Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Death of Alexander" by Robert Lowell reflects on the final moments and legacy of Alexander the Great, offering a meditation on mortality, leadership, and the complexities of his character. The poem captures the gravity of Alexander's death and the profound impact he had on those around him, while also considering the nature of greatness and moral reckoning.

The poem begins by describing Alexander's "numinous eye," likening it to the sun. This metaphor emphasizes the intensity and divinity ascribed to Alexander, as well as the illumination and authority he brought to those under his command. For three days, the Macedonian soldiers pass by their ailing leader, and despite being "speechless," Alexander knows them intimately "as if they were his sheep." This imagery suggests a deep bond between the king and his soldiers, portraying Alexander as a shepherd-like figure, guiding and protecting his people.

The poem then shifts to a contemplation of whether Alexander should be carried to a temple to pray for recovery. However, the god forbids it, declaring, "It's a better thing if the king stay where he is." This divine intervention implies that Alexander's death is an inevitable and perhaps even necessary conclusion to his life. The phrase "better thing" hints at the inevitability of mortality and the notion that, for someone as great as Alexander, death might be the ultimate release or fulfillment of his destiny.

Lowell acknowledges the dual nature of Alexander's legacy, noting that "No one was like him. Terrible were his crimes." This line recognizes the darker aspects of Alexander's conquests and actions, acknowledging the moral complexities of his life. Yet, the poem also warns against judging him too harshly: "if you wish to blackguard the Great King, think how mean, obscure and dull you are." This admonition suggests that criticizing someone as extraordinary as Alexander without considering one's own limitations and mediocrity is both unfair and hypocritical.

The poem concludes by highlighting a crucial aspect of Alexander's character: "we know this, of all the kings of old, he alone had the greatness of heart to repent." This acknowledgment of Alexander's capacity for repentance underscores a key element of his greatness—his ability to reflect on his actions and feel remorse. It suggests that true greatness includes not only exceptional achievements but also the moral courage to recognize one's faults and seek redemption.

"Death of Alexander" is a reflective poem that explores the final moments of Alexander the Great and the lasting impression he left on history. Through its nuanced portrayal, Lowell presents a balanced view of Alexander, acknowledging both his monumental achievements and his moral complexities. The poem ultimately suggests that greatness is not only measured by one's accomplishments but also by the capacity for introspection and repentance.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...