Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On the Truistical and Fashionable Eyes of Albert Camus" by Hayden Carruth is a reflective and intellectually dense poem that navigates through a landscape of philosophical thought, aesthetic theory, and social critique. Through the lens of examining the eyes of Albert Camus—a symbol of profound intellect and existential pondering—Carruth connects a range of thinkers across time, from Cicero and Ruskin to Takagawa and Schopenhauer, weaving a narrative that contemplates the nature of society, art, and the human condition.

The poem begins by noting a "muted quality" in intelligence, a characteristic observed by Cicero, Ruskin, and Takagawa but remains unnamed. This quality suggests a depth of understanding or awareness that transcends conventional expression, perhaps indicative of a profound existential or moral insight that cannot be fully articulated within the limitations of language or societal discourse.

Carruth asserts that only an "inhuman society engenders" this muted quality, pointing to the alienation and existential despair that can arise from a society that values materialism, power, and superficiality over genuine human connection and understanding. This critique reflects Camus's own existential philosophy, which grappled with the absurdity of life and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

The mention of Schopenhauer "perceptibly begins to prevail over the Phänomenologie des Geistes" references a philosophical shift or preference from the idealistic and complex system of Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit to the more pessimistic and individual-focused philosophy of Schopenhauer. Schopenhauer, known for his emphasis on the will, suffering, and the aesthetic contemplation as a means of transcending the pain of existence, is presented as "that good man," suggesting Carruth's sympathy or alignment with his views over Hegel's.

The statement "All art aspires to the condition of music" echoes the aesthetic theory of Walter Pater, suggesting that the ultimate aim of all artistic endeavors is to achieve the immediacy, purity, and emotional resonance of music. The repetition of "aspires" emphasizes the aspirational and perhaps unattainable nature of this goal, highlighting the perpetual striving of art to transcend the limitations of its medium and communicate the ineffable aspects of human experience.

Through this rich tapestry of philosophical references and contemplations, Carruth paints a picture of a society and a culture in search of meaning and authenticity. The focus on the eyes of Albert Camus serves as a focal point for this exploration, symbolizing the keen observation, moral integrity, and existential awareness that Carruth sees as essential to navigating the complexities of the modern world. The poem itself becomes a form of divagation, wandering through the realms of thought and expression in search of a deeper understanding and connection to the human spirit.

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