W.H. Auden poems

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Dilip Barad sir, Department of English (MKBU). This blog is about the poems written by W.B. Auden. Three poems are discussed in this blog which are: :In Memory of W.H. Yeats', 'W.H. Auden Poems', ' Epitaph on a Tyrant'. For more information click here.

W. H. Auden was a famous poet and writer born in England on February 21, 1907, in York, Yorkshire. He became well-known in the 1930s, especially during the Great Depression, as he supported left-wing ideas. During this time, he often worked with Christopher Isherwood on writing plays in verse. In 1939, Auden moved to the United States and later became a citizen there. He continued to write and contribute to literature until his death on September 29, 1973, in Vienna, Austria. (Spears)

Worksheet 1

Worksheet 2

Worksheet 3

Response to Worksheet 1:

Essay on the poem "September 1, 1939"

Title: Exploring the Depths of Despair and Hope in Auden's "September 1, 1939"

W. H. Auden's poem "September 1, 1939" is a profound exploration of the human experience amidst the political turmoil and existential crisis of its time. The poem begins with the speaker situated in a dive bar on Fifty-second Street, overwhelmed by feelings of uncertainty and fear as the world teeters on the brink of another devastating war. Throughout the poem, Auden weaves together themes of political upheaval, human nature, isolation, and the struggle for hope amidst despair.

Auden's masterful use of language, imagery, and structure adds layers of depth to the poem's meaning. The language is both evocative and thought-provoking, with phrases like "the unmentionable odor of death" and "blind skyscrapers" painting a vivid picture of the bleakness and indifference of the world. The poem's structure, with its shifting perspectives and recurring motifs, mirrors the fractured state of society and the internal turmoil of the speaker.

Imagery plays a crucial role in conveying the poem's themes. Auden employs vivid imagery to evoke the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, such as the "faces along the bar" clinging to their "average day," and the haunting image of "children afraid of the night." These images serve to heighten the sense of isolation and alienation that pervades the poem, reflecting the speaker's own feelings of disconnection from the world.

The historical context in which Auden wrote "September 1, 1939" is essential to understanding its themes and message. The poem was composed in the aftermath of the German invasion of Poland, which marked the beginning of World War II. Auden himself was deeply affected by the political turmoil of the time and was grappling with his own sense of disillusionment and despair. The poem reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the era, as well as Auden's broader philosophical outlook on the human condition.

At its core, "September 1, 1939" is a meditation on the nature of evil, the fragility of human civilization, and the enduring power of hope. The poem's central message—that "We must love one another or die"—speaks to the fundamental choice facing humanity in times of crisis. Despite the darkness that pervades the poem, there are moments of light and hope, as the speaker expresses a desire to "show an affirming flame" amidst the negation and despair.

In conclusion, Auden's "September 1, 1939" is a timeless exploration of the human experience in the face of political turmoil and existential crisis. Through its language, imagery, and structure, the poem invites readers to confront the complexities of the human condition and to consider the power of love, resilience, and hope in the darkest of times. As we navigate our own uncertain world, Auden's poem serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring truths that bind us together as human beings.

Response to Worksheet 2:

1. Where does the poem "September 1, 1939" take place?

Answer: The poem unfolds in a dive on Fifty-second Street, New York City.

2. What is the prevailing mood of the poem?

Answer: The mood of the poem is characterized by uncertainty, fear, disillusionment, and introspection.

3. Why is September 1, 1939, significant in the poem?

Answer: September 1, 1939, marks the outbreak of World War II, symbolizing global turmoil and upheaval.

4. What overarching theme does the poem explore?

Answer: The poem delves into themes of societal decay, political disillusionment, and the quest for meaning amidst chaos.

5. How does history play a role in the poem?

Answer: History serves as a backdrop, emphasizing humanity's cyclical struggles and the enduring lessons of the past.

6. What is the meaning behind the line "We must love one another or die"?

Answer: This line underscores the necessity of love and unity in facing adversity and preserving humanity.

7. What is the significance of the "Ironic points of light" mentioned in the poem?

Answer: These "Ironic points of light" represent moments of hope and resilience amidst darkness, symbolizing the potential for positive change and solidarity.

8. Write an explanation on any one stanza of the poem.

Answer:

Stanza: 

All I have is a voice

To undo the folded lie,

The romantic lie in the brain

Of the sensual man-in-the-street

And the lie of Authority

Whose buildings grope the sky:

There is no such thing as the State

And no one exists alone;

Hunger allows no choice

To the citizen or the police;

We must love one another or die.

In this stanza, the speaker acknowledges the power of their voice to challenge falsehoods and injustices perpetuated by both societal norms and authority figures. They advocate for love and solidarity as essential for humanity's survival.

Note: This blog is written with the help of generative AI tool ChatGPT.

Words: 930

Images: 04

References:

Auden, WH, and Sherod Santos. “September 1, 1939 by W. H. Auden - Poems | Academy of American Poets.” Poets.org, 1939, https://poets.org/poem/september-1-1939. Accessed 20 March 2024.

Author. "Exploring the Depths of Despair and Hope in Auden's 'September 1, 1939'." *OpenAI*. 20 Mar. 2024, https://openai.com.

Spears, Monroe K.. "W. H. Auden". Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Feb. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/W-H-Auden. Accessed 20 March 2024.