Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Cities, Plains and People: 15," Lawrence Durrell presents a bleak and introspective meditation on the consequences of war, the limitations of human endeavor, and the enduring need for understanding and mercy in a world scarred by violence and disillusionment. The poem explores the themes of destruction, the persistence of critical thought, and the complex legacy of the past, ultimately questioning the efficacy of hope and the role of those who seek to make sense of a fractured world.

The poem opens with a powerful image: "Bombers bursting like pods go down / And the seed of Man stars / This landscape, ancient but no longer known." Here, Durrell uses the metaphor of bombers as bursting pods, releasing the "seed of Man" in a violent and destructive manner. The landscape, once ancient and familiar, has been transformed into something unrecognizable, marred by the horrors of war. The "seed of Man" suggests both the literal remains of human life and the potential for renewal or regrowth, albeit in a world that has been irrevocably altered.

Durrell contrasts this destruction with the persistence of the critic, who "perseveres / Within his ant-like formalism / By deduction and destruction steers." The critic, described as methodical and mechanical ("ant-like"), continues to analyze and deconstruct, navigating the aftermath of devastation through intellectual rigor. However, this persistence is portrayed as somewhat hollow, as the critic’s efforts are focused on "deduction and destruction" rather than creation or restoration. Similarly, the "trite reformer" who "holds his own" represents those who continue to advocate for change, but their efforts are framed as limited and ultimately insufficient in the face of the overwhelming destruction.

The poem shifts focus to a broader view of the world, where "Athens or Bremen" are observed "looking down motionless." These cities, symbols of culture, history, and civilization, are reduced to "a mass of rotten vegetables," suggesting decay and the loss of vitality. The earth, once a living entity, is now merely a "diagram," a flattened, abstracted representation of what once was. The mention of "genus epileptoid" knowing "his stuff" suggests a critique of those who thrive on chaos or who understand the mechanisms of destruction all too well.

Durrell then reflects on the changes wrought by nature, where "rivers / Have thrown their switches and enlarged / Our mercy or our knowledge of each other." This line suggests that, despite the devastation, natural forces continue to shape the world, offering opportunities for growth in understanding and compassion. The speaker wonders "who walks beside them now and why," questioning who might still find solace or meaning in these altered landscapes and what conversations might take place there.

The poem takes a more despairing turn with the assertion that "There is nothing to hope for, my Brother." This line conveys a deep sense of disillusionment, suggesting that hope, particularly hope for a better future, has proven futile. The speaker acknowledges that "We have tried hoping for a future in the past," implying that past efforts to secure a better future have only led to failure and "reflected distortion." Despite this, the poem notes that some elements of the past have endured: "some / Enduring, and understanding, and some brave." These survivors, who embody endurance, understanding, and bravery, are now seen as the ones who must guide the future.

In the final lines, Durrell suggests that "the awkward and the sinful" must be placed into the "cool embrace" of those who have endured and understood. These survivors, having faced the harsh realities of the world, "alone / Know who and what to save." The poem concludes on a somber note, emphasizing the importance of wisdom born of suffering and the recognition that only those who have truly experienced and understood the world's harshness can discern what is worth preserving.

"Cities, Plains and People: 15" is a deeply reflective poem that grapples with the aftermath of war, the limits of human action, and the role of critical thought in a damaged world. Through vivid imagery and a tone of resigned realism, Durrell confronts the harsh realities of destruction and the challenge of finding meaning in a world where traditional sources of hope and renewal have been shattered. The poem ultimately underscores the value of endurance, understanding, and the hard-won wisdom of those who have survived and made sense of a world in turmoil.

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