* Loss and Grief: The poem's central imagery of the "dead, white" tarantella dancer evokes a sense of mourning and the loss of vitality. This could be interpreted as a reflection of H.D.'s own grief over the loss of her lover, Richard Aldington.
* The Power of Art: Despite the melancholy tone, the poem celebrates the transformative power of art, specifically dance. The tarantella becomes a symbol of passion, energy, and release, offering a momentary escape from the depths of grief.
* The Nature of Love and Desire: The poem explores the intense, passionate, and often destructive nature of love. The tarantella's frenzied movements mirror the chaotic and uncontrollable emotions associated with love.
* The Struggle for Control: The poem also touches on the struggle for control over one's emotions and impulses. The dancer's movements are both graceful and chaotic, suggesting the tension between desire and restraint.
* The Ephemeral Nature of Beauty: The poem emphasizes the transient quality of beauty, reflected in the fleeting moments of grace and passion captured in the tarantella.
Ultimately, "Tarantella" is a meditation on the complex relationship between loss, grief, and artistic expression. It examines how we cope with pain and how art can offer a powerful means of confronting and transcending our deepest emotions.