Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"For George Santayana (1863-1952)" by Robert Lowell is an evocative tribute to the philosopher and writer George Santayana, reflecting on his life, beliefs, and legacy. The poem, composed in free verse, captures the essence of Santayana's unique position as a free-thinking Catholic and his interactions with the world around him, particularly during and after World War II.

The poem opens with a vivid depiction of the post-war period in 1945, where "bus-loads of souvenir-deranged / G.I.’s and officer-professors of philosophy" invade Santayana's cell. This intrusion symbolizes the world's fascination with Santayana, who, despite his age and frailty, remains a figure of intellectual curiosity. The line "puzzled to find you still alive" underscores the surprise of these visitors, reflecting Santayana's unexpected longevity and enduring presence in the intellectual world.

Santayana is described as a "free-thinking Catholic infidel," highlighting his complex relationship with the Church. Despite his atheism, he found the Church "too good to be believed," a statement that captures his admiration for the Church's cultural and moral values while rejecting its theological dogmas. This paradoxical stance is further emphasized by his wish for the "geese-girl sisters" at the monastery hospital to stop praying for his soul, encapsulated in his ironic remark, "There is no God and Mary is His Mother."

Lowell then shifts to a personal reflection, recalling his own visits to the places associated with Santayana, such as the Circus and the Mithraic Temple. The description of Santo Stefano as "grown paper-thin / like you from waiting" poignantly mirrors Santayana's frailty and the passage of time. This imagery evokes a sense of decay and the inevitable approach of death.

Santayana's burial "outside the consecrated ground" signifies his rejection of traditional religious rites, aligning with his lifelong skepticism. Yet, Lowell depicts Santayana as smiling "like Ser Brunetto running for the green / cloth at Verona," an allusion to Dante's "Divine Comedy". This comparison suggests that Santayana, like Dante’s mentor Brunetto Latini, maintained his dignity and integrity despite his unorthodox beliefs.

The poem highlights Santayana's intellectual pursuits and his "long pursuit of Socrates’ / demon, man-slaying Alcibiades." This reference to Socratic philosophy and the figure of Alcibiades, known for his controversial life, underscores Santayana's commitment to philosophical inquiry and his engagement with challenging ideas. The transformation of "fleeting virgins into friendly laurel trees" at Santo Stefano Rotondo symbolizes a reconciliation between his philosophical pursuits and the peace he might have found at the end of his life.

Lowell vividly portrays Santayana's final days, "still unbelieving, unconfessed and unreceived," remaining true to his "boyish shyness of the Bride," a metaphor for his reluctance to embrace the Church fully. The image of Santayana using a "child’s red crayon" to make corrections on his galleys under a "throbbing magnifying glass" captures his meticulous nature and dedication to his work until the very end.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of Santayana in the "worn arena," where "the whirling sand / and broken-hearted lions lick your hand." This metaphor evokes the struggles and battles of life, suggesting that Santayana, refined by his experiences ("refined by bile as yellow as a lump of gold"), faced his challenges with a stoic grace and intellectual rigor.

In "For George Santayana (1863-1952)," Robert Lowell crafts a nuanced and respectful tribute to a complex figure. Through rich imagery and thoughtful reflection, Lowell captures the essence of Santayana's life and philosophy, celebrating his intellectual legacy and his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, even in the face of mortality.

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