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BEETHOVEN, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"Beethoven" by Robert Lowell explores the complexities and contradictions of the artist's life, using the legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven as a focal point. The poem navigates themes of artistic integrity, the interplay between public persona and private truth, and the burdens of creativity and expectation.

The poem begins with a seemingly mundane yet symbolically rich observation: "Our cookbook is bound like Whitman's Leaves of Grass—gold title on green." This juxtaposition of a practical, everyday object with an iconic work of American poetry hints at the convergence of the ordinary and the sublime in life and art. The cookbook, typically a source of domestic guidance, is ironically linked to Whitman's expansive, democratic vision, suggesting a fusion of the mundane with the poetic.

Lowell then reflects on his own life choices, stating, "I have escaped its death, take two eggs with butter, drink and smoke; I live past prudence, not possibility." This line conveys a sense of defiance against conventional wisdom and a rejection of cautious living. The phrase "live past prudence" implies a willingness to embrace risk and excess, a characteristic often associated with artists who prioritize authenticity and passion over safety and moderation.

The poet questions the nature of truth and deception, pondering the ability to "lie to friends and tell the truth in print." This dichotomy highlights the complex relationship between an artist's public and private selves. The reference to being "Othello offstage, or Lincoln retired from office" suggests the difficulty of separating one's artistic or public identity from one's personal life. Othello and Lincoln, figures of tragic grandeur and moral complexity, serve as metaphors for the intense scrutiny and expectations faced by public figures, whether on the stage of history or in the realm of art.

Lowell critiques "the vogue of the vague," questioning what it can teach an artist. This line suggests a skepticism towards artistic trends that prioritize ambiguity or superficial profundity, emphasizing instead the need for substance and clarity in creative work. The poem then shifts focus to Beethoven, a towering figure in Romantic music, noting that despite his association with Romantic ideals, he transcended the limitations of his time and influences: "Beethoven was a Romantic, but too good; did kings, republics or Napoleon teach him? He was his own Napoleon."

The comparison of Beethoven to Napoleon underscores the composer's independence and self-determination. Beethoven, like Napoleon, carved his own path, defying external expectations and asserting his individuality. The line "Did even deafness?" poignantly acknowledges the profound challenge Beethoven faced with his hearing loss, yet suggests that his creative spirit remained undeterred.

The poem poses rhetorical questions that further explore the nature of art and suffering: "Does the painted soldier in the painting bleed? Is the captive chorus of Fidelio bound?" These questions challenge the reader to consider the separation between representation and reality. Just as a painted soldier does not truly bleed, the suffering depicted in art is not physically experienced by the characters. However, the emotional and symbolic truths conveyed can still be profoundly affecting.

The final line, "For a good voice hearing is a torture," poignantly reflects on the paradox of Beethoven's condition. As a composer, Beethoven's ability to create music was intertwined with his acute sense of hearing, making his eventual deafness a particularly cruel twist of fate. Yet, this very limitation also pushed him to explore new depths of expression, highlighting the complex relationship between an artist's abilities and their challenges.

"Beethoven" by Robert Lowell is a meditation on the nature of artistic genius, the tension between public and private personas, and the ways in which personal struggles can shape and define creative output. Through the figure of Beethoven, Lowell explores broader themes of authenticity, integrity, and the enduring impact of an artist's work, despite the personal and professional adversities they may face.


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