Meaning: This quote by the renowned poet Ezra Pound reflects his confusion and perhaps awe at the esoteric language and abstract concepts used by sculptors to describe their work. Pound, a key figure in the modernist literary movement, is known for his complex and often enigmatic poetry, which often deals with abstract and philosophical themes. In this quote, he seems to express his lack of understanding of the technical language used by sculptors to discuss their art, while also hinting at his admiration for the enigmatic and unconventional forms that sculpture can take.

Sculpture, like poetry, is a form of artistic expression that often defies easy explanation or categorization. The language of sculpture, or "jargon" as Pound puts it, can be dense and difficult to decipher for those who are not familiar with the technical and conceptual aspects of the medium. Terms such as "green granite female" and "apparently pregnant monster with one eye going around a square corner" evoke vivid and enigmatic images, highlighting the abstract and unconventional nature of sculptural art.

The use of the term "jargon" in Pound's quote suggests that he perceives the language of sculpture as specialized and perhaps inaccessible to those outside the field. This may reflect a sense of alienation or bewilderment on Pound's part, as he grapples with the unfamiliar concepts and terminology used by sculptors. However, his admission of not knowing precisely why he admires such unconventional sculptures indicates a sense of intrigue and fascination with the enigmatic forms and ideas that sculpture can encompass.

Pound's reference to a "green granite female, apparently pregnant monster with one eye going around a square corner" is a vivid and cryptic description that captures the enigmatic and unconventional nature of certain sculptures. The use of materials such as granite, combined with the imagery of a pregnant monster with a single eye navigating a square corner, suggests a level of abstraction and ambiguity that may challenge traditional notions of beauty and form in art. Pound's admiration for such a sculpture highlights his willingness to engage with and appreciate the enigmatic and unconventional aspects of artistic expression.

In a broader sense, Pound's quote can be seen as a reflection of the complexities and ambiguities inherent in both artistic expression and the act of interpretation. Just as Pound struggles to understand the language of sculptors, many individuals may find themselves grappling with the enigmatic and unconventional forms of artistic expression, whether in the realm of sculpture, poetry, or other artistic mediums. The quote serves as a reminder of the inherent challenges and rewards of engaging with art that defies easy explanation and invites the viewer or reader to grapple with ambiguity and complexity.

In conclusion, Ezra Pound's quote about the jargon of sculptors serves as a thought-provoking reflection on the enigmatic and unconventional nature of sculptural art, as well as the challenges and rewards of engaging with artistic expression that defies easy categorization. Pound's admission of his lack of understanding is juxtaposed with his admiration for the enigmatic and unconventional forms that sculpture can take, highlighting the complexities and ambiguities inherent in both artistic expression and the act of interpretation. This quote invites us to embrace the challenges of engaging with art that may be initially perplexing, and to appreciate the depth and richness of meaning that can emerge from such encounters.