Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Nietzsche" by Robert Williams Buchanan is a scathing critique of Friedrich Nietzsche, a philosopher known for his ideas on the "will to power" and the rejection of traditional morality. The speaker of the poem refers to Nietzsche as "Jupiter's gutter-snipe," using derogatory language to express his disdain for him.

The poem portrays Nietzsche as a shrill and fanatical figure, running alongside the chariot wheels of power, proclaiming praise for a merciless and heartless king. The speaker accuses Nietzsche of glorifying oppression and suffering, mocking his disregard for the weak and downtrodden who perish under the weight of societal injustices.

Nietzsche's philosophy, which emphasizes the primacy of strength and the harsh realities of existence, is criticized by the speaker. They condemn Nietzsche's belief in an eternal power that sifts, slays, and sheds life without mercy. The speaker sarcastically expresses a desire to be as callous and indifferent as Nietzsche, implying the moral bankruptcy of such a stance.

However, the poem takes a turn in the final stanzas. It reveals that Nietzsche's cries and praises go unanswered by the universe, as the triumphal Car of nature continues on its path, indifferent to his pleas. In the end, Nietzsche is depicted as a pitiful figure, crushed and defeated, his vision obscured by the very dust he helped stir up.

The poem concludes by suggesting that the only hope for Nietzsche lies in the forgiveness and compassion of a "gentle human god" whom he had scorned. This alludes to the idea that redemption and understanding can only come from the very humanity that Nietzsche rejected in his philosophy.

Overall, "Nietzsche" is a condemnation of Nietzsche's worldview and a reminder of the importance of empathy and human connection in the face of existential questions and the pursuit of power.

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