Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Oration; After Cavafy" by Carolyn Kizer is a compelling narrative that draws inspiration from the works of the Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy, known for his reflective and often ironic takes on historical and mythical themes. In this poem, Kizer revisits the crucifixion scene from a unique perspective, focusing on the character of an orator who attempts to save a "savior" from execution through a powerful speech.

The poem opens with the orator recounting their boldest act: saving a savior. This introduction sets the stage for a dramatic and eloquent narrative where the speaker's rhetoric becomes the central force. The orator's speech is so persuasive that it momentarily convinces the crowd to halt their violent actions: "They lifted the rood from his back, they dropped to the ground / Their nails and flails." This immediate shift in the crowd's behavior underscores the orator's remarkable influence and rhetorical skill.

However, the orator’s success is complicated by the savior’s reaction. Despite being saved, the savior, described as a prophet or seer, repeatedly tells the orator to be silent, hinting at his madness: "He was mad of course, so I simply ignored him." This dismissal of the savior’s pleas adds a layer of irony and tension to the narrative, suggesting a disconnect between the savior’s understanding of his fate and the orator's intentions.

The poem further explores the orator's exhaustion and eventual disillusionment. After ensuring the savior’s safety, the orator returns home, only to hear that the savior’s subsequent actions led to his execution once more: "He said God was his father. So they strung him up again." The savior's provocative claims, which roused the crowd to fury, highlight the futility of the orator's earlier efforts.

Kizer then describes a violent thunderstorm that awakens the orator, symbolizing chaos and divine intervention. The orator rushes out to find the savior dead and abandoned, except for a few grieving women. This scene emphasizes the tragic and solitary end of the savior, contrasting sharply with the earlier moment of apparent salvation.

The poem concludes with the orator reflecting on their actions, recognizing the futility and the potential danger they faced: "Still, I have to be proud of my eloquence. It was the speech of my life." This final line encapsulates the poem's central irony: despite the orator’s rhetorical triumph, their efforts ultimately made no lasting difference. The savior’s death and the orator’s pride in their speech highlight the complex interplay between human action, fate, and the limits of persuasion.

"The Oration; After Cavafy" masterfully weaves themes of irony, futility, and rhetorical power. Kizer’s narrative challenges the reader to consider the impact of individual actions within broader historical and divine contexts. The poem's reflective tone and intricate storytelling make it a poignant commentary on the nature of heroism, eloquence, and the inexorable march of fate. Through this reimagined historical lens, Kizer invites readers to ponder the enduring significance of words and deeds in the face of inevitable outcomes.