William Empson

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Analysis

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William Empson's exploration of poetry and criticism unveils a complex interplay between theory and artistic creation, where he sees poetry as inherently tied to ambiguity and contradiction. Empson's poetic works, often dense and multilayered, challenge readers to seek meaning in the enigmatic, while his critical doctrines illuminate the tensions that characterize his "specialized kind" of poetry. By examining his body of work, one can glimpse the Metaphysical influences that shape his style and the philosophical underpinnings that guide his thematic explorations.

The Core of Empson's Poetic Philosophy

Empson's poetic framework is grounded in the concept of unresolved conflict, a dynamic he sees as central to the human experience. He posits that poetry strives to articulate the tension between contradictory forces, mirroring life's complexities. This notion resonates in his work, where intellectual discourse intertwines with personal emotion, producing a tapestry of metaphors and imagery that reflect deeper truths. Empson's belief that "life involves maintaining oneself between contradictions" aligns with the ideas of American poet John Crowe Ransom, highlighting the shared themes of balance and unrest in their respective works.

Influence of the Metaphysical Poets

Acknowledging his inspiration from the seventeenth-century poet John Donne, Empson embraces the Metaphysical tradition, employing sophisticated analyses and audacious conceits to bridge thought and feeling. His poetry is a testament to the influence of Metaphysical poets, marked by intellectual wit, unconventional diction, and a penchant for exploring life's dichotomies. Empson's work embodies the quest to communicate the ineffable, the restless pursuit of understanding beyond the limits of reason.

Buddhism and Philosophical Reflections

Empson's fascination with Buddhism reflects his philosophical acceptance of unresolved human suffering. This interest manifests in his lost manuscript "The Faces of Buddha," and in poems like "Missing Dates," which lament the futility of human efforts against the inexorable "waste" that "remains and kills." Empson's engagement with Buddhist ideas echoes in his adoption of an epigraph from Buddha's "Fire Sermon," underscoring the shared existential struggles of modern humanity.

Early Works: Exploring Contradiction

From his undergraduate days, Empson's poetry demonstrates a keen awareness of contradiction and tension. "Value Is in Activity," published in a Cambridge journal, explores the theme of futility in human endeavors, depicting man as a "juggler" trapped in a cycle of fruitless activity. In "Plenum and Vacuum," Empson delves into antithetical states of existence, employing scientific imagery and a "clotted style" that challenges readers to accept the poem's ontological assertions.

Other early works, such as "High Dive" and "To an Old Lady," continue this exploration of paradox and value. "High Dive" presents the necessity of embracing life's challenges despite their inherent perils, while "To an Old Lady" uses a Metaphysical compass conceit to convey the closeness yet distance between mother and son. "Camping Out," reminiscent of Donne, reveals Empson's skill in crafting ambiguous, multilayered verses that invite prolonged contemplation.

Rhyme, Meter, and Poetic Form

Despite his innovative use of Metaphysical devices, Empson's approach to poetics remains fundamentally conservative. He eschews free verse, favoring structured forms like rhyme and meter, particularly terza rima. This interlocked rhyme scheme is exemplified in "Arachne," where existential tension and the precarious balance between extremes are vividly portrayed. Empson's commitment to form underscores his belief in the enduring value of traditional poetic structures.

"This Last Pain" and Reflections on Limitations

"This Last Pain" stands as a quintessential example of Empson's exploration of human limitations and the necessity of accepting them. Here, he confronts the impossibility of attaining divine states, urging both himself and humanity to find value in maintaining "large dreams." This theme recurs in "Value Is in Activity" and "High Dive," where Empson advocates for active engagement with...

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life, even if it means embracing self-deception and pretense as means of survival.

"Bacchus": Myth and Metaphor

In "Bacchus," Empson weaves mythology with chemical metaphors to explore the idea of finding equilibrium amidst contradictions. Drawing on the myth of Bacchus, Empson creates a complex narrative that underscores his belief in the necessity of sustaining fictions for emotional survival. The poem's intricate structure and extensive notes reflect Empson's fascination with mythological and metaphorical complexities, highlighting his enduring interest in the interplay between reality and imagination.

"Aubade": Ambiguity and Personal Experience

Empson's "Aubade" is a poignant reflection on personal relationships and the inevitable separation imposed by external forces. Set against the backdrop of his experiences in Japan, the poem captures the tension between leaving and staying, a motif emblematic of Empson's broader thematic concerns. Its conversational tone and relative simplicity mark a departure from his earlier, more intricate style, yet the poem retains the characteristic ambiguity and emotional depth of his oeuvre.

The Gathering Storm: Later Works

In "The Gathering Storm," Empson's later poems display a shift toward greater accessibility and moral awareness. Works like "Reflection from Rochester" and "Courage Means Running" convey political tensions and personal reflections on fear and self-respect. Critics may have perceived a "loss of nerve" in this calmer despair, but the poems reveal a mature understanding of life's complexities and the acceptance of rational limits.

The villanelle "Missing Dates" epitomizes Empson's ability to evoke profound pessimism through form and refrain. "Success" and "Let it go" reflect Empson's evolving perspective on the role of poetry and personal happiness, as he reconciles his artistic pursuits with the realities of life and love.

Empson's poetic oeuvre serves as a testament to his mastery of ambiguity and complexity, inviting readers to navigate the intricate layers of meaning and contradiction that define human existence. His work, both challenging and rewarding, remains a compelling exploration of the tension between thought and feeling, offering insights into the art of reconciling the irreconcilable.

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