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EPIGRAM: 4. MYTHOLOGICAL BEAST, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"Epigram: 4. Mythological Beast" by Howard Nemerov delves into the complex relationship between the poet and the creative process, personified as a mythological beast. Through vivid and allegorical imagery, Nemerov explores themes of control, dependency, and the underlying tension that exists between the creator and their creative force.

The poem begins with a description of the beast: "Four-footed, silent, resilient, feathered, / It waits by daylight, standing alert and tethered." This image conjures a creature that is both powerful and restrained, embodying potential energy and readiness. The use of "silent" and "resilient" suggests a creature that is enduring and adaptable, while "feathered" adds a touch of the fantastical, indicating that this is no ordinary beast but one born of myth and imagination.

As night falls, the dynamic between the beast and the poet changes: "Come night, it bears me through the jungle of / The images, where are victims enough." Here, the beast transforms into a vehicle that carries the poet through the dense and chaotic landscape of the imagination. The "jungle of / The images" represents the rich and often overwhelming realm of creative thought, filled with numerous ideas and inspirations ("victims enough") that the poet can draw upon.

The poem then shifts to a more personal and introspective tone: "But this fat beast, responsive to my weight, / I know for a wild hunter grown to hate / Patiently the rider in his high seat." Despite its utility and responsiveness, the beast harbors a growing resentment towards the poet, its rider. This resentment stems from the constant burden and the control exerted by the poet. The phrase "wild hunter grown to hate" underscores the beast's natural instincts and its increasing frustration with being domesticated and used solely for the poet's purposes.

The concluding lines of the poem reveal the ultimate danger of this relationship: "Blind rider whom it will pluck down and eat." The poet, described as a "blind rider," suggests a lack of awareness or understanding of the beast's true nature and feelings. This blindness to the beast's growing animosity foreshadows a violent reversal, where the once-subservient creature will eventually overthrow and consume its master.

Through "Epigram: 4. Mythological Beast," Nemerov uses the metaphor of the beast to explore the dual nature of the creative process. The beast represents both the source of inspiration and the potential destructiveness of unchecked creative forces. The poet's dependency on the beast and the eventual rebellion of the beast reflect the inherent tension in the act of creation—between harnessing one's creative powers and being overwhelmed or destroyed by them.

Nemerov's concise and vivid language effectively captures the complexity of this relationship, inviting readers to reflect on their own creative processes and the balance of control and surrender required to navigate the artistic journey. The poem serves as a reminder of the respect and awareness needed when engaging with the powerful forces of imagination and inspiration.


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