Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's poem "Morality" engages with themes of storytelling, suffering, and redemption through a nuanced interplay of mythological references and reflections on human experience. The epigraph, "Mentre che il vento, come fa, si tace," which translates to "While the wind, as it does, keeps silent," sets a contemplative tone, suggesting a temporary pause in the forces of chaos and destruction.

The poem begins with an observation about those who survived to tell their stories: "They all were spared to tell their stories, / Seemed not to mind the burning and the pain." This line introduces a paradox: the survivors, despite enduring intense suffering, find solace or purpose in recounting their experiences. The act of storytelling becomes a means of transcending the immediate agony, allowing them to reason with the forces that inflicted their torment.

Nemerov continues, "For while they spoke, the wind, fire, and furies / Rested attent, reasoned with them their stain." Here, the elements of nature and myth—the wind, fire, and furies—are personified as attentive listeners, temporarily ceasing their onslaught to engage with the storytellers. This imagery suggests that even the most destructive forces can be momentarily tamed by the power of narrative and reason.

The poem then shifts to a reflection on divine judgment: "As though they had some doubt of the great decree / They sat, sullen perhaps, but leashed to words." This line implies that the forces of destruction, typically unwavering in their execution of divine will, are momentarily restrained by the human capacity for storytelling and reasoning. There is a hint of uncertainty or reconsideration in the face of the survivors' narratives, as if the very act of speaking might influence the harshness of their fate.

Nemerov introduces the myth of Orpheus, who "Disordered all created things with chords." Orpheus, renowned for his ability to charm all living things and even inanimate objects with his music, serves as a powerful symbol of the transformative and disruptive power of art. His music could alter the natural order, suggesting that art and storytelling possess a unique ability to challenge and reshape reality.

The final stanza addresses the "good folk" directly, encouraging them to "take from this to sing / And tell your stories round." Nemerov suggests that sharing one's experiences, particularly in the face of suffering and adversity, can bring a temporary reprieve from pain and perhaps even "excuse his silly crime." This closing line underscores the redemptive potential of storytelling, framing it as a communal and cathartic act that can alleviate individual and collective guilt.

In "Morality," Nemerov weaves together themes of suffering, redemption, and the power of narrative. The poem suggests that while human beings may be subject to immense and often senseless suffering, the act of telling one's story offers a form of resistance and transcendence. Through the interplay of mythological references and philosophical reflection, Nemerov highlights the enduring power of art and reason to momentarily pause the forces of destruction and bring meaning to the human experience.

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