Apologia Vita Sua by Charles Wright
"Apologia Vita Sua" by Charles Wright is a reflective poem that explores the complexities of life and self-understanding. Its title translates to "the explanation of life," which presents a paradox, as the poem suggests that any attempt at a definitive explanation is inherently incomplete and may lead to frustration. The poem is structured into three distinct sections: the first revisits philosophical ideas and insights from the past, the second consists of autobiographical fragments recollected through significant places in Wright's life, and the third delves into an introspective examination of the self, characterized by ongoing questioning and tentative insights.
Wright's exploration emphasizes themes of affection, devotion, and the fleeting nature of moments, capturing the "temporal splendor" of existence that may momentarily alleviate doubt. The poem's lyrical quality is juxtaposed with a recognition of the persistence of doubt, as illustrated by the metaphor of an "after-echo," which reflects the poet's perceptual engagement with the world. Overall, "Apologia Vita Sua" offers a nuanced meditation on the search for meaning and identity, engaging readers with its rich imagery and contemplative depth.
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Apologia Vita Sua by Charles Wright
Excerpted from an article in Magill’s Survey of American Literature, Revised Edition
First published: 1997 (collected in Black Zodiac, 1997)
Type of work: Poem
The Work
Apologia pro vita sua literally implies “the explanation of life,” a paradoxical use of the familiar phrase since in Wright’s cosmos, such an explanation must be incomplete and finally frustrating if certainty and closure are sought. The poem is divided into three sections: a philosophic excursion recapitulating ideas and insights from the past, a recollection of moments of intense being in Wright’s life as autobiographical fragments organized in terms of places of consequence, and a third section that attempts to penetrate as deeply as possible into a Self that is revealed through constant questioning, with an occasional assumption of insight that requires further qualification and testing. Tentatively, but not without some confidence, the poet is ready to present a few thoughts that he can rely on:
Affection’s the absolute
However, even this lyric effusion is followed by the observation, “Easy enough to say now, the hush of late spring/ Hung like an after-echo,” to emphasize how the temporal splendor of the landscape—very prominent element of all of Wright’s work—can momentarily distract or disarm doubt. The “after-echo” testifies to the persistence of this feature while acting as a commentary on the perceptual aspects of the poet’s mind.
Bibliography
Andrews, Tom, ed. The Point Where All Things Meet: Essays on Charles Wright. Oberlin, Ohio: Oberlin College Press, 1995.
Bourgeois, Louis. “An Interview with Charles Wright.” The Carolina Quarterly 56 (Spring/Summer, 2004): 30-37.
Wright, Charles. Halflife: Improvisations and Interviews, 1977-1987. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1988.
Wright, Charles. Quarter Notes: Improvisations and Interviews. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1995.