Why did Ezra pound choose Canto 1 to be the first poem of his Cantos? And also, why did he end his poem with "so that?"

I don't really know the first one. It could be because it sets up the whole story line for the second two possibly. The second one, I was doing research on the author and poem and found this on Wikipedia.

“The canto concludes with some fragments from the Second Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, in a Latin version by Georgius Dartona which Pound found in the Divus volume, followed by "So that:"—an invitation to read on.”
(I tried to cite it, but it says I can't post an internet address.)

Help me please? :)

You might find this essay helpful in formulating your answer:

http://www2.hawaii.edu/~lady/ramblings/cantos.html

To understand Ezra Pound's choices in regards to the first poem in his Cantos and the ending with "so that," we can analyze Pound's intentions and his approach to crafting his work.

1. Choice of Canto 1:
Canto 1 serves as an important introduction to the overall themes and structure of Pound's Cantos. It establishes several key elements that will recur throughout the poem, setting the foundation for what follows. Furthermore, Canto 1 embodies Pound's poetic philosophy and his literary ambitions. By beginning with this particular poem, Pound aims to lay the groundwork for the extensive exploration and reimagining of historical, cultural, and literary material that he undertakes in the Cantos.

To understand the specific reasons Pound chose Canto 1 as the first poem, it would be helpful to dive deeper into the content, themes, and structure of the poem. Analyzing the symbols, allusions, and historical references within Canto 1 may provide further insight into Pound's intent.

2. Use of "so that" as the ending:
The phrase "so that" serves as an invitation to the reader, encouraging them to delve further into the Cantos. By concluding the poem with "so that," Pound hints at the vastness of his literary project and the interconnectedness of the subsequent cantos. It implies that the continuation of the poem will reveal more insights, narratives, and poetic explorations. Therefore, the conclusion with "so that" can be seen as symbolic of Pound's intention to actively engage and involve the reader throughout the entirety of the Cantos.

The specific choice of using fragments from the Second Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite in a Latin version by Georgius Dartona before the "so that" might hold additional significance related to Pound's thematic interests or aesthetic choices. Further analysis of these fragments and their relevance to the overall poem could yield a clearer understanding of Pound's intentions.

In summary, understanding Pound's motives for choosing Canto 1 and ending with "so that" requires a thorough examination of the poem's themes, content, and structure, as well as Pound's broader literary goals. Additional research into scholarly interpretations and literary analysis of the poem may provide deeper insights into these specific choices.