WH AUDEN SEPTEMBER 1 1939

A Journey into a Historical Day Through Poetry

Picture yourself transported back to September 1, 1939, a day that marked a turning point in world history, the start of World War II. Amidst the ominous clouds of war, the acclaimed poet W.H. Auden penned a powerful poem, "September 1, 1939," a profound reflection on the looming catastrophe. Let's journey through his words to understand the poignant emotions and insights of that pivotal day.

The Haunting Opening Lines: A Stark Reality

Auden's poem starts with a sudden, jarring line that sets the tone for the rest of the work: "I sit in one of the dives/On Fifty-second Street/ Uncertain and afraid." The starkness of this opening immediately transports us to a smoky bar on a New York City street, where the poet, amidst the chatter and clamor, grapples with uncertainty and fear. Auden's choice of words, "dives" and "uncertain," hint at the impending doom, the sense of unease that permeated the air as the world teetered on the brink of war.

Observing the City’s Pulse: A Fleeting Moment of Peace

From the bar's interior, Auden turns his attention to the city outside. He paints a vivid picture of the bustling streets, the "battered treasure" of Central Park, and the ever-present "siren of ambulance." In these observations, we glimpse a city alive with activity, yet tinged with an undercurrent of tension. The "battered treasure" suggests a world scarred by past conflicts, while the siren's wail serves as a grim reminder of the approaching storm.

A Reflection on Personal and Global Turmoil

As Auden reflects on the world's impending crisis, he juxtaposes it with his own personal struggles. He confesses to being "bored and tired," haunted by "the thought of a Lear/ On the heath," referring to Shakespeare's tragic king unhinged by betrayal. This parallel between personal turmoil and global catastrophe highlights the universality of human suffering, the way in which individual pain mirrors collective trauma.

A Glimpse of Hope Amidst Desolation

Despite the pervasive sense of doom, Auden's poem offers a flicker of hope. He finds solace in the resilience of the human spirit, symbolized by "the miraculous rose" that blooms amidst the ruins, a poignant reminder of life's ability to endure even in the face of devastation. This image serves as a beacon of optimism, a testament to the enduring human capacity for survival and renewal.

A Call to Action: A Charge to the Future

Auden concludes his poem with a powerful call to action, urging his readers to "move forward" and "make new mistakes." He implores us to confront the challenges ahead, to learn from past errors, and to embrace the transformative power of change. This final stanza is a clarion call for resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we must continue to strive for a better future.

Exploring the Significance: WH Auden’s Message and Legacy

WH Auden's "September 1, 1939" is a powerful and moving meditation on the outbreak of World War II. Through vivid imagery and introspective reflection, Auden captures the emotions of fear, uncertainty, and resilience that characterized that fateful day. His poem serves as a timeless reminder of the fragility of peace and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What was the significance of September 1, 1939, in world history?

September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of World War II, a global conflict that lasted for six years and resulted in the deaths of millions.

2. How does Auden portray the city of New York in his poem?

Auden paints a picture of a bustling city, full of life and activity, yet tinged with an undercurrent of tension and uncertainty as the world teeters on the brink of war.

3. What does Auden’s reference to “the miraculous rose” symbolize?

The "miraculous rose" represents resilience and the enduring ability of life to persist even amidst devastation, offering a glimmer of hope in a time of despair.

4. What is Auden’s call to action at the end of the poem?

Auden urges his readers to "move forward" and "make new mistakes," encouraging them to confront the challenges ahead, learn from past errors, and embrace the transformative power of change.

5. How is Auden’s poem relevant to our current times?

Auden's poem serves as a timeless reminder of the fragility of peace, the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the importance of learning from past mistakes to create a better future.