Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Einstein & Freud & Jack" by Howard Nemerov is a reflective poem dedicated to Allen Tate on his 75th birthday, intertwining the thoughts and legacies of Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and the character Jack, with themes of death, science, myth, and human nature. Through the interactions and writings of these figures, Nemerov contemplates the profound and often troubling insights they provided about life and existence.

The poem begins with a reference to Freud's view on death: "Death is a dead, at least that's what Freud said." This line captures Freud's clinical and detached perspective on death, treating it as a factual inevitability rather than a mystical or romantic event. Freud's belief that "life but a detour longer or less long" reflects his deterministic outlook on human existence, emphasizing the transient and often arduous journey of life.

Nemerov then recalls the correspondence between Einstein and Freud, where Einstein inquired about the potential of science to achieve world peace. Freud's response, "Not much," coupled with his assertion that "science too begins and ends in myth," highlights the limitations of scientific progress in addressing fundamental human conflicts. Freud's myth, as recounted in the poem, involves the primal story of sons conspiring to kill the father, a narrative that symbolizes the deep-seated guilt and violence inherent in human societies. This myth, according to Freud, underpins the perpetual cycle of sacrifice and expiation that plagues generations.

The poem moves to the historical context of Freud's and Einstein's lives, noting Freud's death from cancer before World War II and Einstein's involvement in urging the U.S. to start research that would lead to the development of the atomic bomb. Nemerov poignantly captures the tragic irony of Einstein's contribution to a war that epitomized the "general massacre" of "dying fathers, dying sons," aligning with Freud's grim myth of intergenerational violence.

Einstein's later regret, expressing that he would prefer to have been a plumber, underscores his disillusionment with the destructive potential of scientific advancements. Both Freud and Einstein are depicted as figures who grappled with the dark realities of human nature and the unintended consequences of their intellectual pursuits. Their deaths symbolize the end of an era of profound thinkers whose ideas continue to shape and haunt the human consciousness.

Nemerov concludes the poem by reflecting on the enduring influence of myths and sayings on human life and death: "We live on sayings said in myths, / And die of them as well, or ill." This cyclical nature of myths and their impact on human behavior and beliefs is emphasized. The final lines draw on biblical references, particularly from Ecclesiastes and Psalms, suggesting that despite the complexities and advancements of science and psychology, what remains essential is a "contrite spirit" and a "broken heart." These qualities, implying humility and empathy, are what "God wants" and are necessary for genuine understanding and peace.

Overall, "Einstein & Freud & Jack" by Howard Nemerov is a contemplative meditation on the interplay between scientific insight, myth, and human nature. Through the lens of two of the 20th century's most influential thinkers, the poem explores the limitations and consequences of their legacies, ultimately advocating for a humble and contrite approach to life's profound questions. Nemerov's deft interweaving of historical context, philosophical reflection, and literary allusion creates a rich and thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to ponder the deeper truths about existence and the human condition.

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