Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Dante 3. Buonconte" by Robert Lowell is a poem that references Canto V of Dante's "Purgatorio", focusing on the character of Buonconte da Montefeltro. The poem captures Buonconte's final moments and the spiritual struggle over his soul, highlighting themes of redemption, salvation, and the power of prayer.

The poem opens with a lament from Buonconte: "No one prays for me ... Giovanna or the others." This line underscores Buonconte's sense of abandonment and his concern over the lack of intercessory prayers for his soul, which in medieval belief were crucial for aiding the deceased in their journey to salvation. Giovanna, likely a relative, and "the others" are depicted as neglectful in their spiritual duty to remember him in their prayers.

Lowell then recounts Buonconte's final moments during the Battle of Campaldino, a conflict in which he fought and died. The setting shifts to where the Archiano river meets the Arno at the base of the Casentino, marking the place of Buonconte's death. The description of his flight, "flying on foot and splashing the field with blood," conveys the desperation and violence of his last moments. He is described as being "wounded in the throat," a detail that emphasizes the mortal nature of his injuries. As he lay dying, he lost his "sight and speech," a poignant depiction of his life slipping away. His final act, "died saying Maria," signifies a last-minute appeal to the Virgin Mary, reflecting his repentance and hope for divine mercy.

The poem's central image is the spiritual battle over Buonconte's soul, where "an angel and devil fought with claws." This metaphorical struggle represents the contest between salvation and damnation, a common motif in medieval literature. The angel's question, "You angel, why do you rob me for his last word?" points to the significance of Buonconte's final utterance, invoking Mary, which acts as a catalyst for his redemption. In Dante's "Purgatorio", it is this invocation that saves Buonconte's soul from damnation despite his sinful life, emphasizing the power of sincere repentance.

Lowell continues with a vivid description of the natural elements responding to Buonconte's death. "The rain fell, then the hail, my body froze," illustrates the harsh weather conditions that follow, possibly symbolizing the coldness of death or the purgative process. The "raging Archiano" river, personified as furious, snatches Buonconte's body, washing it away. This act serves as a metaphor for the cleansing of his sins and the purification of his soul. The final image of his "arms I'd folded like the cross" suggests a Christ-like posture, symbolizing acceptance of his fate and submission to divine will.

The poem concludes with the powerful image of Buonconte's body being carried away by the river, reinforcing the theme of nature's role in the divine drama. The portrayal of Buonconte's death and the ensuing spiritual conflict underscores the themes of repentance and redemption, as well as the medieval belief in the intercessory power of prayers and last words.

"Dante 3. Buonconte" by Robert Lowell is a reflective and evocative poem that explores the final moments and spiritual struggle of Buonconte da Montefeltro. Through rich imagery and references to Dante's "Purgatorio", the poem delves into themes of sin, redemption, and the importance of a repentant heart. Lowell's interpretation emphasizes the hope and possibility of salvation, even in the final moments of life, provided there is sincere contrition and a call for divine mercy.

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