In "Deep Black" by Stephen Coonts, the narrative explores themes of complexity and the challenge of making sense of intricate situations. The reference to Ezra Pound’s quote from the Cantos underlines the author’s feelings of insignificance, suggesting that he lacks the power to create order out of chaos. This resonates throughout the story, as characters grapple with their circumstances and the uncertainties of their missions.

The book delves into espionage and intelligence, showcasing how various factions interact within a turbulent global landscape. Coonts effectively captures the essence of navigating through a web of conflicting interests, affirming that coherence in such a multifaceted world is an elusive goal, much like Pound's admission of his artistic limitations.