Many of these poems, and in particular “Hugh Selwyn Mauberley,” are very difficult to understand. Students may be frustrated by Pound’s knack for obfuscation as well as the relentless barrage of allusions that are necessary to research in order to understand his message. Students should be encouraged to both voice their frustration and persevere through the difficult passages.
Additionally, many parts of Pound’s biography, as well as particular passages in his verse, are very troublesome: Pound was an antisemite and supporter of fascism. This will be addressed in classroom activities, but it is important to also frame these lessons and Pound in general as someone who is inherently...
