Wystan Hugh Auden (1907-1973) was a British poet, playwright, and essayist whose work reflects the social, political, and cultural changes of the 20th century. In this essay, we will explore the ways in which Auden's poetry engages with the modern world and examine the themes and ideas that emerge from his work.
One of the most distinctive features of Auden's poetry is its engagement with the social and political issues of the day (Auden, "September 1, 1939" 39). Throughout his career, Auden was deeply concerned with the problems facing the world, and his poetry reflects this concern. In poems like "September 1, 1939" (1939) and "The Shield of Achilles" (1952), Auden addresses issues such as the rise of fascism, the threat of nuclear war, and the loss of individual freedom (Auden, "The Shield of Achilles" 52).In addition to addressing specific political and social issues, Auden's poetry also reflects a broader sense of disillusionment with the modern world (Auden, "Musee des Beaux Arts" 38). In poems like "Musee des Beaux Arts" (1938) and "The Unknown Citizen" (1939), Auden explores the sense of alienation and disconnection that can result from living in a modern, industrialized society (Auden, "The Unknown Citizen" 39).
Despite this sense of disillusionment, Auden's poetry is not entirely negative in its view of the modern world (Auden, "The More Loving One" 57). In poems like "The More Loving One" (1957) and "In Memory of W.B. Yeats" (1939), Auden explores the ways in which human connections and relationships can provide meaning and purpose in the face of the challenges of modern life (Auden, "In Memory of W.B. Yeats" 39).
In addition to its engagement with the modern world, Auden's poetry is also notable for its use of formal and structural techniques (Auden, "Funeral Blues" 36). Auden was a master of various poetic forms, and his work often incorporates elements of traditional forms such as the sonnet and the villanelle (Auden, "As I Walked Out One Evening" 40). In poems like "Funeral Blues" (1936) and "As I Walked Out One Evening" (1940), Auden employs these forms in innovative and unexpected ways, creating a sense of tension and complexity in his work (Auden, "As I Walked Out One Evening" 40).
In conclusion, Auden's poetry reflects a complex and nuanced view of the modern world. His work engages with the social and political issues of his time, but also explores the deeper themes of alienation and connection that are universal to the human experience. Through his use of formal and structural techniques, Auden creates a rich and multilayered body of work that continues to be widely studied and admired.
Works Cited:
1. Auden, W.H. "September 1, 1939." 1939.
2. Auden, W.H. "The Shield of Achilles." 1952.
3. Auden, W.H. "Musee des Beaux Arts." 1938.
4. Auden, W.H. "The Unknown Citizen." 1939.
5. Auden, W.H. "The More Loving One." 1957.
6. Auden, W.H. "In Memory of W.B. Yeats." 1939.
7. Auden, W.H. "Funeral Blues." 1936.
8. Auden, W.H. "As I Walked Out One Evening." 1940.