grinding gears," "excess of books and cushions," and the relentless drive to "retrieve / Significance from the river of passing people." MacNeice suggests that this constant movement and noise prevent individuals from truly seeing or understanding what they have lost. The journey to Iceland represents a break from this pattern, an opportunity to "take a breath, sit back, admire / Stills from the film of life, the frozen fire."

In the closing lines, MacNeice expresses a desire to practice "forgetfulness" in Iceland without guilt or fear, valuing the peace and solitude it offers. However, the letter ends abruptly, as Auden interrupts with practical concerns—reminding MacNeice of the necessity to venture out into the "frightful rain" for an errand. This sudden shift back to the mundane underscores the tension between the intellectual or spiritual aspirations of the journey and the realities of life.

"Letter to Graham and Anna" is a multifaceted poem that blends travelogue with philosophical meditation. MacNeice captures the allure of escape, the search for meaning in remote places, and the contrast between the simplicity of Iceland and the complexity of modern life. Through his playful tone, vivid descriptions, and introspective reflections, MacNeice offers a nuanced commentary on the human desire to find peace, purpose, and clarity in a world that is often overwhelming and chaotic.

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