Problematic Interpretations of Horation's OrationThere is a debate about how to read Marvell's "Horation Ode", one of the least examined issues in the three essays, but which seems to be an assumption Most part of the discussions that take place between the two sides are based on Brooks' careful warning at the beginning of his essay that his project is not to "triumphantly reveal that what [Marvell's poem] really says is something completely opposite to what we supposed it to be." saying" ("Ode" 323). For Bush, what the poem should have said is crucial, for his argument will be based on such assumptions and commonalities, or unprejudiced readings as he might call them; and among his final arguments there it will be that "Marvell's poetry means what it says" (348), which will be arrived at by looking at the poem in "its common and natural sense" (341) But Brooks is not necessarily rigid in sticking to the traditional interpretation, then it's interesting that he starts with what we might call an interpretive warning label at this point to make sure the reader doesn't misunderstand him and think he's simply trying to find an explanation for an old poem New Criticism is indeed indebted to the historicist, and we might accept this initial warning as part of that debt to "proper norms" (326), it is to others. It is interesting to keep in mind that Brooks concludes his "Notes on the Limits of ' history' and on the limits of 'criticism'". Invoking Matthew Arnold, Brooks concludes his essay by addressing Leslie Fielder's call to "interpret literature in relation to the rest of man's concerns." " (qtd. in "Limits" 354). With this Brooks "fully agrees" ("Limits" 354), and with this ending it is clear that there are... in the middle of the paper... many of his criticism of Brooks in terms of how he seeks "desperate solutions" that depart from a common sense reading of the poem This idea that the kind of critic Brooks advocates creates problems for the kind of interpretation established by a historical reading of the poem raises questions such as the role of the critic in a society, and whether or not this critic is obliged to create problems, and who will be at the center of his problem-creating energies. Works Cited Brooks, Cleanth by Marvell." Class Handout ENG 415. April 9, 1996. "Notes on the Limits of 'History' and the Limits of 'Criticism'." Class Handout ENG 415 April 9, 1996. Bush, Douglas. ""Oration of Oration" of Marvel." Class Handout ENG 415. April 9, 1996. Butler, Judith. Gender Issues. New York: Routledge, 1990.