Ezra Pound and His Classical Sources: The Cantos and the Primal Matter of Troy

This book explores how Ezra Pound's The Cantos uses Homer's Odyssey to revolutionize literature through mythical and scientific methods. It argues that Pound's translation of the Odyssey is a modernist vision of the Matter of Troy and explores how medieval classicism and translation inform his mythical method.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book employs Ezra Pound's The Cantos as a lens to explore modernism's ambition to revolutionize literature through mythical and scientific methods. Homer's Odyssey assumes a unique methodological and structural role within The Cantos. The Cantos translates, interprets, abridges, adapts, critiques, parodies, trivializes, allegorizes, and "ritualizes" the Odyssey. Partly inspired by Joyce's use of different literary styles or "technics" in Ulysses, and partly inspired by medieval classicism and 19th-century philology, Pound employs a plethora of methods to translate Homer and other classical texts. This book argues that The Cantos represents a modernist vision of the Matter of Troy, a term used by medieval authors to designate the cycle of texts based on the Trojan war and its aftermath, including the nostoi (returns) of the Greek heroes. This is the first study to explore how medieval classicism and translation inform Pound's mythical method and to systematically outline the variety and evolution of Pound's Odyssey translations in The Cantos.

Introduction:
In his epic poem The Cantos, Ezra Pound weaves together a vast and intricate tapestry of literary styles, mythological references, and scientific theories, creating a modernist masterpiece that defies conventional categorization. One of the key elements that contribute to the richness and complexity of Pound's work is his use of Homer's Odyssey as a lens through which to interpret and reimagine the world. In this essay, we will explore the ways in which Pound utilizes Homer's epic poem to shape his own artistic vision and to explore the broader implications of his approach to translation.

The Cantos as a Modernist Vision of the Matter of Troy:
Pound's The Cantos is often seen as a modernist interpretation of the Matter of Troy, a term used by medieval authors to refer to the cycle of texts based on the Trojan war and its aftermath. According to Pound, the Matter of Troy represents the eternal struggle between the forces of order and chaos, and the Odyssey is a key text in this narrative. By reinterpreting the Odyssey through the lens of modernism, Pound seeks to create a new understanding of the human condition and to explore the potential for artistic innovation in the face of societal and cultural upheaval.

Methodological and Structural Role of Homer's Odyssey in The Cantos:
Homer's Odyssey plays a unique methodological and structural role within The Cantos. Pound incorporates various techniques and approaches to translate the Odyssey, including allegory, parody, and scientific analysis. For example, in Canto 1, Pound employs the myth of the Sirens to symbolize the allure of modernism and the dangers of artistic complacency. In Canto 10, he uses scientific theories of evolution to explore the origins of human consciousness and the potential for genetic manipulation.

Influence of Joyce and Medieval Classicism:
Pound's use of Homer's Odyssey is influenced by a range of literary and cultural factors, including Joyce's use of different literary styles or "technics" in Ulysses and medieval classicism. Joyce's experimental approach to writing, particularly his use of stream of consciousness and interior monologue, had a profound impact on Pound's work, particularly in The Cantos. Pound also drew inspiration from medieval classicism, particularly the works of Dante and Chaucer, which he saw as a source of timeless wisdom and artistic inspiration.

Variety and Evolution of Pound's Odyssey Translations in The Cantos:
Pound's Odyssey translations in The Cantos exhibit a wide range of approaches and styles. Some of his translations are more literal and straightforward, while others are more interpretive and abstract. For example, in Canto 1, Pound translates the Odyssey as a straightforward narrative, while in Canto 10, he employs a more interpretive approach, focusing on the symbolic significance of certain characters and events.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Ezra Pound's use of Homer's Odyssey as a lens to explore modernism's ambition to revolutionize literature through mythical and scientific methods is a testament to his artistic brilliance and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Through his reinterpretation of the Odyssey, Pound creates a new understanding of the human condition and explores the potential for artistic innovation in the face of societal and cultural upheaval. The Cantos is a modernist masterpiece that continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350260245