Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "To the High Court of Parliament (2)," Geoffrey Hill extends his critique of contemporary English politics, weaving in biblical references and historical allusions to underscore the cyclical nature of judgement and mourning in the context of empire. The poem, dated November 1994, reflects Hill's characteristic density and moral intensity.

Hill begins by questioning the notion of repair and toll in the context of empire: "Keep what in repair? / Or place what further toll on the cyclic agony of empire?" These lines suggest a deep skepticism about the possibility of true reform or restitution within an imperial framework that perpetuates suffering and exploitation.

The reference to Amos 3:8-11 invokes the prophet Amos, known for his fierce denunciations of social injustice and calls for repentance. By invoking Amos, Hill aligns his critique with a prophetic tradition that condemns the moral failings of the powerful. The voice of Amos, "past its own enduring," implies that even the timeless warnings of prophets have been exhausted or ignored.

Hill's mention of the "merchant house of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha" connects contemporary political corruption with the historical lineage of British royalty, suggesting that the debts and moral failings of the past continue to haunt the present. This allusion to the royal family's Germanic roots adds a layer of historical irony and critique of national identity.

The poem's imagery evokes a sense of grotesque spectacle: "your right ranters, proud tribunes, place-men, shape-shifting nabobs," and "the narrow oblong-sutured, jaws of knee-puppets jerked to riposte." These lines paint a picture of political actors as grotesque, puppet-like figures, manipulated and manipulative, lacking genuine agency or integrity. The "jaws of knee-puppets" and their "jerked riposte" suggest a mechanical, unthinking response to the crises and demands of the time.

Hill's reference to "final probate or by exception" further emphasizes the themes of judgement and legacy. Probate, the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate, symbolizes the ultimate reckoning and the distribution of what is left behind. The idea of "final probate" suggests an impending, definitive judgement, while "by exception" points to the extraordinary measures that might be taken in times of crisis.

The "festival of scratched heroic film" suggests a recurring, almost ritualistic revisiting of past glories and tragedies, reduced to a distorted, incomplete narrative. This imagery reflects Hill's view of history as a series of repetitions, where true understanding and resolution remain elusive.

Through its complex interplay of biblical, historical, and contemporary references, "To the High Court of Parliament (2)" critiques the persistent moral failures and superficial attempts at reform within the context of British imperial history. Hill's dense, allusive language demands careful consideration, urging readers to confront the deep-seated issues that continue to shape the political and social landscape.

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