W.H. Auden's Poems

Hello readers, This blog is assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. In this blog I am dealing with selected poems of W. H. Auden and its contemporaneity.

Contemporaneity in Auden's Poems

W.H. Auden

Wystan Hugh Auden was a British- American poet. His life span is 21 February 1907 – 29 September 1973. His poetry is noted for his stylistic and technical achievement, its engagement with politics, moral, love, and religion. Auden is considered to have the most common critical view of the 1930s. He applied a style of spontaneity to express his views. He had a remarkable grip on contemporary currents of thought in political theory, science and psychology which we can see in his poetry which supports him to be called as modernist poet/ modern thinker. Joseph Brodsky wrote that Auden had "the greatest mind of the twentieth century".

In this blog with reference to Auden's three poems which are 'Epitaph on a Tyrant', 'In Memory of W. B. Yeats' and 'Sept, 1 1939' I am going to answer the assigned question. These answers are my personal understanding and interpretations.

Auden's poems seem to be written in our times for 2022. Justify this in context of pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war.

• Let’s begin the reading of the poem Epitaph on a tyrant.

It is a small poem of 6 lines by Auden but a powerful masterpiece which is found relevant today also. We are witnessing the Ukraine- Russia war at present which makes it massively easier to read this poem today.

Epitaph on a Tyrant describes nature, characteristics of a ‘dictator’. How can we read it?

‘He knew…’ He justifies that a poem is talking about an unidentified man. Along with the poem was published in 1939 when the Second world war began and according to Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Edward Mendelson wrote about Auden, He visited Berlin in the 1930s which hints his introduction to Adolf Hitler (Dictator). Many critics feel that the poem is about Hitler but we don't find any specific references of him or his name but we realise this poem to be applicable to all dictators, it talks about the traits of Dictators and points out that every dictator shares same nature it is better that one reads it beforehand which would safeguard them from dictatorship.

As it is discussed, Auden’s poems are relevant in every period. Do we find any politicians with the same traits? Yes. With reference to the Ukraine- Russia war which again is read as the beginning of the third World war. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia since 2012.

‘Perfectionist, of his kind’ a one trying to make his region a perfection the name of religion, language, culture etc. for example today in India more preference on Hinduism, which increases hatefulness to other religions specially to Muslims. Similarly Putin in Russia supported more to Orthodox Christianity neglecting to Protestant Church. You can read about it HERE.

‘In July 2016, Putin signed a new "anti-extremism" law that, among other things, limits the sharing of religious beliefs to state-registered places of worship only. Critics say this law is in violation of Russia's constitution, in that it effectively outlaws minority "foreign" religions (such as Protestant Christianity, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Hare Krishna) whose churches and temples are rarely approved to be registered with the state.’

‘Poetry he invented’, ‘knew human folly’ dictators know the psychology of humans, they know to play with ‘emotionally susceptible’ society’s psyche. People easily sink with ideas of nationality, mother land, religion and together weeping a little adds emotional touch and society gets attracted with sympathy. Jesus loved children and loving children shows the kind and compassionate nature of humans. These are also the traits used by dictators/ politicians to bind with the state.

“interested in armies and fleets;” “”senators burst with laughter;” which the following images justify clearly. Interested in armies also suggests interest in war and show-off of power. ‘Burst’ suggested the forced laugh, his senators seemed to be laughing at nonsense jokes just showing their sycophancy. :”he cried the little children died in the streets'' cried which I interpret to be shouting, motivate people for war and ‘little children’ interpreting as innocent people; whenever he cries for was innocent people died irrespective to their any fault just to satisfy Dictators ego.

The poem shows the various traits of oppressive rulers, who just work to satisfy their self ego, their ‘gimmicks’, carelessness, late for decision making leads various deaths and fall of the country. We read all this with reference to war but all these gimmicks of rulers were seen similarly in Corona Pandemic also. Lot of innocent people died because of late decisions, lack of healthcare, not providing basic care to people and in show- off that our country is not affected, on one died etc.

Traits of Dictator is also discussed majorly by Chaplin in his movie ‘The Great Dictator’ which we can easily connect in this poem and above photographs. Visit by blog on its Frame study to relate traits of dictators.

• Now, let's read ‘In Memory of W.B. Yeats

This poem is dedicated to W.B Yeats, it is a modern elegy using modern metaphors like airport, mercury, fashionable quays, bourse. It's not only about the death of the poet but also questions the role of poets and poetry in society. There are various associations of this poem in today's world. It was published in 1939 but relevant over some views even today.

“But in the importance…..slightly unusual.” These last lines of the first part suggest that the world will go on very less people will feel absence or unusuality on the poet’s death. We never find any national holidays on the death anniversary of a poet or no national holiday is announced on poet’s death as on it is announced on the death of politicians like APJ Abdul Kalam and recently on the death of Singer Lata Maneshkar. This poem was published in 1939 and still the same situation prevails. We don't find any change of society or nation in behaviour towards the poets. Poets come and go and the world doesn't stop, here we find the world's refusal to indulge in sentimental public mourning on the poet's death.

Also, a number of people died in the Corona pandemic but it made no effect on the world except for a few minutes of empathy. World was affected with economical breakdown not with the number of deaths.

The second part of the poetry talks about the survival/ role of poetry “For poetry makes nothing happen”. W.B Yeats has talked about war in ‘The Second Coming’ and the poem ‘On being Asked For A War’ during World war I which significantly shows negative aspects of war, but still in 1939 when Auden wrote this poem World War II was on the verge to begin and today even after the two great poet discussed about war, taunted/ criticised society for not reading and understanding literature, Ukraine- Russia war is on. And as it is said if it's not stopped World War III cannot be prevented. 1939 or 2022 still the society is the same, nothing can change it.

This is my reading about this poem’s relevance in today’s time.

• Further lets study ‘September 1, 1939’.

This is one of the well known poems of Auden which captures feelings of fear and uncertainty in the face of fascism and war—as well as glimmers of hope that people might come together to counter authoritarianism. The poet is sitting in the bar of New York where still the war has not reached and the people are turning selfish thinking it's not their war but the poet feels the war and conveys the emotional response to the outbreak of World War II. today again when we see oppressive rulers like Putin we definitely see Hitler. Listening to Ukraine -Russia war one will easily recollect the poem ‘September 1, 1939’ poem.

Today when we see Putin’s invasion of Ukraine we also remember Hitler’s Invasion to Poland. When this poem was written the poet might not have had the idea that this invasion would turn into World war II and would end with Hitler’s suicide. Even today we don't know where this Ukraine- Russia war will take us. But the poem is similar to today’s situation too. Reading poems also brings fear to us of World War III.

“Obsessing our private lives;” the poem starts with the personal address of the poem and describes an America. When the war began in Germany and Poland the people were obsessed with their personal lives. Perhaps today we are the same as Americans, the war of invasion has begun but it doesn't affect us. We are happy in our lives. ‘Anger and fear’ of Jews overpowering Christian and today's waves of fear by politicians are Muslims will overpower Hindus if Hindus don't stay careful. These all are the small steps towards the war in the name of religion and nation.

“huge imago” hunger for power gives birth to dictators but they might also have their point of view. Hitler grew and was popular because he started working for the nation, the ‘Treaty to Versailles’ gave birth to Hitler. Martin Luther grows antisemitic to Jews as they refused to convert into christian and turned violent to them. Hitler, Martin both had their own reasons but the way they are or were celebrated gave rise to violence. Today we are seeing Nathuram Godse being celebrated. We understand the anti- Gandhi sentiment, everyone has their own rights but to celebrate ‘a murderer’ is giving rise to violence. A repetition of Germany's mistake of celebrating Hitler when he was ruling.

“Not only did we perform the puja and celebrated Hutatma Nathuram Godse’s birth anniversary in our office, but our 3000 workers lit up similar diyas at their homes in Gwalior in the memory of the true patriot,” said HM vice president Jaiveer Bhardwaj.

Read it more.

Referring to Thucydides’ Auden talked about ‘History of the Peloponnese War’ where Thucydides talked about the speeches of democratic and dictators to be nonsensical promises. Which is later suffered by all. Thucydides (460 – c. 400 BC) before thousands of years wrote it which is still applicable in today’s world.

“Into this neutral air……Who have never been happy or good.” At the time of World War II America became neutral in the war and did not support any country. But as it is said silence is support to an attacking part. E.g. If we are not helping to stop the fire then it indirectly indicates our support for the fire. America was lost in its The American dream, individualism, imperialism lost in American Euphoria. “The lights must never go out” we should have lights, food and comfort to let others suffer.

Similar conditions are seen today's various countries like India, Switzerland and many others have announced neutrality in the Ukraine- Russia war which is indirectly supporting to violence. It's necessary to understand that if anything is happening in one corner of the world , the whole world is going to suffer.

Even during pandemic time, India and many other nations lacked health care and then too they made very late decisions for precautions which caused many deaths. Authorities are busy fulfilling their ego and showing that India is a spiritual nation. Nothing happens here but the whole world suffers if one part suffers. Today India is polio free but we can't say it can't come again as the world is not yet polio free, Whole nation needs to walk together. Staying an individual in this difficult situations becomes international wrong.

Reading above idea in the poem remind PASTOR MARTIN NIEMÖLLER

“Repeating their morning vow; "I will be true to the wife,” this are all the romantic lies by people to each other. Which showcases the narrowness of the mind. “Deaf and dumb” dictators and their followers, no one can release them from their prison of self- ego and “Hunger allows no choice” hinder of German gave birth to Hitler similarly if any corner of the world will be suffering whole world have to tolerate its consequence.. So, “We must love one another or die.” Poet, as a good ironstone, shows the “affirming flame” of universal love.

Reflection to the activity:

This thinking activity turned out to be very tough as in this we are assigned to deal with the very recent issue of Ukraine Russia war and we don't find any such reading material for it. I felt a lack of newspaper reading habit because I needed to be aware of current situations. It took a lot of time reading, thinking and organising. I hope my efforts will be useful to readers in their understanding of writing.

These are my extensions to the given question. If you find anything to add or elaborate please write in the comment box. I hope it was useful to you. Please visit my another blog which conceals the underlying theme of the lack of acceptance of homosexuality in society in Sept 1, 1939, which deals with Queer Theory.CLICK HERE 

Work cited

Balakian, Peter. “Perspective | Auden’s Foreboding Poem ‘September 1, 1939,’ Captures Today’s Mood, Too.” Washington Post. Accessed March 7, 2022. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/02/28/wh-auden-poem-1939-invasion-poland/.

Bennetts, Marc. “New Russian Law Targets Evangelicals, Mormons, Other Faiths.” Newsweek, September 15, 2016. https://www.newsweek.com/vladimir-putin-russia-foreign-religion-crackdown-498551.

Hanzlick, Randy, and Randy Hanzlick. Cause of Death and the Death Certificate: Important Information for Physicians, Coroners, Medical Examiners, and the Public. Northfield, Ill: College of American Pathologists, 2006.

“Martin Niemöller: ‘First They Came for the Socialists...’” Accessed March 7, 2022. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/martin-niemoeller-first-they-came-for-the-socialists.

Mendelson, Edward. “Auden, Wystan Hugh (1907–1973), Poet and Writer.” Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Accessed March 7, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/30775.

“Vladimir Putin and Religion - ReligionFacts.” Accessed March 7, 2022. https://religionfacts.com/putin.

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W.H. Auden poem: Decodifying the Underlying Theme

Hello readers, This blog is a response to the task assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. In this blog I have tries to decode the concealed underlying theme of the lack of acceptance of homosexuality in society through which the poet Auden has tried to create duality in Interpretation of the poem September 1, 1939.

Decoding the underlying theme in September 1, 1939

Theme of the Lack of Acceptance of Homosexuality in Society.

T.S. Eliot in his essay ‘Tradition and Individual Talent' gives the 'Theory of Impersonal' which says ‘Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion but an escape from emotion, it is not the expression of personality but an escape from personality’. I.e. The personal feelings and emotions of the poet should not be involved in the poem and a poet should not be judged based on his poem/work. But when we read the poem we realise that without reading the autobiographical elements one cannot explore the poem completely. For e.g. W.B Yeats’ ‘The Second Coming’. The first interpretation of the poem is as a War poem but once we read the autobiographical elements of the poet's life and his experience of Influenza one can read the same poem with the Pandemic Lens, it provides con-temporariness and deeper meaning to the poem.

Similarly when we red the autobiography of W.H Auden it forces us to read the Poem ‘Sept 1, 1939’ with another interpretation else then how the dishonesty and manipulation of government can lead to war which is theme of the lack of acceptance of homosexuality in society.

W.H. Auden in England in 1907 and had two older brothers. Auden’s Family had to move to various countries due to his father's work. After his education in a school he got a scholarship to Oxford University which influenced him to the profession of poetry. While you are studying in Oxford he had a feeling for the undergraduate student but feelings had gone unexpressed. He also tried to develop heterosexual traits. After graduating to gain education and freedom he settled in Berlin. In Berlin he began a new lie and his self- examination, he indulged himself in various relations that had been unexpressed in college. He wrote to friends back home about male brothels and men who were available for money in the bars and around the neighbourhood. Auden wrote six German poems which were influenced by his love affairs; he used foreign language so that he can freely write about the difficult theme of love. He also tracked many of his feelings and expressions in a journal in which he stated his guilt about his homosexuality which drove him to find new loves.

In 1939, he visited an event organised by the League of American Poets, there he met a young man named Chester Kallman and soon they were lovers until his death. On the other hand, in 1035 Auden married a woman named Erika Mann just to let Mann escape from Nazi’s in Germany. He lived his like with Kallman and Mann both continuing his homosexual relation.

According to Morgan Walker's essay in The Modern American, Auden’s love for Kalmann was very strong and it won't be possible that this matter has not affected his poetry September 1, 1939 which was written in the same year they met. This forces us to read the poem through the Queer theory.

What is Queer Theory?

According to Jay Stewart, "Queer theory and politics necessarily celebrate transgression in the form of visible difference from norms. These 'Norms' are then exposed to be norms, not natures or inevitability. Gender and sexual identities are seen, in much of this work, to be demonstrably defiant definitions and configurations."

Teresa De Lauretis was the first to organise conference on queer Theory in 1990s, while its informal use was already started by Gloria Anzaldua and other scholars. This theory emerged from the Study on heterosexual relations like gay and lesbian which changed the idea of Heterosexual relation is only normal relationship. It tried to give equal place to transgender and homosexual relations. Today we see much difference in viewing homosexual relation then before yet we do have differences in our mind for these different people and is not accepted completely in society but law has accepted and slowly they will attain freedom and will be considered as normal as heterosexual relation.

‘September 1, 1939’ was published during the world war, beginning of World War II which also gives us a view of the United States. The poet expresses political opinion about the war and how the governmental authority was working in that time. It is the primary interpretation of the war which is talking about Dishonesty of the government during the World War II but we can also read the poem from the secondary interpretation which is intolerance of homosexuality and as we discussed the autobiography of poet we can read the duality of the poem in reference of it.

In the poem you find the metaphor created of light and dark where in primary interpretation we can find like to be honest and hopeful for the future as black as corrupt and dishonest. In secondary interpretation, Light is read as the people who are ready for acceptance and embracing homosexual Lifestyle while the dark represent in tolerance and looked down on homosexuality.

“Waves of anger and fear

Circulate over the bright

And darkened lands of the earth”

‘Anger and Fear’ in above lines suggest fear of the human sexual society. society of that period was not open about the human sexuality and therefore they were not open to accept homosexual society. It can also be read as anger and fear of so called normal society towards Homosexual society.

“The lights must never go out”

The above line suggests ‘if love is lost humans are doomed’. in the first interpretation in terms of War the love in this line suggests honesty and respect between two humans. While in the secondary interpretation it can be read as if we do not learn to love and tolerate others, we are doomed. the world cannot be of one type/ ideology, even the fingers of our hands are of different sizes. Everyone in the world needs to accept all the types of people in the world. Reading about the line of light suggests the people in the world who are ready to accept homosexual and accepting everyone in the world by the dark suggests the conservative Society of the world.

“ …scholarship can

Unearth the whole offence

From Luther until now”

In the above lines Auden has taken a historical context of Martin Luther to which the Hitler also shared a same religious ideology, both were the men of antisemitism and both also spoke against the homosexual. He also took the historical reference of Nijinsky and Diaghilev it is shown by the lines

“is true to the normal heart”

Nijinsky and Diaghilev were homosexual. Auden uses Nijinsky to speak about love.

“…error bred in the bone

Of each woman and each man

Craves what it cannot have,”

In the above line the ‘error’ suggest that error referred to the error of being homosexual which is natural, which is not selected by anyone and it says that ‘craves what it can have’ the ‘error bred’ sexual bred whether it is women or a man are ‘craving for what it cannot have’ are craving for the homosexual partner, same-sex and craving for the acceptance by society.

Another reference Auden makes is ‘Eros’, Eros was the god of love love and sexuality in Greek mythology. Referring to it in the poem he wants to show the equality in all love around the world. He is trying to evoke the feeling of compassion and instructing that love is equal ground for all the people, should feel free to love to whoever they wish whether same sex or opposite sex.

The dense commuters come,

Repeating their morning vow;

"I will be true to the wife,

I'll concentrate more on my work,"

In a primary interpretation the above line suggests that the people are controlled and manipulated by their government propaganda lies and deception. Secondary interpretation of this line, through these lines Auden says, the people who belong to homosexual society always try to remind themselves, repeatedly that they are heterosexual and try to leave a heterosexual life, they live a fake life in society to which they don't belong due to the lake of acceptance of homosexual at the time.

‘Romantic lie in the brain’ line in the poem however suggest that the homosexuals are brainwashed to act heterosexuality and adopt homosexual life. Auden said “All [he has] is a voice] which means that he has the voice to speak against injustice happening in the world and through this poem he is speaking out against the mistreatment happening to the homosexuality.

Here we complete the reading of the second interpretation of the poem Auden talks about the two different subjects in the same poem and that too very strongly. John G. Blair in ‘The Poetic Art of W.H. Auden’ writes about Auden's style and form, his style and form reflect his ideology in writing poetry and creates deeper meaning within them. As we already read about in the above poem. Auden is successful in leading a variety of readers to respond to his poetry in their own way. Auden got successful with form and technique within a poem to make a reader discover a deep and new insight into a poem.

Work Cited:

“Morgan Walker: A Hidden Message: Auden’s Personal Protest in Time of War | Modern American Poetry.” Accessed March 9, 2022. https://www.modernamericanpoetry.org/criticism/morgan-walker-hidden-message-auden%E2%80%99s-personal-protest-time-war.

Poetic Art of W.H. Auden, 2015. https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691623665/poetic-art-of-wh-auden.

Richards, Christina, Walter Pierre Bouman, and Meg-John Barker, eds. Genderqueer and Non-Binary Genders. London: Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-51053-2.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope it was easy, understandable and helpful to you. Also visit my blog on CONTEMPORANEITY IN AUDEN'S POEMS.