Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov’s poem "Landscape with Figures" paints a vivid and introspective scene, blending the external landscape with the inner thoughts and emotions of the speaker and Mrs. Persepolis. The poem explores themes of aging, memory, and the fleeting nature of desire and connection, set against the backdrop of a seemingly tranquil but subtly menacing landscape.

The name "Mrs. Persepolis" can be seen as significant, especially considering the historical and cultural connotations associated with Persepolis, the ancient Persian city, renowned for its grandeur and architectural splendor before its destruction by Alexander the Great. By naming the character Mrs. Persepolis, Nemerov invokes a rich tapestry of associations that enhance the poem's themes of memory, decay, and the passage of time.

The poem opens with an exclamation from Mrs. Persepolis, who is struck by the beauty of the landscape: “What a dream of a landscape!” This phrase sets the tone for the entire piece, framing the scene as a blend of reality and dreamlike perception. The speaker’s gaze follows Mrs. Persepolis’s, revealing “giant recumbent / Hills in their sullen haze,” which evoke a sense of brooding and latent threat. This personification of the hills suggests that they harbor “some brutal thought,” reflecting the internal state of the speaker and Mrs. Persepolis.

The two characters find themselves alone in a “closed garden,” a symbol of both intimacy and isolation. The garden is populated with “various flowers and bees / And a feeble fountain that drips / On a stone in a heart-shaped / Pool,” creating an image of idyllic yet decaying beauty. The presence of a “leopard- / Like toad immobilized all / Morning at his predatory / Meditation” adds a layer of predatory stillness, mirroring the speaker’s own contemplations about Mrs. Persepolis.

As the speaker considers Mrs. Persepolis, he notes her “bright voice and / Wrinkling skin at the wrist / Patterned in sunburnt diamonds.” This description captures the dual nature of Mrs. Persepolis—her vibrant personality contrasted with the signs of aging. The speaker’s thoughts turn to the possibility of a romantic encounter, reflecting on their mutual suitability: “good / For a tumble in the August / Grass right at the center / Of the dream of a landscape.”

However, this thought is abruptly interrupted when he notices that Mrs. Persepolis has perceived his desire, “her glittering eye / Has taken this thought exactly / As the toad's tongue takes a fly.” This simile, comparing Mrs. Persepolis’s perceptiveness to the toad’s predatory nature, underscores the sudden and almost instinctual nature of her understanding. Their shared laughter breaks the tension, and the moment of potential intimacy passes.

The narrative then shifts to a more mundane scene as the characters retreat indoors for lunch. The transition from the warm, open garden to the “cold” and “sudden / Shade” of the house brings a physical and emotional chill, causing both characters to shiver. This shivering, accompanied by the sound of Mrs. Persepolis’s bangles, symbolizes the return to reality and the awareness of their age and vulnerability.

The poem concludes with a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the loss of innocence: “my dear / Mrs Persepolis, beautiful / Exile from childhood.” This phrase encapsulates the theme of aging and the longing for a past that can never be reclaimed. The speaker’s affectionate and somewhat sorrowful address to Mrs. Persepolis highlights their shared history and the fleeting nature of their connection.

In summary, "Landscape with Figures" is a rich and evocative poem that explores complex themes through its detailed and layered imagery. The interplay between the external landscape and the internal experiences of the characters creates a tapestry of memory, desire, and the inexorable passage of time.

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