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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
In "On Being a Member of the Jury for a Poetry Prize," Howard Nemerov offers a witty and candid reflection on the role of a judge in the context of a poetry competition. The poem employs legal terminology and metaphors to explore the responsibilities and challenges faced by those who evaluate literary works, while simultaneously critiquing the quality of submissions. The title itself sets the stage, framing the judging process as a formal and serious duty. By using the word "Jury," Nemerov immediately invokes the imagery of a courtroom, where judgments are made, and sentences are passed. This legal metaphor is central to the poem's structure and tone. The opening line, "Jury's the mot juste under our ground rules," suggests that the term "jury" is precisely the right word to describe the judges' role. The use of "mot juste," a French phrase meaning the exact right word, emphasizes the precision and appropriateness of this analogy. This line establishes the formal and somewhat rigid nature of the judging process, governed by specific rules and expectations. Nemerov continues with a personal admission: "I may say Guilty, and I mostly do." This confession reveals the poet's tendency to find fault with the submissions he evaluates. The capitalized "Guilty" echoes a courtroom verdict, underscoring the seriousness with which Nemerov approaches his task. It also hints at a certain harshness or critical perspective, suggesting that many poems fall short of his standards. The line "But sentencing's beyond me, poeticules" introduces a self-deprecating tone. Nemerov refers to himself and the other poets as "poeticules," a diminutive form of "poets," implying that they are small or insignificant in the grand scheme of things. This term also conveys a playful humility, acknowledging the limits of his authority and expertise. Nemerov then shifts focus to the broader poetic community, remarking that "sentencing's beyond me, poeticules, / As, by your poems, it's beyond most of you." Here, he critiques the quality of the submissions, suggesting that many poets fail to achieve the depth or skill required to warrant serious consideration. The phrase "sentencing's beyond me" implies that determining the true value or fate of these works is a complex and perhaps impossible task. The poem’s structure, with its concise and pointed lines, mirrors the judicial process it describes. Nemerov’s language is both formal and colloquial, blending the seriousness of legal jargon with the casual, almost conversational tone of his observations. This juxtaposition enhances the poem’s satirical edge, highlighting the absurdities and challenges inherent in the judging process. "On Being a Member of the Jury for a Poetry Prize" is a humorous yet insightful commentary on the responsibilities and limitations of literary judges. Through his clever use of legal metaphors and candid self-reflection, Howard Nemerov captures the tension between the high stakes of literary evaluation and the often subjective nature of poetic merit. The poem invites readers to consider the complexities of judgment and the inherent difficulties in assessing the value of creative work, all while maintaining a light-hearted and self-aware tone.
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