Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Discretions of Alcibiades" is a poem written by Robert Pinsky, first published in 1978 in his collection titled "Sadness and Happiness." The poem takes the name of the historical figure Alcibiades, who was a Greek statesman, orator, and general in the Peloponnesian War.

Explanation:

The poem begins by describing the two sides of Alcibiades, the cunning and the grace, as if he were two different people. Pinsky describes how Alcibiades could be a master of strategy and charm, but also indulged in the pleasures of the flesh, using his beauty and wit to attract both men and women.

As the poem continues, Pinsky imagines Alcibiades in the afterlife, walking through the fields of the dead, still charming even in death. The speaker wonders if Alcibiades is able to use his skills to charm even those in the underworld, perhaps even the gods.

The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that Alcibiades' life was a contradiction, a mixture of great talent and great flaws, and that his legacy remains as a symbol of the human desire for both power and pleasure.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no set rhyme scheme.
• Imagery: Pinsky uses vivid descriptions to create a clear picture of Alcibiades and his actions, as well as the underworld he imagines.
• Allusion: The poem references the historical figure of Alcibiades and his reputation for both cunning and sensuality, as well as the concept of the underworld in Greek mythology.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative, with the speaker reflecting on the contradictions and complexities of human nature.

Conclusion:

"Discretions of Alcibiades" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of human desire and the contradictions that often exist within one person. Pinsky's vivid descriptions and allusions to history and mythology create a rich and complex portrait of the figure of Alcibiades, and the poem's contemplative tone invites readers to reflect on their own desires and flaws.

Poem Snippet:

"Two gods, twin-seeming,

In him, the sly

And the beautiful, melded

Compactly in the polished

Stone of his body,"

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