W. H. Auden was a 20th-century British poet known for his wit, intelligence, and ability to capture the complexities of the human experience. His work is characterized by its thoughtfulness and depth and has been widely studied and admired for its insight into the human condition.
We’ll take a look at five essential Auden poems that showcase his unique style and insights into the world around us. Whether you’re a fan of poetry or just looking to learn more about one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, these poems are sure to engage and inspire you.
- “The Unknown Citizen”
This poem is a satirical take on the idea of the “good citizen,” and uses the form of a eulogy to poke fun at the societal expectations placed on individuals. The speaker of the poem is a government official who extols the virtues of the “unknown citizen,” a man who lived his life by the rules and never caused any trouble. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the “unknown citizen” was a conformist who never truly lived his own life. The final lines of the poem drive this point home:
“Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd:
Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have heard.”
By using humor and irony, Auden deftly critiques the idea that conformity and obedience are the most important virtues a person can possess.
- “Night Mail”
Written by Auden in collaboration with Benjamin Britten, “Night Mail” is a poem that celebrates the efficiency and modernity of the postal service. The poem is structured as a letter being sent by train, and describes the various people and places it passes through as it makes its way across the country. The final lines of the poem, which describe the mail being sorted and delivered, are particularly poignant:
“Letters, for the most part,
From people who have not the joy of living
In cool green houses, or the pleasure of
Coastal resorts.”
The poem’s use of repetition and imagery adds to the sense of the mail’s journey, and its celebration of the postal service’s role in connecting people and places is timeless.
- “Lullaby”
This beautiful and soothing poem is a love letter from the speaker to their partner, and it captures the sense of tenderness and affection that comes with being in a loving relationship. The speaker speaks to their partner in gentle and loving terms, offering them comfort and reassurance as they sleep. The use of imagery and metaphor adds to the sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and their partner. Here are a few examples:
“Lay your sleeping head, my love, human on my faithless arm;
Time and fevers burn away
Individual beauty from
Thoughtful children, and the grave
Proves the child ephemeral:
But in my arms till break of day
Let the living creature lie,
Mortal, guilty, but to me
The entirely beautiful.”
The final lines of the poem are particularly poignant, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love:
“Love is most nearly itself
When here and now cease to matter.”
- “Musée des Beaux Arts”
This short poem is one of Auden’s most popular, and it explores the theme of suffering and the human capacity to endure it. The poem takes its title from the Musée des Beaux Arts in Brussels, and the speaker reflects on the various paintings and sculptures on display, noting that they depict scenes of great suffering and tragedy. The final lines of the poem, which reference Pieter Bruegel’s painting “The Fall of Icarus,” are particularly poignant:
“About suffering they were never wrong,
The old Masters: how well they understood
Its human position; how it takes place
While someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along.”
- “Funeral Blues”
This poem, also known as “Stop All the Clocks,” is a poignant and moving elegy that captures the sense of loss and grief that comes with the death of a loved one. The speaker of the poem is mourning the loss of a partner, and the poem is structured as a series of instructions for how to properly mourn their passing. The use of repetition and the imperative voice adds to the sense of urgency and desperation in the poem. Here are a few examples:
“Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.”
The final lines of the poem are particularly poignant, as the speaker reflects on the finality of death and the sense of emptiness it brings:
“He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.”
In conclusion, these five poems showcase Auden’s unique style and insight into the human condition. From the satirical “The Unknown Citizen” to the tender and intimate “Lullaby,” these poems offer a diverse range of themes and emotions that are sure to engage and inspire readers. Whether you’re a fan of poetry or just looking to learn more about one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, these poems are a must-read.
