Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"History of a Literary Movement" by Howard Nemerov is a reflective and somewhat melancholic poem that captures the dissolution of a literary circle following the death of a central figure, Margrave. Through conversational language and introspective observations, Nemerov explores themes of loss, the transient nature of artistic communities, and the enduring quest for significance.

The poem begins with a straightforward declaration of loss: "After Margrave died, nothing / Seemed worth while." This sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that Margrave's death has left a profound void. The speaker's conversation with Grumbach reveals differing perspectives on this loss. Grumbach dismisses the importance of individual figures in the grand scheme of things: "The oscillations of fashion / Do not amuse me. There have been / Great men before, there will be / Other great men. Only man / Is important, man is ultimate." This philosophical stance emphasizes the continuity of humanity over the contributions of any single person.

The description of Grumbach sipping his pousse-café paints a vivid image of his demeanor and physical presence: "He was a fat man. / Fat men are seldom the best / Creative writers." This line introduces a touch of irony and perhaps personal bias, hinting at the speaker's skepticism about Grumbach's creative potential or influence.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the gradual dispersion of the literary group: "The rest of us / Slowly dispersed, hardly / Ever saw each other again, / And did not correspond, for / There was little enough to say." The dissolution of the group underscores the fragility and impermanence of such artistic communities, which often rely heavily on charismatic or influential figures to stay cohesive.

Despite this general disbandment, the speaker and Impli remain connected, driven by the feeling that "the last word had not / Finally been said." This persistence suggests a lingering hope or unresolved ambition within the speaker, contrasting with the overall sense of disillusionment.

The poem closes with a poignant reflection on life at Bad Grandstein: "Life here at Bad Grandstein / Is dull, is dull, what with / The eternal rocks and the river." The repetition of "is dull" emphasizes the monotony and lack of stimulation in the speaker's current environment. The description of the "eternal rocks and the river" evokes a sense of timelessness and unchanging nature, contrasting sharply with the dynamic, albeit fleeting, nature of the literary movement.

Finally, the speaker expresses a resigned conclusion about Impli: "ImpH, though one of my / Dearest friends, can never, / I have decided, become great." This admission highlights the speaker's sense of disappointment and perhaps a deeper understanding of the limitations faced by those who remain after the movement's dissolution.

"History of a Literary Movement" by Howard Nemerov captures the aftermath of a creative circle's disbandment through personal reflections and vivid imagery. The poem explores the emotional and intellectual void left by the loss of a central figure, the differing responses to this loss, and the ongoing, albeit muted, search for meaning and greatness within a static and uninspiring environment.

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