W.H. Auden’s poem “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reflection on the outbreak of World War II and the state of the world at that time. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive summary of the poem and explore its meaning in depth. From the historical context to the literary devices used, we will delve into the intricacies of this iconic work of poetry.
The Historical Context
The historical context surrounding W.H. Auden’s poem “September 1, 1939” is crucial to understanding its meaning and significance. The poem was written in the aftermath of the outbreak of World War II, a time of great uncertainty and fear for many people around the world. Auden himself was living in New York City at the time, having recently emigrated from England, and was deeply affected by the events unfolding in Europe. The poem reflects his sense of despair and disillusionment with the state of the world, as well as his belief in the power of poetry to offer solace and hope in troubled times. As such, it is a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity, and a reminder of the importance of art in times of crisis.
The Structure of the Poem
The structure of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is complex and multi-layered. The poem is divided into nine stanzas, each with eleven lines, and follows a strict rhyme scheme of ABABCDDCEFE. However, the poem also contains several internal rhymes and alliterations, adding to its musicality and rhythm.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its opening line “I sit in one of the dives / On Fifty-second Street” immediately establishing a sense of place and atmosphere. The following stanzas explore various themes, including the rise of fascism, the nature of love and human connection, and the role of the individual in society.
One of the most striking features of the poem’s structure is its use of repetition. The phrase “We must love one another or die” appears twice, first in the fourth stanza and then again in the final stanza. This repetition emphasizes the poem’s central message of the importance of love and human connection in the face of political turmoil and uncertainty.
Overall, the structure of “September 1, 1939” is carefully crafted to convey Auden’s complex ideas and emotions. Its use of rhyme, repetition, and imagery all contribute to its power and impact.
The Title
The title of a literary work is often the first point of contact between the reader and the text. It serves as a gateway to the author’s ideas and themes, and can set the tone for the entire piece. In the case of W.H. Auden’s poem “September 1, 1939,” the title is both straightforward and enigmatic. On the surface, it simply refers to a date in history. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to understand the significance of that date and the complex emotions it evokes. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind Auden’s title and how it relates to the larger themes of the poem.
The First Stanza
The first stanza of W.H. Auden’s poem “September 1, 1939” sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The opening line, “I sit in one of the dives / On Fifty-second Street,” immediately places the reader in a specific location and creates a sense of isolation. The speaker is observing the world around them from a distance, as if they are detached from the chaos and turmoil of the world outside. The second line, “Uncertain and afraid / As the clever hopes expire,” suggests a sense of unease and anxiety, as if the speaker is aware of something ominous on the horizon. The use of the word “clever” implies that the hopes of the world are not genuine or sincere, but rather a facade that is about to crumble. Overall, the first stanza sets the stage for a poem that explores the darkness and uncertainty of the world in the face of impending war.
The Second Stanza
The second stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” delves deeper into the themes of the poem. The stanza begins with the line “Faces along the bar cling to their average day,” which suggests a sense of normalcy and routine amidst the chaos of the world. However, the stanza quickly shifts to a darker tone as Auden describes the “blind skyscrapers” and “ghosts of the future” that haunt the city. The imagery of the “blind skyscrapers” suggests a sense of emptiness and lack of purpose, while the “ghosts of the future” represent the uncertainty and fear of what is to come. Overall, the second stanza adds to the complexity of the poem and highlights the contrast between the mundane and the profound.
The Third Stanza
The third stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is perhaps the most poignant and reflective of the entire poem. In it, Auden grapples with the idea of hope and its place in a world that seems to be descending into chaos and darkness. He writes, “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie, / The romantic lie in the brain / Of the sensual man-in-the-street / And the lie of Authority / Whose buildings grope the sky.” Here, Auden is acknowledging the power of language and the importance of speaking truth to power. He recognizes that the lies we tell ourselves and the lies that those in positions of authority tell us are what allow us to continue living in a world that is fundamentally flawed. However, he also recognizes that it is through the power of language and the ability to speak truth that we can begin to undo these lies and work towards a better future. Ultimately, the third stanza of “September 1, 1939” is a call to action, urging us to use our voices to fight against the lies that threaten to consume us and to work towards a brighter, more hopeful future.
The Fourth Stanza
The fourth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is perhaps the most poignant and introspective of the entire poem. In it, Auden reflects on the nature of love and its ability to both unite and divide us as human beings. He writes, “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie, / The romantic lie in the brain / Of the sensual man-in-the-street / And the lie of Authority / Whose buildings grope the sky: / There is no such thing as the State / And no one exists alone; / Hunger allows no choice / To the citizen or the police; / We must love one another or die.”
These lines are particularly powerful because they speak to the heart of what it means to be human. Auden recognizes that we are all connected, whether we like it or not, and that our actions have consequences that ripple outwards in ways we cannot always predict. He also acknowledges the role that love plays in our lives, both as a unifying force and as a potential source of conflict.
Ultimately, the fourth stanza of “September 1, 1939” is a call to action. Auden urges us to recognize our interconnectedness and to choose love over hate, even in the face of adversity. It is a message that is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written, and one that we would do well to heed.
The Fifth Stanza
The fifth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is perhaps the most poignant and reflective of the entire poem. In it, Auden speaks directly to the reader, acknowledging the difficulty of finding hope in a world that seems to be falling apart. He writes, “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie, / The romantic lie in the brain / Of the sensual man-in-the-street / And the lie of Authority / Whose buildings grope the sky.”
Here, Auden is grappling with the idea of truth and how it can be obscured by both personal desires and the structures of power that govern society. He recognizes that his own voice may not be enough to combat these lies, but he still feels compelled to speak out against them. This stanza is a call to action, urging readers to also use their voices to challenge the status quo and fight for a better world.
Overall, the fifth stanza of “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power, even in the face of overwhelming darkness and despair. It is a rallying cry for those who refuse to give up hope, even in the most trying of times.
The Sixth Stanza
The sixth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reflection on the human condition and the role of poetry in times of crisis. In this stanza, Auden acknowledges the limitations of language and the difficulty of expressing the complex emotions that arise in times of war and political turmoil. He writes, “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie, / The romantic lie in the brain / Of the sensual man-in-the-street / And the lie of Authority / Whose buildings grope the sky.” Here, Auden suggests that poetry has the power to challenge the lies and illusions that are perpetuated by those in power, and to speak to the deeper truths of the human experience. Despite the challenges of the present moment, Auden remains hopeful that poetry can help us to navigate the complexities of our world and to find meaning and purpose in the face of adversity.
The Seventh Stanza
The seventh stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reflection on the nature of love and its ability to endure in the face of adversity. The stanza begins with the line “All I have is a voice,” which suggests that the speaker is aware of the limitations of their own power and influence. However, the stanza goes on to assert that even in the face of darkness and despair, love can still triumph. The line “We must love one another or die” is perhaps the most famous line from the entire poem, and it speaks to the urgent need for human connection and compassion in times of crisis. The stanza ends with the image of “the lights of home” shining in the darkness, offering a glimmer of hope and comfort to those who are struggling. Overall, the seventh stanza of “September 1, 1939” is a poignant reminder of the power of love and the importance of human connection in times of turmoil.
The Eighth Stanza
The eighth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reflection on the nature of love and its ability to transcend the chaos and violence of the world. Auden writes, “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie, / The romantic lie in the brain / Of the sensual man-in-the-street / And the lie of Authority / Whose buildings grope the sky.” Here, Auden is acknowledging the limitations of his own voice and the power structures that perpetuate falsehoods and oppression. However, he also recognizes the potential for love to break through these barriers and bring about change. He continues, “There is no such thing as the State / And no one exists alone; / Hunger allows no choice / To the citizen or the police; / We must love one another or die.” This final line has become one of Auden’s most famous, and it speaks to the urgency of the moment in which he was writing. As the world hurtled towards war, Auden saw love as the only possible antidote to the hatred and violence that threatened to consume us all.
The Ninth Stanza
The ninth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reflection on the nature of love and its ability to transcend the chaos and violence of the world. Auden writes, “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie, / The romantic lie in the brain / Of the sensual man-in-the-street / And the lie of Authority / Whose buildings grope the sky: / There is no such thing as the State / And no one exists alone; / Hunger allows no choice / To the citizen or the police; / We must love one another or die.” These lines are a call to action, urging readers to reject the lies perpetuated by those in power and instead embrace the power of love and connection. The stanza is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love can be a beacon of hope and a force for change.
The Tenth Stanza
The tenth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reflection on the nature of love and its ability to transcend the chaos and violence of the world. Auden writes, “We must love one another or die,” a line that has become one of the most famous in the poem. This stanza is a call to action, urging readers to embrace love and compassion as a means of resisting the destructive forces of war and hatred. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love has the power to bring hope and healing.
The Eleventh Stanza
The eleventh stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful and poignant reflection on the human condition. In this stanza, Auden speaks of the “blind skyscrapers” and the “ghosts of Ellis Island” as symbols of the American dream and the immigrant experience. He also touches on the theme of isolation, stating that “we must love one another or die.” This line has become one of the most famous in the poem, and it speaks to the importance of human connection and compassion in a world that can often feel cold and indifferent. Overall, the eleventh stanza of “September 1, 1939” is a moving and thought-provoking meditation on the complexities of the human experience.
The Twelfth Stanza
The twelfth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful and poignant reflection on the state of the world at the time of the poem’s writing. In this stanza, Auden speaks directly to the reader, urging them to “show an affirming flame” in the face of the darkness and chaos that surrounds them. He acknowledges the fear and uncertainty that many people feel, but insists that it is important to remain hopeful and to continue fighting for a better future. This stanza is a call to action, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The Thirteenth Stanza
The thirteenth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reflection on the nature of love and its ability to transcend the chaos and violence of the world. Auden writes, “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie, / The romantic lie in the brain / Of the sensual man-in-the-street / And the lie of Authority / Whose buildings grope the sky: / There is no such thing as the State / And no one exists alone; / Hunger allows no choice / To the citizen or the police; / We must love one another or die.” These lines are a call to action, urging readers to reject the lies perpetuated by those in power and instead embrace the power of love and connection. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love can be a beacon of hope and a force for change.
The Fourteenth Stanza
The fourteenth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful and poignant reflection on the state of the world at the time of the poem’s writing. In this stanza, Auden speaks directly to the reader, urging them to “show an affirming flame” in the face of the darkness and chaos that surrounds them. He acknowledges the fear and uncertainty that many people feel in times of crisis, but he also emphasizes the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the fourteenth stanza of “September 1, 1939” serves as a call to action for readers to stand up against the forces of hatred and destruction, and to work towards a brighter future for all.
The Fifteenth Stanza
The fifteenth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reflection on the nature of love and its ability to transcend the chaos and violence of the world. Auden writes, “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie, / The romantic lie in the brain / Of the sensual man-in-the-street / And the lie of Authority / Whose buildings grope the sky: / There is no such thing as the State / And no one exists alone; / Hunger allows no choice / To the citizen or the police; / We must love one another or die.” These lines are a call to action, urging readers to reject the lies perpetuated by those in power and instead embrace the power of love and human connection. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.
The Sixteenth Stanza
The sixteenth stanza of W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a powerful reflection on the nature of love and its ability to transcend the chaos and violence of the world. Auden writes, “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie, / The romantic lie in the brain / Of the sensual man-in-the-street / And the lie of Authority / Whose buildings grope the sky: / There is no such thing as the State / And no one exists alone; / Hunger allows no choice / To the citizen or the police; / We must love one another or die.” These lines are a call to action, urging readers to reject the lies perpetuated by those in power and instead embrace the power of love and connection. The stanza is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love can be a beacon of hope and a force for change.