W.H. Auden's poem 'September 1, 1939'

This blog is in response to  Prof. Dilip Barad. This blog is a part of the Worksheet submission about  W.H. Auden's poem 'September 1, 1939'

 1. What is the setting of the poem?  

The setting of W.H. Auden's poem 'September 1, 1939' is New York City on the day Germany invaded Poland, marking the beginning of World War II.

2. What is the mood of the poem?  

The mood of W.H. Auden's poem "September 1, 1939" is somber and melancholic.

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

In W.H. Auden's poem "September 1, 1939," the significance of the date is that it marks the beginning of World War II, specifically the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany.  

4. What is the theme of the poem?   

  The destructive power of human nature and the impact of political events on individuals and society.

5. What is the role of history in the poem?

In W.H. Auden's poem "September 1, 1939," history plays a significant role. The poem was written in response to the outbreak of World War II and reflects on the political and social climate of the time. Throughout the poem, Auden references various historical events and figures, including the rise of Nazi Germany, the Spanish Civil War, and the Treaty of Versailles.

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

The line expresses a sense of urgency and the idea that love and human connection are essential for survival, particularly in times of crisis and conflict. 

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

The phrase "ironic points of light" refers to the lights of skyscrapers, which are a symbol of human achievement and progress. However, in the context of the poem, they are "ironic" because they illuminate a world that is on the brink of destruction, with darkness and chaos looming. The "points" suggest that these lights are isolated and insignificant, unable to combat the overwhelming darkness of the world at the time. 

8. Write an explanation on any one stanza of the poem. The poem is linked in the teacher’s blog.

 In this stanza, the speaker acknowledges the limitations of their power, stating that all they have is their voice to counter the lies that people believe. The "folded lie" and "romantic lie" represent the false beliefs that people hold about themselves and the world. The "sensual man-in-the-street" is an average person who is susceptible to these lies. The speaker also highlights the falsehoods of authority and the state, whose buildings are so imposing that they "grope the sky." The message conveyed is that the state is not an entity that exists independently but rather is a construct created by individuals. Additionally, the stanza emphasizes that people are not alone and that hunger, whether it be literal or metaphorical, affects both citizens and police. Finally, the stanza concludes with the powerful statement "We must love one another or die," underscoring the importance of love and unity in the face of the chaos and violence that can result from a lack of connection and compassion.