The Poem
Pound's short poem is full of rich and intricate symbolism that contributes significantly to its depth and complexity. The title itself can be seen as symbolic. It implies a sense of coming back or returning from somewhere. While on the surface, this poem is about returning gods, it could also be interpreted as a return to a state of mind, a return to a sense of self, or even a return to a more traditional or primal state of being, all of which are themes that permeate the poem.
With this poem, Pound wanted to inspire his readers to embark on an introspective journey, ultimately leading them to reconnect with a pre-modern mindset characterized by a deeper connection to nature, self, and the timeless rhythms of existence.
"The Return" is characterized by its fragmented and disorienting style. The free-verse lines lack rhyme schemes and meter and are hallmarks of Pound's style. Free verse poetry was new during Pound's time and was something he regularly experimented with.
Pound breaks away from the confines of conventional poetic structure by abandoning rhyme and regular rhythm, opting for a more free-form and experimental approach. This departure from traditional constraints aligns with the broader modernist movement's rejection of established norms and its pursuit of innovative artistic expression.
Furthermore, the lack of rhyme and meter invites readers to engage actively with the text, encouraging them to decipher its meaning through the interplay of images and ideas rather than relying on traditional poetic structures.
The eyes of the reader are literally meant to jump from one line to the next, always unsure of where the line of thought will go next. This type of writing challenges the reader to grapple with the poem's ambiguity and complexity, fostering a deeper connection to the themes of self-exploration and the complexities of the human psyche.
In this way, the reader can see how the disjointed rhythm of the poem reflects its themes. As the poem describes the slow return of heroes who have suffered defeat, the way the words flow mimics the apprehensive nature of their movements. Several lines have pauses and breaks, indicated by commas and semi-colons, as well as stressed and unstressed words. Reading the poem out loud requires the reader to frequently readjust their pace and emphasis, much as these unsteady gods are doing.
Indeed, the actions of these ancient and forgotten deities are not godlike. Instead of projecting power and confidence, they are unsure and anxious — very humanlike qualities. They seem to have lost their former vitality, becoming almost human themselves. In fact, it is not until the third stanza that they are even addressed as gods at all.
With this poem, Pound is commenting on the fragile state of power. While these attributes may seem "inviolable," nothing lasts forever. True and lasting power, according to Pound, is the power of human belief. When it is there, it can make mighty gods of these beings.
Conversely, when humans cease to believe in something, it causes that once-powerful essence to diminish in grandeur. The thing still exists since ideas cannot die, but they lose most of their vitality when people stop paying attention to them. As such, the poem also serves as a warning for those who yearn for power, reminding them that it is temporary and that it ultimately relies on the will of others.
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