Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "British Leftist Poetry, 1930-40" by Christopher Murray Grieve (Hugh MacDiarmid) humorously reflects the poet's disappointment and frustration with the poets of that era who were associated with leftist ideologies. The poem references prominent poets W.H. Auden, Louis MacNeice, and C. Day Lewis, expressing the poet's anticipation of encountering their authentic voices and messages.

The speaker reveals their excitement and hopeful anticipation, likening it to expecting the powerful and profound words of ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus. However, instead of hearing Aeschylus, they are met with disappointment as the Herald calls forward Theognis, a lesser-known poet from ancient Greece.

Despite this initial letdown, the speaker finds some satisfaction in Dexitheus's Boeotian melody. However, the arrival of Chaeris and his music turns the speaker sick and nearly kills their enthusiasm. The poet cleverly uses this shift in tone to convey their displeasure with certain poets and their work.

The poem takes a satirical turn as the speaker compares their current vexation to the sight of an empty Pnyx (the meeting place of the Athenian Assembly) at the time when it should be filled with people. The metaphorical explanation given is that one cannot ignite a match on a crumbling wall, implying that the poets of the time fail to deliver the desired impact or inspiration.

Overall, "British Leftist Poetry, 1930-40" is a witty and satirical commentary on the poet's disappointment with the poets associated with leftist ideologies during that period. The poem humorously captures the speaker's dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of authenticity and impact in the work of those poets.

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