Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

NATIONE NON MORIBUS (1265-1321), by JOHN FREDERICK NIMS Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"Natione Non Moribus (1265-1321)" is a poem by John Frederick Nims, an American poet and literary critic who lived from 1913 to 1999. Nims was known for his concise and powerful poems, as well as his contributions to American literature.

Context:

The poem reflects on the life and legacy of Dante Alighieri, an Italian poet who lived from 1265 to 1321. Dante is known for his epic poem "The Divine Comedy," which is considered one of the greatest works of Italian literature.

Content:

The poem is a tribute to Dante, celebrating his life and work, as well as his enduring legacy. The poem highlights Dante's literary achievements and his influence on the development of Italian literature and culture. The poem also reflects on the power of literature to transcend time and space, and to connect people across different cultures and languages.

Some highlights of Dante's literary achievements that are mentioned in the poem "Natione Non Moribus (1265-1321)" include:

Dante's epic poem "The Divine Comedy," which is considered one of the greatest works of Italian literature
Dante's use of the Italian language in his writing, which helped to establish it as a literary language and contributed to the development of Italian culture
Dante's political and philosophical ideas, which are reflected in his writing and have had a lasting impact on European thought
Dante's literary influence on later writers and thinkers, including Petrarch and Boccaccio, as well as on the development of the Italian language and culture.

Form:

The poem is written in free verse, with no regular rhyme or meter. The poem's form contributes to its sense of naturalness and organic flow, reflecting the complexity and richness of Dante's life and work.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of a range of poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, imagery, and allusion. For example, the poem uses the metaphor of a "web of words" to describe the power and influence of Dante's work, creating a sense of interconnectedness and continuity. The poem also makes use of allusions to Dante's life and work, such as his exile from Florence, to create a sense of historical and cultural context.

Summary:

Overall, "Natione Non Moribus (1265-1321)" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the life and work of Dante Alighieri. Nims' use of poetic techniques and devices creates a sense of richness and complexity, reflecting the enduring legacy of Dante's work. The poem remains a valuable contribution to the canon of American literature and provides insight into the power of literature to transcend time and space.

Poem Excerpt:

"Only a web of words he spun, and spun

until it held the world

in Dante's thought. Yet who can know the web

or guess the spider's aim?

A single heart in a single hour

can read the whole--"