Pomp and circumstance.

“Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump,
The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife,
The royal banner, and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!”

Little did William Shakespeare way back in 1604, when penning Act III of Othello, realise that Sir Edward Elgar would be inspired to compose for orchestra the series of five military marches, opus 39, called “Pomp and circumstance,” almost three centuries later.

Incidentally, the theme also featured in other literary works, such as “Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain, “Astoria” by Irving Washington, “The Iron Heel,” by Jack London.

This is by way of introducing my thoughts on the subject in caption following a Pomp and Circumstance approach. I am not sure what is the background of my inspiration, whether the famous bard, or the composer or the literary masterpieces.

Political leaders and royalties stress their divine right by participating in pompous liturgies. Shining and glorious military uniforms and regalia, well starched outfits and peacock head-dress adorn the heads of the male species in authority. Female leaders, on the other hand, present themselves in no less attractive attire, though, as always they inspire more by the lack of dress than by its abundance.

Needless to point out that faiths manifest their elements in pompous elements: elaborate sculptures, imposing temples, costumes studded with precious metals and stones, liturgical vestments and a variety of other ornamental decorations. These may well have had their origins with the actors performing in prehistoric temples.

Taken on its own, circumstance brings to mind both serious considerations as well as hilarious situations.

Circumstance conditions and influences our behaviour. Timing an event at the right time, in the right place with the right people can lead unto success. “There is a tide in the affairs of men (and women, of course) which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries.” That’s why it is very important to invest in circumstance.

In particular circumstance, when one is expected to lend a helping hand, one falls into hysterical laughter. A person tripping on a sidewalk instead of being helped in his predicament, is presented with a smiling audience. Take the notoriously celebrated candid cameras. A circumstance that requires help, albeit only stage-managed, often solicits a boisterous behaviour by the persons involved.

To conclude in a pompous and circumstantial way, the same way I strated, my advice would be: “try to be good-looking, somewhat given to pomp and circumstance, to become an object of note in the eyes of the wondering” colleagues around you. Wish you luck in your endeavours.


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