From: LouisFors <LouisFors@aol.com>
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Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 21:46:14 EDT
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Subject: Re: Pondering # 544
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In a message dated 98-04-07 15:12:19 EDT, Elisabeth Murawski wrote:
>  
>       Isn't she speaking here of working through pain, coming to terms with 
>       it, by giving it shape or form?  That thus art brings peace to the 
>       artist/poet working it out, understanding it?
>       
>       The use of "martyr" probably is used in the broad sense of someone 
>       dying (giving up life) for truth.  The commitment of the artist must 
>       be as strong and complete as the martyr's.  
>       
>       Does a person choose martyrdom?  Probably not.  Endure, more likely.  
>       In the same way a poet/artist does not choose so much as accept a 
>       calling to create.  It's something they must do, cannot not do.  
>       Martyred then.
>       
I think this is a good reading with a couple of problems remaining for me.  I
would suggest a contiuum definition of poet/artist.  I think a poet like ED
(if such there be) accepted a calling, that she *had* to write poetry.   Other
poets, no doubt, have learned a trade.  Mozart could not not write music.
Salieri, on the other hand, probably regarded music as a craft.  So, perhaps
the *genius* artist must create.  
I suspect we would agree on the continuum idea.

I'm still concerned about ED's use of the word "martyr," however.  The
suggestion that she gave up life for truth doesn't seem appropriate in her
case or in many other cases. That she dedicated much of her life to her art is
clear.  But "martyr" implies something very much stronger, and, as we know, ED
chose her words carefully.  I'm puzzled.

Louis Forsdale

The Martyr Poets -- did not tell --
But wrought their Pang in syllable --
That when their mortal name be numb --
Their mortal fate -- encourage Some --

The Martyr Painters -- never spoke --
Bequeathing -- rather -- to their Work --
That when their conscious fingers cease --
Some seek in Art -- the Art of Peace --