W.H. Auden’s poem “Lullaby” is a complex piece that delves into the themes of love, death, and the passage of time. Through the use of intricate language and symbolism, Auden creates a vivid and thought-provoking work that requires careful analysis to fully understand. In this article, we will deconstruct the meaning of “Lullaby” through a literary analysis, exploring the various literary devices and themes employed by Auden to convey his message.
Background and Context
W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby” is a poem that was first published in 1937. It is a part of his collection of poems titled “Look, Stranger!” The poem is a reflection of the poet’s personal experiences and his views on love and relationships. Auden was a prominent poet of the 20th century and his works are known for their complex themes and use of language. “Lullaby” is no exception, as it explores the complexities of love and the pain that comes with it. The poem has been widely analyzed and interpreted by literary scholars, and its themes continue to resonate with readers today.
The Speaker and the Addressee
In W.H. Auden’s poem “Lullaby,” the speaker and the addressee play a crucial role in the interpretation of the poem’s meaning. The speaker, who is the mother, addresses her child in a soothing and comforting tone, using the lullaby as a means of calming the child and putting them to sleep. The addressee, on the other hand, is the child who is being sung to. The relationship between the speaker and the addressee is one of love and protection, as the mother sings to her child in an attempt to shield them from the harsh realities of the world. The use of the second person pronoun “you” throughout the poem emphasizes the intimacy and closeness between the mother and child, creating a sense of warmth and tenderness. As the poem progresses, the speaker’s tone becomes increasingly melancholic, hinting at the underlying sadness and anxiety that comes with the responsibility of being a parent. The speaker’s use of the phrase “my dear” in the final stanza further emphasizes the depth of the speaker’s love for the child, and the desire to protect them from harm. Overall, the relationship between the speaker and the addressee is a central theme in “Lullaby,” and plays a crucial role in the poem’s meaning.
Rhyme and Meter
Rhyme and meter are two important elements in poetry that can greatly affect the overall meaning and impact of a poem. In W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby,” the rhyme scheme and meter work together to create a soothing and hypnotic tone that reflects the lullaby’s intended purpose. The poem follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, with each stanza ending in a rhyming couplet. This creates a sense of predictability and stability, which is further emphasized by the iambic tetrameter meter. The regularity of the rhyme and meter mimics the steady rhythm of a lullaby, lulling the reader into a sense of calm and comfort. However, the poem’s content is far from peaceful, as it explores themes of death and loss. The contrast between the soothing form and the unsettling content creates a sense of tension and unease, adding depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, the rhyme and meter in “Lullaby” serve to enhance the poem’s emotional impact and contribute to its overall meaning.
Symbolism and Imagery
Symbolism and imagery play a significant role in W.H. Auden’s poem “Lullaby.” The poem is filled with vivid and powerful images that help to convey the speaker’s emotions and thoughts. One of the most striking images in the poem is the “clock’s lonely pendulum,” which symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The image of the “clock” also suggests the idea of routine and the monotony of life, which the speaker seems to be trying to escape from.
Another powerful image in the poem is the “moon’s white snout,” which is a metaphor for the moon’s reflection on the water. This image creates a sense of calm and tranquility, which contrasts with the speaker’s feelings of restlessness and anxiety. The image of the “moon” also suggests the idea of cycles and repetition, which is a recurring theme in the poem.
Overall, the use of symbolism and imagery in “Lullaby” helps to create a rich and complex poem that explores themes of time, mortality, and the human condition. Through these images, Auden is able to convey a sense of longing and despair, while also offering a glimmer of hope and comfort.
The Theme of Death
The theme of death is a prevalent motif in W.H. Auden’s poem “Lullaby.” The speaker of the poem addresses a loved one, urging them to sleep and forget the troubles of the world. However, the language used to describe this peaceful slumber is often associated with death. For example, the speaker tells the loved one to “close your eyes” and “let your heart beat softly.” These phrases suggest a finality and stillness that are often associated with death.
Furthermore, the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death, stating that “the world’s pain” will eventually “put out your eyes.” This line suggests that death is not only a peaceful release from the troubles of life but also an inescapable fate.
Overall, the theme of death in “Lullaby” adds a layer of complexity to the poem’s message. While the speaker urges the loved one to find peace in sleep, they also acknowledge the finality of death and the pain that comes with it.
Love and Loss
In W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby,” the theme of love and loss is prominent throughout the poem. The speaker addresses their lover, expressing their desire to protect them from the harsh realities of the world. However, the final stanza reveals that the speaker’s efforts are futile, as death will inevitably come for them both. This realization adds a layer of melancholy to the poem, highlighting the fragility of love and the inevitability of loss. The use of repetition in the poem, particularly the phrase “Lay your sleeping head, my love,” emphasizes the speaker’s desperation to hold onto their lover, even in the face of death. Overall, “Lullaby” serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of love and the pain of loss.
The Role of Sleep
Sleep plays a crucial role in our physical and mental well-being. It is during sleep that our bodies repair and regenerate, and our brains consolidate memories and process emotions. In W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby,” the speaker urges the listener to “sleep, sleep, beauty bright,” emphasizing the importance of rest and relaxation. The lullaby’s soothing melody and repetitive lyrics create a sense of calm and comfort, inviting the listener to let go of their worries and surrender to sleep. Through the use of sleep as a metaphor for peace and tranquility, Auden highlights the restorative power of rest and the necessity of taking time to recharge.
The Importance of the Title
The title of a literary work is often the first thing that readers encounter, and it can have a significant impact on their interpretation of the text. In the case of W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby,” the title immediately sets the tone for the poem and hints at its central themes. A lullaby is typically a soothing song sung to a child to help them fall asleep, but in Auden’s poem, the lullaby takes on a darker tone. The title suggests that the poem will explore the idea of comfort and security, but also the fragility of those feelings. By deconstructing the meaning behind the title, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the poem as a whole.
The Structure of the Poem
The structure of W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby” is a crucial element in understanding the poem’s meaning. The poem is composed of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This consistent structure creates a sense of stability and order, which contrasts with the chaotic and unsettling themes of the poem. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase “Lay your sleeping head, my love” at the beginning and end of each stanza creates a lulling effect, emphasizing the lullaby-like quality of the poem. Overall, the structure of “Lullaby” serves to enhance the poem’s themes of love, loss, and mortality.
The Use of Repetition
In W.H. Auden’s poem “Lullaby,” repetition is used to emphasize the speaker’s desire for peace and tranquility. The phrase “Lay your sleeping head, my love” is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of comfort and security. The repetition also highlights the speaker’s longing for a peaceful world, as they wish for their love to “rest in peace” and for “the world be kind to thee.” The use of repetition in “Lullaby” serves to reinforce the poem’s central theme of love and the desire for a peaceful existence.
The Influence of Auden’s Life on the Poem
W.H. Auden’s personal life had a significant impact on his poetry, and “Lullaby” is no exception. Auden’s homosexuality and his struggles with religion are evident in the poem’s themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. The poem’s melancholic tone and references to death may also reflect Auden’s own experiences with loss and grief. Additionally, Auden’s interest in psychology and his belief in the power of the unconscious mind are reflected in the dream-like imagery and surrealistic elements of the poem. Overall, understanding the context of Auden’s life can provide valuable insight into the meaning and significance of “Lullaby.”
The Historical Context of the Poem
W.H. Auden’s ‘Lullaby’ was written in 1940, during a time of great political and social upheaval in Europe. The poem was published in his collection ‘Another Time’, which was released in 1940, just as World War II was beginning to escalate. Auden himself was deeply affected by the events of the time, and his poetry often reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the era. ‘Lullaby’ is no exception, and it can be read as a reflection of the fear and uncertainty that many people felt during this period. The poem’s themes of loss, isolation, and the fragility of human life are all deeply rooted in the historical context of the time, and they speak to the larger cultural and political concerns of the era. By examining the historical context of the poem, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance, and appreciate the ways in which it speaks to the larger cultural and political concerns of its time.
The Significance of the Final Lines
The final lines of a poem can often hold great significance and provide insight into the overall meaning of the work. In W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby,” the last two lines read, “Sleep on in peace, my lovely child, / The morning comes in just awhile.” These lines serve as a comforting conclusion to the lullaby, but they also hint at a deeper meaning. The phrase “sleep on in peace” suggests a sense of finality or even death, while “the morning comes in just awhile” implies a new beginning or rebirth. This juxtaposition of endings and beginnings adds a layer of complexity to the poem and invites readers to consider the cyclical nature of life and death. Overall, the final lines of “Lullaby” serve as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The Poem’s Relevance Today
The relevance of W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby” today lies in its exploration of the human condition and the universal experience of love and loss. The poem’s themes of mortality, grief, and the fleeting nature of life are still relevant today, as people continue to grapple with these existential questions. Additionally, the poem’s use of language and imagery remains powerful and evocative, allowing readers to connect with the emotions and experiences described in the poem. Overall, “Lullaby” serves as a timeless reminder of the fragility and beauty of life, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love.
The Poem’s Reception and Criticism
The reception and criticism of W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby” has been varied since its publication in 1937. Some critics have praised the poem for its haunting and melancholic tone, while others have criticized it for its ambiguity and lack of clear meaning. One of the most common interpretations of the poem is that it is a meditation on the fragility of human life and the inevitability of death. However, some readers have also seen the poem as a commentary on the political and social turmoil of the time, with the “sleeping children” representing the innocent victims of war and violence. Despite the differing opinions on the poem’s meaning, it remains a powerful and evocative work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
The Poem in Comparison to Other Works by Auden
In comparison to other works by W.H. Auden, “Lullaby” stands out as a departure from his usual style. Known for his political and social commentary, Auden’s poetry often reflects his views on the world around him. However, “Lullaby” is a more personal and introspective piece, exploring themes of love, loss, and mortality.
In contrast, Auden’s famous poem “September 1, 1939” is a scathing critique of the political climate leading up to World War II. The poem is filled with references to historical events and figures, and its tone is one of anger and frustration. Similarly, “The Shield of Achilles” is a commentary on the horrors of war and the dehumanization of soldiers.
While “Lullaby” may not have the same political weight as these other works, it is still a powerful and moving piece of poetry. Its themes of love and loss are universal, and its imagery is hauntingly beautiful. In many ways, “Lullaby” shows a different side of Auden, one that is more vulnerable and introspective.
The Poem’s Place in Literary History
W.H. Auden’s “Lullaby” is a poem that has stood the test of time and has secured its place in literary history. Auden was a prominent figure in the literary world during the 20th century and his works have been studied and analyzed by scholars and enthusiasts alike. “Lullaby” is a prime example of Auden’s ability to use language to convey complex emotions and ideas. The poem’s themes of love, loss, and mortality are universal and timeless, making it relevant to readers of all generations. Its use of imagery and symbolism also adds to its literary significance, as it showcases Auden’s mastery of poetic techniques. Overall, “Lullaby” is a testament to Auden’s talent as a poet and its place in literary history is well-deserved.