Auden's Poems

Hello, This blog post is a response to a worksheet on Auden's poems.

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Worksheet 1

W. H. Auden's poem, "September 1, 1939," is a powerful response to the outbreak of World War II. The poem opens with the speaker sitting in a bar in New York City, on the very day Nazi Germany invaded Poland. This seemingly ordinary setting is juxtaposed with the extraordinary news of war, creating a sense of dissonance and shock.

Disillusionment: Auden criticizes the "low dishonest decade" leading up to the war, a period marked by appeasement and failed diplomacy .

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Ignorance and Isolationism: The poem critiques the obliviousness of some Americans to the war's gravity, symbolized by the normalcy of their daily lives in places like the bar

• The Need for Unity: Auden emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity, arguing that "We must love one another or die.

Auden wrote "September 1, 1939" during a time of great turmoil in the world. The poem was penned at the outbreak of World War II, a period marked by political upheaval, the rise of totalitarian regimes, and the looming threat of global conflict. Auden, deeply affected by the events unfolding around him, sought to grapple with the moral and existential implications of the time.

The poem delves into themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Auden reflects on the nature of humanity and the forces that drive individuals towards destruction or redemption. He contemplates the role of the individual in shaping society and the struggle to maintain hope and integrity in the face of darkness.

The poem is structured as a series of reflections and observations, with Auden addressing both the external world and his own inner turmoil. The repetition of the phrase "I sit in one of the dives" serves as a refrain, anchoring the poem and emphasizing the speaker's sense of isolation and detachment.

Auden's poem reflects his deep-seated concern for humanity and his belief in the power of individual conscience. He grapples with questions of moral responsibility and the challenge of remaining true to oneself in a world fraught with moral ambiguity. Auden's introspective exploration suggests a commitment to seeking truth and understanding amidst the chaos of the times.

Worksheet 2

1. What is the setting of the poem?

The poem "September 1, 1939" by W.H. Auden is set in a seedy bar on Fifty-second Street in New York City during the beginning of World War II.

2. What is the mood of the poem?

Disillusionment and despair: The poem reflects the shock and sadness of realizing war has broken out again. Anger and blame: There's criticism of the historical and personal failings that led to the war. A flicker of hope: Despite the darkness, the poem hints at a possibility of positive change in the future.

3. What is the significance of September 1, 1939, in the poem?

September 1, 1939, is significant because it marks the beginning of World War II. In the poem, it represents a time of fear, uncertainty, and darkness as the world plunges into war. It's a date that symbolizes a turning point in history, where everything changes and people's lives are deeply affected.

The poem uses this date to talk about the shock and sadness people felt when the war began.

4. What is the theme of the poem?

• The poem talks about the sadness, anger, and loss that war brings. Hope in the face of darkness: Even though war is awful, there's a tiny flicker of hope that things might improve someday.

Individual vs. History: The poem grapples with the feeling of helplessness individuals have in the face of large historical events like war.

Human Complexities: The poem acknowledges the contradictions and flaws within humanity. People can be both apathetic and hopeful, destructive and creative. The theme of human complexities is about how people react and feel during difficult times, like the start of World War II. It explores the emotions of fear, hope, despair, and longing that individuals experience when faced with uncertainty and conflict. The poem delves into the complexity of human nature, showing how people grapple with their inner turmoil and struggle to find meaning and solace in the midst of chaos and darkness

Lines in the Poem:

"I sit here writing verses against death..." shows the speaker's attempt to use creativity to confront the darkness of war.

6. Explain the line "We must love one another or die."

In the poem "September 1, 1939," the line "We must love one another or die" suggests that in the face of the horrors of war and the darkness of the world, it's crucial for people to come together with love and compassion. The poet, W.H. Auden, is emphasizing the importance of unity and empathy among human beings. He's highlighting that without love and understanding for one another, there's a risk of destruction and downfall. This line reflects a plea for humanity to embrace kindness and connection as a way to overcome the challenges and turmoil of the times.

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

In the poem "September 1, 1939," the phrase "ironic points of light" refers to the small glimmers of hope or goodness that can be found even in the midst of darkness or difficult times. These points of light are ironic because they contrast with the overall gloomy atmosphere of the world during the start of World War II. They could represent acts of kindness, moments of courage, or instances of human connection that shine through despite the surrounding chaos. The significance of this phrase lies in its reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be glimpses of positivity and resilience.

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

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.

This stanza from the poem "September 1, 1939" talks about the power of using our voices to challenge lies and falsehoods. The poet suggests that there are two main lies: one is the false idea of romance that people hold in their minds, and the other is the false authority that governments or powerful institutions claim. 

The poet says that all they have to confront these lies is their voice. They want to expose the lies that are deeply ingrained in society, which make people believe in false illusions of romance and blindly follow authorities. They argue that there is no real power in the state or in authority because ultimately, we all depend on each other and nobody can truly be alone.

The poet emphasizes the importance of love and unity, saying that it's crucial for people to care for each other because without love and compassion, there's a risk of destruction or downfall. So, the stanza urges us to use our voices to speak out against lies, to embrace love, and to understand that we are all interconnected.

Worksheet 3

Reference

ChatGPT, https://chat.openai.com/Accessed 21 March 2024.