Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's poem "Beyond the Pleasure Principle" delves into the profound and often dark recesses of human psychology and myth, exploring themes of fear, struggle, and the relentless drive that transcends mere pleasure. Drawing on Freudian concepts and archetypal imagery, the poem reflects on the cyclical nature of human existence and the inescapable elements that lurk beyond conscious understanding.

The poem opens with a depiction of something ominous emerging from and returning to darkness: "It comes up out of the darkness, and it returns / Into a further darkness." This cyclical movement between darknesses sets a foreboding tone, suggesting an eternal recurrence of the monstrous or the unknown. The mention of a monster followed by "the monster's mother" introduces a deeper layer of dread, where each conquered fear gives rise to a greater, more formidable one.

Nemerov's imagery of "shadows and reflexions of the tidal cave" and "bones and armored emptiness / Of the princes of a former time, who failed" evokes a sense of ancient and enduring struggles. These remnants of past heroes underscore the timeless nature of human challenges and the inevitable failures that accompany them.

The poet then reflects on the origins and evolution of human thought, noting, "Our human thought arose at first in myth, / And going far enough became a myth once more." This suggests that our intellectual journey, from primitive myth-making to sophisticated understanding, ultimately circles back to its mythic origins. The "splendid / Tarnhelms and winged sandals, mirroring shields / And swords unbreakable" represent the glorious but deceptive creations of human ingenuity, which ultimately fail to reveal the true end or purpose.

Nemerov's reference to "endlessly winding labyrinths / In which all minotaurs might find themselves at home" symbolizes the complex and often self-deceptive nature of human endeavors. These labyrinths, with their false ends, obscure the "obstinate residuum"—a primal, unresolved core that remains hidden and untouched by superficial achievements.

The poem's tone shifts to a more personal and existential reflection: "There, toward the end, when the left-handed wish / Is satisfied as it is given up." This suggests a paradox where desires are both fulfilled and relinquished, reflecting the dual nature of human aspirations and their eventual surrender. The hero's endurance of suffering, symbolized by cancer, and his cynical view of religious consolations highlight the stark reality of confronting mortality and the limitations of faith.

In the final lines, Nemerov introduces a haunting image of something "primitive and appealing, and still dangerous" that emerges from the hero's torment. This entity, crawling "on bleeding hands and knees," embodies a raw and elemental drive that persists despite suffering and resignation. Its whisper, "again, again," signifies the relentless and repetitive nature of desire and struggle, echoing the poem's overarching theme of cyclical and enduring conflict.

"Beyond the Pleasure Principle" by Howard Nemerov is a profound exploration of the deeper, often darker aspects of human psychology and existence. Through rich and evocative imagery, Nemerov delves into the cyclical nature of myth, desire, and suffering, revealing the persistent and inescapable elements that lie beyond superficial understanding and fulfillment. The poem invites readers to reflect on the relentless drive that underpins human existence, a force that continues to whisper "again, again" in the face of every challenge and triumph.

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