Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Ezra Pound's Canto XLV: With usura hath no man a house of good stone" is a section of "The Cantos," a long and complex poem that Pound worked on for several decades. The canto was written in the 1930s and reflects Pound's interest in economics and the impact of money on society.

The canto begins with the speaker describing the negative effects of usury, which refers to the charging of interest on loans. The speaker notes how the practice of usury has corrupted the financial system, leading to a culture of greed and exploitation.

As the canto progresses, the speaker reflects on the impact of usury on the world of art and culture. He suggests that the pursuit of profit and wealth has led to a decline in the quality and integrity of artistic and cultural production, with art becoming little more than a commodity to be bought and sold.

The canto ends with a reference to the Italian poet Dante, who wrote "The Divine Comedy" and was known for his critiques of the corrupt political and economic systems of his time. The speaker suggests that the artist and poet must similarly be willing to critique and challenge the economic and political structures of their own time, in order to create a more just and equitable society.

Overall, "Ezra Pound's Canto XLV: With usura hath no man a house of good stone" is a powerful and complex work of modernist poetry that reflects Pound's interest in economics and the impact of money on society. The canto explores the themes of greed, exploitation, and the corruption of art and culture, and encourages readers to reflect on the ways in which economic systems can shape and influence the world around us.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...