In his poem “Funeral Blues,” W.H. Auden explores the theme of grief and the impact of loss on the human experience. Through a literary analysis of the poem, this article aims to deconstruct the various elements that contribute to the powerful emotional impact of the work. From the use of language and imagery to the structure and form of the poem, we will delve into the ways in which Auden captures the essence of grief and mourning in this timeless piece of literature.
Background of W.H. Auden
Wystan Hugh Auden, commonly known as W.H. Auden, was a prominent English poet born in York, England in 1907. He was educated at Oxford University and later moved to the United States, where he became a citizen in 1946. Auden’s poetry is known for its intellectualism, wit, and technical mastery. He was a prolific writer, producing over 400 poems, as well as plays, essays, and libretti. Auden’s work often explored themes of love, politics, and religion, and he was known for his ability to capture the complexities of human emotion. He died in Vienna, Austria in 1973, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.
The Poem: ‘Funeral Blues’
W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” is a powerful and emotional poem that captures the essence of grief and loss. The poem is a lament for a loved one who has passed away, and it expresses the speaker’s deep sense of loss and despair. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines, and the rhyme scheme is ABAB. The language is simple and direct, but the emotions it conveys are complex and profound. The poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and it has become one of Auden’s most famous works.
Structure of the Poem
The structure of W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” is a crucial element in understanding the poem’s impact on the reader. The poem is composed of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. This structure creates a sense of order and control, which contrasts with the overwhelming emotions of grief and loss expressed in the poem. The repetition of the phrase “Stop all the clocks” at the beginning of each stanza further emphasizes the speaker’s desire for a complete cessation of the world around them. The final stanza breaks from the established structure, with the repetition of the phrase “He was my North, my South, my East and West” creating a sense of finality and closure. Overall, the structure of “Funeral Blues” serves to enhance the poem’s emotional impact and create a lasting impression on the reader.
Themes of the Poem
One of the most prominent themes in W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” is the overwhelming sense of grief and loss. The speaker’s mourning is palpable throughout the poem, as he describes the ways in which his world has been shattered by the death of his loved one. The repetition of the phrase “stop all the clocks” emphasizes the speaker’s desire to freeze time and hold onto the moment before his loved one’s passing. Additionally, the use of imagery such as “the stars are not wanted now” and “the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves” creates a somber and melancholic atmosphere, further emphasizing the theme of grief. Overall, “Funeral Blues” is a powerful exploration of the depths of human emotion in the face of loss.
Use of Language in the Poem
In “Funeral Blues,” W.H. Auden masterfully employs language to convey the depth of grief felt by the speaker. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that paint a picture of the speaker’s overwhelming sense of loss. For example, the line “The stars are not wanted now: put out every one” creates a powerful image of the speaker’s world being plunged into darkness. Additionally, Auden’s use of repetition, particularly in the refrain “Stop all the clocks,” emphasizes the speaker’s desperation and desire to halt the passage of time. The language in “Funeral Blues” is both beautiful and heartbreaking, perfectly capturing the complex emotions of grief.
Symbolism in the Poem
The poem “Funeral Blues” by W.H. Auden is rich in symbolism, which adds depth and meaning to the poem. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the color black. Black is traditionally associated with mourning and grief, and it is used throughout the poem to convey the speaker’s sense of loss and despair. The black hearse, the black coffin, and the black silk gloves all serve to emphasize the solemnity and finality of death.
Another important symbol in the poem is the clock. The clock is used to represent the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The speaker laments that “the clocks were striking thirteen” when his loved one died, suggesting that time has become disordered and chaotic in the wake of his loss. The clock also serves as a reminder that life is fleeting and that death is always looming on the horizon.
Finally, the poem is full of religious symbolism. The speaker refers to his loved one as his “North, his South, his East and West,” suggesting that he was the speaker’s guiding star and source of spiritual sustenance. The speaker also asks that the stars be put out and the moon be covered with a black cloth, which is reminiscent of the biblical account of the crucifixion of Jesus. This religious imagery serves to underscore the speaker’s sense of loss and his need for comfort and solace in the face of death.
Overall, the symbolism in “Funeral Blues” adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing the reader to explore the themes of grief, loss, and mortality in a more nuanced and meaningful way.
Mood and Tone of the Poem
The mood and tone of W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” are somber and mournful. The poem is a lamentation for the loss of a loved one, and the speaker’s grief is palpable throughout the verses. The use of repetition, particularly in the refrain “Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,” adds to the sense of despair and finality. The tone is also bitter and angry, as the speaker rails against the world for continuing on as if nothing has changed. The use of hyperbole, such as “the stars are not wanted now” and “the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves,” heightens the sense of the speaker’s overwhelming grief and the world’s indifference to it. Overall, the mood and tone of “Funeral Blues” convey a sense of profound loss and the struggle to come to terms with it.
Comparison to Other Works by Auden
In comparison to other works by Auden, “Funeral Blues” stands out as a particularly emotional and poignant piece. While Auden is known for his use of complex language and themes, this poem is stripped down to its rawest emotions. It is a powerful exploration of grief and loss, and it resonates with readers on a deep level. Other works by Auden, such as “The Shield of Achilles” and “September 1, 1939,” deal with larger political and social issues, but “Funeral Blues” is a deeply personal and intimate work. It showcases Auden’s ability to connect with readers on a human level and to capture the essence of the human experience.
Reception and Interpretation of the Poem
The reception and interpretation of W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” has been varied and complex. Some readers view the poem as a powerful expression of grief and loss, while others see it as a commentary on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. Still others interpret the poem as a critique of societal norms and expectations surrounding death and mourning. Regardless of the specific interpretation, it is clear that “Funeral Blues” has resonated deeply with readers since its publication in 1938. The poem’s themes of love, loss, and mortality continue to be relevant and poignant today, making it a timeless work of literature.
Impact of the Poem on Popular Culture
W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” has had a significant impact on popular culture since its publication in 1938. The poem’s themes of grief, loss, and love have resonated with audiences across generations and have been referenced in various forms of media. One of the most notable examples is the use of the poem in the 1994 film “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” where it was recited by actor John Hannah during the funeral scene. The scene and the poem’s inclusion in the film have become iconic, and the poem has since been referenced in other films, television shows, and music. The poem’s impact on popular culture is a testament to its enduring relevance and the power of Auden’s words to evoke emotion and connect with audiences.
Analysis of the Poem’s Final Line
The final line of W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” is a powerful and poignant statement that encapsulates the speaker’s overwhelming grief. “For nothing now can ever come to any good” suggests a sense of finality and hopelessness, as if the speaker has resigned themselves to a life without joy or happiness.
The use of the word “nothing” is particularly striking, as it emphasizes the emptiness and void left by the loss of a loved one. The repetition of the word “ever” also adds to the sense of permanence and irrevocability.
Furthermore, the phrase “come to any good” implies that the speaker has lost faith in the possibility of anything positive or beneficial happening in their life. It is a bleak and despairing outlook, one that speaks to the depths of the speaker’s sorrow.
Overall, the final line of “Funeral Blues” is a haunting and unforgettable conclusion to a poem that explores the complexities of grief and loss. It leaves a lasting impression on the reader, a reminder of the profound impact that death can have on our lives.
Historical Context of the Poem
W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” was written in 1936, during a time of great political and social upheaval in Europe. The rise of fascism in Germany and the looming threat of war had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of the time. Auden himself was deeply affected by these events, and his poetry often reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the era. “Funeral Blues” is no exception, as it grapples with themes of loss, grief, and the fragility of human life in the face of larger historical forces. The poem’s elegiac tone and mournful imagery speak to the sense of collective mourning that pervaded the period, as people struggled to come to terms with the devastation wrought by war and political violence. At the same time, the poem’s focus on personal grief and the intimate details of a single death also speaks to the enduring power of individual experience, even in the midst of larger historical events. By situating “Funeral Blues” within its historical context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the poem’s themes and the ways in which it speaks to the concerns of its time.
Relationships in the Poem
In “Funeral Blues,” relationships play a significant role in the speaker’s grief. The poem begins with the speaker’s declaration that “Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,” indicating a desire to isolate themselves from the outside world and focus solely on their loss. This isolation is further emphasized when the speaker asks for “the dogs to be silenced” and “the pianos to be muffled.”
The relationship between the speaker and their loved one is also explored in the poem. The speaker describes their loved one as “my North, my South, my East, and West,” indicating that they were the center of their world. The use of cardinal directions also suggests that the loved one provided guidance and direction in the speaker’s life.
The speaker’s grief is compounded by the fact that their relationship with their loved one was not publicly acknowledged. The speaker laments that “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 forever: I was wrong.” The use of past tense and the admission of being wrong suggest that the relationship has ended, and the speaker is left to mourn alone.
Overall, relationships are a crucial aspect of “Funeral Blues.” The poem explores the isolation and grief that can come from losing a loved one, as well as the importance of acknowledging and cherishing those relationships while they last.
Religious Imagery in the Poem
Religious imagery is a prominent feature in W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues.” The poem opens with the line “Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,” which can be interpreted as a call to mourn and pay respects to the deceased. This line also alludes to the tradition of tolling church bells to announce a death.
The second stanza contains the line “He was my North, my South, my East and West,” which echoes the biblical phrase “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help” (Psalm 121:1). This suggests that the speaker’s relationship with the deceased was a source of comfort and guidance, much like one’s faith in God.
The third stanza contains the line “Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,” which can be interpreted as a reference to the end of the world and the second coming of Christ. This line also suggests that the speaker’s grief is so intense that they wish for the world to end.
Overall, the religious imagery in “Funeral Blues” adds depth and complexity to the speaker’s grief. It suggests that the speaker’s relationship with the deceased was akin to a spiritual connection, and that their loss is felt on a profound level.
Psychological Analysis of the Poem
The psychological analysis of W.H. Auden’s ‘Funeral Blues’ reveals the speaker’s deep sense of grief and loss. The poem is a powerful expression of the speaker’s emotions, which are characterized by a sense of despair, anger, and hopelessness. The speaker’s grief is so intense that he wishes for the world to come to a standstill, and for all the clocks to stop ticking. This desire to freeze time is a common response to grief, as it reflects the speaker’s desire to hold on to the past and to prevent any further loss or change.
The speaker’s anger is also evident in the poem, as he rails against the “traffic policemen” and the “mourners” who continue to go about their daily lives, seemingly unaffected by his loss. This anger is a natural response to grief, as it reflects the speaker’s frustration with the world’s indifference to his pain.
Finally, the speaker’s sense of hopelessness is perhaps the most striking aspect of the poem. He feels that his world has come to an end, and that there is no hope for the future. This sense of hopelessness is a common response to grief, as it reflects the speaker’s belief that his loss is so profound that it can never be overcome.
Overall, the psychological analysis of ‘Funeral Blues’ reveals the complex emotions that are associated with grief and loss. The poem is a powerful expression of the speaker’s pain, anger, and despair, and it offers a poignant reminder of the profound impact that loss can have on our lives.
Gender Roles in the Poem
In W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues,” gender roles play a significant role in the portrayal of grief. The speaker, who is assumed to be male, is depicted as the one who is experiencing the loss and the one who is expected to express his emotions openly. Meanwhile, the female figure in the poem is relegated to the background, serving as a mere accessory to the male’s grief. This reinforces the traditional gender roles of men being the emotional providers and women being the emotional supporters. However, the poem also challenges these gender roles by showing the vulnerability and fragility of the male figure, who is often expected to be stoic and unemotional. Overall, the poem presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of gender roles in the context of grief.
Cultural Significance of the Poem
W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” is a poem that has gained immense cultural significance over the years. The poem has been used in various forms of media, including movies, television shows, and music. It has also been referenced in political speeches and used as a symbol of grief and loss. The poem’s themes of love, loss, and mourning are universal, making it relatable to people from all walks of life. The poem’s popularity has also been attributed to its simplicity and accessibility, making it easy for readers to connect with the emotions expressed in the poem. Overall, “Funeral Blues” has become a cultural touchstone for those experiencing grief and loss, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional resonance.
Interpretation of the Poem’s Title
The title of W.H. Auden’s poem, “Funeral Blues,” immediately sets the tone for the reader. The word “funeral” suggests death and mourning, while “blues” implies a sense of sadness and melancholy. The combination of these two words creates a powerful image of grief and loss.
However, the title can also be interpreted in a more literal sense. The word “blues” is often associated with music, specifically the genre of blues music. This could suggest that the poem is meant to be read or performed in a musical way, with a rhythm and cadence that mimics the structure of a blues song.
Overall, the title of “Funeral Blues” sets the stage for a poignant and emotional exploration of grief and mourning, while also hinting at the possibility of a musical interpretation.