Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Napoleon," Robert Lowell reflects on the historical figure of Napoleon Bonaparte and his complex legacy, intertwining personal recollection with a broader meditation on the nature of power and its consequences. The poem begins with a nostalgic yet critical acknowledgment of the past, particularly focusing on Boston's used bookshops, which served as a repository for second-hand histories and biographies, including those of Napoleon.

Lowell opens by noting that these bookshops, reminiscent of London's literary culture, have vanished, suggesting a loss of a certain intellectual tradition or curiosity. He questions his own youthful interest in collecting "third-hand Lives" of Napoleon, implying a sense of futility or disillusionment with the pursuit of understanding such a figure through dusty old volumes. The imagery of "shaking the dust from that stationary stock" conveys a sense of decay and obsolescence, as if the very medium of these biographies—"cheap deluxe lithographs and gilt-edged pulp"—were inadequate to capture the essence of Napoleon's life and actions.

The poem describes Napoleon not as "bloodthirsty" but as "not sparing of blood," highlighting his pragmatic, often ruthless approach to power. His "eye and sang-froid to manage everything" points to his exceptional ability to maintain composure and control, managing vast and complex situations with a cold efficiency. The "iron hand" metaphorically represents his authoritative and often oppressive rule, emphasizing his readiness to implement drastic measures for "improbable contingencies," suggesting his willingness to adapt and take extreme actions as necessary.

Lowell briefly outlines the far-reaching impacts of Napoleon's reign, including the "uprooting races, lineages, Jacobins," referring to the sweeping changes and disruptions caused by his military campaigns and political reforms. The phrase "the price was paltry... three million soldiers dead" starkly quantifies the human cost of his conquests and wars, presenting it as an almost dismissive afterthought, thus highlighting the immense scale of the suffering and loss inflicted under his rule.

The poem then raises a profound ethical question: "Dare we say, he had no moral center?" This line challenges the reader to consider the moral ambiguity of Napoleon's character. Lowell suggests that despite Napoleon's brilliance and achievements, there might have been an absence of moral integrity or guiding ethical principles, which could explain the ruthless and pragmatic nature of his decisions.

The concluding question, "All gone like the smoke of his own artillery?" uses the imagery of smoke to symbolize the transitory and ephemeral nature of Napoleon's empire and legacy. Just as the smoke from artillery dissipates after a battle, so too have the tangible and intangible elements of Napoleon's rule faded over time. This imagery underscores the fleeting nature of power and the impermanence of even the most formidable empires.

"Napoleon" by Robert Lowell offers a reflective critique of one of history's most famous and controversial figures. The poem juxtaposes the grandeur and brutality of Napoleon's actions with the ultimate impermanence of his achievements, prompting readers to consider the moral and ethical dimensions of leadership and the lasting impact of historical legacies. Through personal recollection and historical reflection, Lowell explores the complexities of power, ambition, and the human cost of political and military ambition.

Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...