Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's poem "Being of Three Minds" delves into the complex interplay between identity, difference, and the nature of language and meaning. Divided into two distinct sections, the poem explores philosophical concepts with a blend of abstract thought and vivid imagery, reflecting on how distinctions are drawn and the consequences of these distinctions.

The first section of the poem focuses on the concept of likeness and difference as understood by logicians. Nemerov begins with the line, "Between identity and difference / Logicians say that likeness lies," highlighting the idea that similarity is perceived as existing between the notions of sameness and difference. However, he quickly undercuts this by stating that "it lies, / They say, because it can do nothing else." This play on words suggests that likeness is inherently deceptive or illusory, as it is defined by its ability to delineate boundaries.

The phrase "on a ground that's nothing but its boundaries" emphasizes that likeness, or similarity, is only meaningful in the context of its limits—where one thing ends and another begins. These boundaries are essential for distinguishing between entities, yet they are constructed from "nothing but its boundaries," implying that the distinctions we make are often arbitrary or superficial.

Nemerov continues with the line, "Distinguishing the different from the same / By puffing out the nothing of a name." Here, the act of naming becomes a process of creating divisions where none inherently exist. The "nothing" of a name suggests that labels and categories are mere constructs, inflating the emptiness with meaning and thereby shaping our perception of reality.

The second section shifts to a more mystical and historical perspective, invoking the story of Babel and Jerusalem. Nemerov asks, "What great magician could have cast the spell / That broke the stump of Babel from the sky / And raised Jerusalem the Golden high / On mortgage money from the vaults of Hell?" This evocative imagery contrasts the destruction of the Tower of Babel, a symbol of human ambition and linguistic unity, with the construction of a heavenly city funded by infernal means. The question implies a paradoxical and almost alchemical transformation—turning chaos and ruin into divine glory through questionable means.

The poem then references "some spellers" who suggest that "it was the little i / That differences deify and defy." This line plays on the dual meanings of "i" as both the first-person pronoun and a letter symbolizing individuality. The "little i" becomes a powerful force in creating and challenging differences, suggesting that personal identity and individual perspective ("I") both sanctify and resist the distinctions we draw.

Nemerov’s use of "deify and defy" underscores the dual nature of differentiation. On one hand, distinctions elevate and define what is sacred or significant; on the other, they challenge and disrupt existing orders. This dichotomy reflects the complex relationship between unity and division, individuality and collectivity.

"Being of Three Minds" by Howard Nemerov is a thought-provoking exploration of the concepts of identity, difference, and the role of language in shaping our understanding of reality. Through its philosophical reflections and rich imagery, the poem invites readers to contemplate the arbitrary nature of distinctions and the power of language to construct and deconstruct meaning. Nemerov's deft use of wordplay and metaphor underscores the fluidity and complexity of these concepts, encouraging a deeper consideration of how we perceive and articulate the world around us.

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