“For the Time Being” is a long poem by W. H. Auden that was written in 1944. It is a complex work that explores themes of religion, history, and the human condition. The poem is divided into four sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the Christmas story. Despite its religious subject matter, “For the Time Being” is not a straightforward retelling of the Nativity. Instead, Auden uses the story of Christ’s birth as a jumping-off point for a wide-ranging meditation on the nature of humanity and the meaning of existence. This article provides a brief overview of the poem and its key themes.
The Poem’s Title
The title of W. H. Auden’s poem, “For the Time Being,” is a phrase that suggests a temporary state of being. It implies that the events and emotions described in the poem are fleeting and will eventually pass. This theme of impermanence is present throughout the poem, as Auden explores the transience of human life and the fleeting nature of happiness and sorrow. The title also hints at the poem’s focus on the present moment, urging readers to appreciate the here and now rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Overall, the title sets the tone for a contemplative and introspective work that encourages readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of existence.
The Poet: W. H. Auden
W. H. Auden, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote “For the Time Being” in 1944. The poem is a meditation on the Christmas story, exploring the themes of love, faith, and redemption. Auden’s unique style, characterized by his use of complex metaphors and allusions to literature and mythology, is on full display in this work. Despite its religious subject matter, “For the Time Being” is not a traditional Christmas poem. Instead, it is a deeply philosophical and introspective work that challenges readers to consider the meaning of life and the nature of existence. Auden’s mastery of language and his ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner make “For the Time Being” a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, philosophy, or theology.
The Poem’s Structure
The structure of “For the Time Being” is complex and multi-layered, reflecting the poem’s themes of time, history, and the human condition. The poem is divided into six sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the Christmas story and its relevance to contemporary society. Within each section, Auden employs a variety of poetic forms and techniques, including free verse, rhyme, and meter, as well as dramatic monologue and dialogue. The result is a rich and varied tapestry of voices and perspectives, ranging from the biblical characters of Mary and Joseph to modern-day skeptics and cynics. Despite its complexity, however, the poem is unified by a strong sense of purpose and a deep commitment to exploring the meaning of Christmas in all its complexity and ambiguity.
The Poem’s Themes
The themes of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden are complex and multifaceted. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world. Auden explores the concept of time and how it affects our lives, as well as the role of religion and spirituality in providing a sense of purpose and direction. The poem also touches on the themes of love, death, and the search for identity. Overall, “For the Time Being” is a thought-provoking and introspective work that challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.
The Poem’s Tone
The tone of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is complex and multifaceted. At times, the poem is humorous and satirical, poking fun at the commercialization of Christmas and the superficiality of modern society. However, there are also moments of deep introspection and contemplation, as the speaker grapples with the meaning of life and the role of religion in the modern world. Overall, the tone of the poem is one of ambiguity and uncertainty, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of human experience.
Analysis of the First Stanza
The first stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden sets the tone for the entire poem. It begins with the line “Well, so that is that,” which immediately establishes a sense of finality and resignation. The speaker seems to be acknowledging that something has come to an end, but it is not clear what that something is. This ambiguity is intentional, as it allows the reader to project their own experiences and emotions onto the poem.
The next few lines describe the world as it is “without illusions,” which suggests that the speaker has come to a place of clarity and truth. However, this clarity is not necessarily a positive thing. The line “no one to blame and nowhere to go” implies a sense of hopelessness and despair. The speaker seems to be trapped in a situation that they cannot change or escape from.
The final lines of the stanza introduce the theme of time, which will be a recurring motif throughout the poem. The phrase “time being” suggests that time is not a fixed or objective concept, but rather something that is constantly in flux. This idea is reinforced by the image of the “clocks and carpets” that are “all being themselves.” The clocks and carpets are not just objects, but living entities with their own personalities and quirks. This personification of inanimate objects adds to the sense of disorientation and uncertainty that permeates the poem.
Overall, the first stanza of “For the Time Being” sets up a complex and nuanced exploration of the human experience. The speaker’s sense of resignation and despair is tempered by a recognition of the fluidity of time and the possibility of change. This tension between acceptance and hope will continue to be explored throughout the rest of the poem.
Analysis of the Second Stanza
The second stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden delves deeper into the theme of the nativity and the significance of the birth of Christ. The stanza begins with the line “To those who have seen The Child, however dimly, however incredulously, the Time Being is, in a sense, the most trying time of all.” This line highlights the idea that those who have witnessed the birth of Christ, even if they do not fully believe in its significance, are now faced with the challenge of living in a world where the divine has entered.
Auden goes on to describe the struggles that come with living in a world where the divine has entered, stating that “the Christmas Feast is already a fading memory, and already the mind begins to be vaguely aware of an unpleasant whiff of apprehension at the thought of Lent and Good Friday.” This line suggests that the joy and celebration of Christmas is short-lived, and that the reality of the sacrifice that Christ will make is already looming.
The stanza concludes with the line “To those living in the Time Being, it may seem as if they are living in a land of death; for those, however, who are aware of the Reality of Time and know that Time is the Fire in which we burn, see in our death a gateway into a new life.” This line offers a glimmer of hope amidst the struggles of living in a world where the divine has entered. It suggests that death is not the end, but rather a gateway to a new life.
Overall, the second stanza of “For the Time Being” offers a deeper exploration of the themes introduced in the first stanza, highlighting the challenges and struggles that come with living in a world where the divine has entered, while also offering a message of hope and new life.
Analysis of the Third Stanza
The third stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a powerful reflection on the nature of power and its corrupting influence. The stanza begins with the line “To those who have seen the Child, however dimly, however incredulously, the Time Being is, in a sense, the most trying time of all.” This line sets the tone for the rest of the stanza, which explores the idea that those who have seen the truth of the world, as represented by the Child, are forced to confront the harsh realities of power and its abuses.
Auden goes on to describe the “tyrants” who rule over the world, and the ways in which they use their power to oppress and exploit others. He notes that these tyrants are often “sincere” in their beliefs, but that their sincerity only makes their actions more dangerous. The stanza ends with the line “For the innocent children who whispered so excitedly outside the locked door where they knew the presents to be kept; for the tall bewildered trees that stand around our churches; for the glad animals who wept into their hay when they heard the tidings – for all these creatures it is still the midwinter night’s dream.”
This final line is a poignant reminder of the beauty and wonder of the world, even in the face of oppression and suffering. It suggests that, despite the darkness of the world, there is still hope and joy to be found in the simple pleasures of life. Overall, the third stanza of “For the Time Being” is a powerful meditation on the nature of power and its impact on the world, and it offers a glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness.
Analysis of the Fourth Stanza
The fourth stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a reflection on the role of the Magi in the Christmas story. The stanza begins with the line “To discover how to be human now is the reason we follow this star,” which suggests that the Magi’s journey is not just about finding the baby Jesus, but also about discovering what it means to be human in the present moment.
Auden goes on to describe the Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as symbolic offerings that represent different aspects of human experience. Gold represents wealth and power, frankincense represents spirituality and devotion, and myrrh represents suffering and death.
The stanza concludes with the line “To be human is to become visible while carrying what is hidden as a gift to others,” which suggests that the Magi’s journey is not just about their own personal growth, but also about sharing their gifts with others. This line also speaks to the idea that being human means being vulnerable and exposing one’s inner self to others.
Overall, the fourth stanza of “For the Time Being” offers a thoughtful reflection on the meaning of the Magi’s journey and the broader human experience.
Analysis of the Fifth Stanza
The fifth stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a powerful reflection on the nature of power and its corrupting influence. The stanza begins with the line “The soldier loves his rifle,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the stanza. The soldier is a symbol of power, and his love for his rifle represents the way in which power can become an obsession.
Auden goes on to describe how the soldier “loves his rifle as a girl / Loves her lover’s gaze.” This comparison between the soldier’s love for his rifle and a girl’s love for her lover’s gaze is particularly striking. It suggests that the soldier’s relationship with his rifle is not just one of utility, but one of passion and desire.
However, this passion and desire is not necessarily a positive thing. Auden goes on to describe how the soldier’s love for his rifle “turns his heart to stone.” This line is a powerful metaphor for the way in which power can harden a person’s heart and make them indifferent to the suffering of others.
Overall, the fifth stanza of “For the Time Being” is a powerful reflection on the corrupting influence of power. It suggests that power can become an obsession that turns a person’s heart to stone, making them indifferent to the suffering of others.
Analysis of the Sixth Stanza
The sixth stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a powerful reflection on the nature of power and its corrupting influence. The stanza begins with the line “The Masses are the crucial test,” which immediately sets the tone for a discussion of the relationship between those in power and the people they govern. Auden goes on to describe how those in power often become corrupted by their own authority, leading them to become “tyrants” who “crush the weak and poor.” This is a powerful indictment of the way that power can be used to oppress and exploit those who are less fortunate. However, Auden also suggests that there is hope for change, as he notes that “the Masses can be wise and good.” This suggests that if the people are able to come together and work towards a common goal, they can overcome the corrupting influence of power and create a more just and equitable society. Overall, the sixth stanza of “For the Time Being” is a powerful reflection on the nature of power and its impact on society, and it offers a hopeful message about the potential for positive change.
Analysis of the Seventh Stanza
The seventh stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a reflection on the role of the Magi in the Christmas story. The stanza begins with the line “To discover how to be human now is the reason we follow this star,” which suggests that the Magi’s journey to find the Christ child is not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one as well. The stanza goes on to describe the Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as symbolic offerings of their own humanity to the divine child.
Auden’s use of language in this stanza is particularly striking. The phrase “to be human now” implies that there is a specific way of being human that is relevant to the present moment. This idea is further emphasized by the use of the word “discover,” which suggests that the Magi are on a quest for knowledge and understanding. The use of the word “reason” also implies a sense of purpose or intention behind their journey.
The stanza’s focus on the Magi’s gifts is also significant. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were all valuable commodities in ancient times, but they also have symbolic meanings. Gold represents royalty and wealth, frankincense is associated with prayer and worship, and myrrh was used in embalming and symbolizes death. By offering these gifts to the Christ child, the Magi are acknowledging his divinity and their own mortality.
Overall, the seventh stanza of “For the Time Being” is a powerful reflection on the meaning of the Magi’s journey and their role in the Christmas story. Auden’s use of language and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem, inviting readers to consider the spiritual significance of the holiday season.
Analysis of the Eighth Stanza
The eighth stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a powerful reflection on the nature of evil and suffering. The stanza begins with the line “He is the Way,” referring to Jesus Christ, and goes on to describe the paradoxical nature of his teachings. On the one hand, Jesus preaches love and forgiveness, but on the other hand, he warns of the consequences of sin and the reality of hell.
Auden’s analysis of this paradox is both insightful and thought-provoking. He suggests that the reason for this apparent contradiction is that Jesus is not simply a moral teacher, but a divine figure who embodies both love and justice. In other words, Jesus is not just telling us what is right and wrong, but showing us the way to salvation.
Furthermore, Auden argues that the suffering and evil in the world are not evidence against the existence of God, but rather a consequence of human sin and free will. He writes, “The evil and suffering in the world are not evidence against God’s existence, but rather evidence of our own fallen nature.” This is a profound insight that challenges the common assumption that God must be either all-powerful or all-loving, but cannot be both.
Overall, the eighth stanza of “For the Time Being” is a powerful meditation on the nature of God, evil, and suffering. Auden’s analysis is both insightful and challenging, and invites readers to reflect deeply on the meaning of life and the role of faith in the face of adversity.
Analysis of the Ninth Stanza
The ninth stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a powerful reflection on the nature of evil and the role it plays in the world. The stanza begins with the line “The evil and the good,” which sets up a dichotomy between two opposing forces. However, Auden quickly complicates this binary by suggesting that evil and good are not so easily defined. He writes, “Are shown to us as in a glass, / And only when on them is passed / The white light of eternity.” This suggests that our understanding of good and evil is limited by our human perspective, and that only by seeing things from a divine perspective can we truly understand them.
Auden goes on to explore the idea that evil is not simply a force that exists outside of us, but is something that we all carry within ourselves. He writes, “For every traveller is also / A self, and every self a sin, / And every sin a creditor.” This suggests that we are all complicit in the evil that exists in the world, and that we must take responsibility for our own actions if we hope to combat it.
Overall, the ninth stanza of “For the Time Being” is a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of good and evil, and the role that we all play in shaping the world around us. By challenging our assumptions and asking us to look at things from a different perspective, Auden encourages us to think deeply about the choices we make and the impact they have on the world.
Analysis of the Tenth Stanza
The tenth stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a powerful reflection on the nature of evil and suffering in the world. The stanza begins with the line “He is the Way,” which refers to Jesus Christ as the path to salvation and redemption. However, the stanza quickly takes a darker turn as Auden describes the “darkness” and “pain” that Jesus must endure in order to save humanity.
Auden’s use of language in this stanza is particularly striking. He describes Jesus as “the lonely road,” emphasizing the isolation and loneliness that often accompany suffering. He also uses the phrase “the bloody sweat,” which is a reference to the biblical account of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion. This phrase conveys the physical and emotional agony that Jesus experienced in his final hours.
Overall, the tenth stanza of “For the Time Being” is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that Jesus made for humanity. It also acknowledges the reality of suffering and evil in the world, and suggests that redemption can only be achieved through a willingness to confront and overcome these forces.
Analysis of the Eleventh Stanza
The eleventh stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a reflection on the nature of power and its corrupting influence. The stanza begins with the line “The Masses are the crucial test,” which suggests that the true measure of a society’s health is how it treats its most vulnerable members. Auden goes on to describe how those in power often use their position to exploit and oppress those beneath them, leading to a society that is “rotten at the core.”
The stanza also touches on the idea of redemption, with Auden suggesting that even those who have been corrupted by power can find salvation through humility and self-reflection. He writes, “The sinners who repent and mend / In heaven’s sight are counted friends,” implying that it is never too late to turn away from a life of greed and cruelty.
Overall, the eleventh stanza of “For the Time Being” is a powerful commentary on the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of compassion and humility in creating a just society.
Analysis of the Twelfth Stanza
The twelfth stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a powerful reflection on the nature of human suffering and the role of religion in providing comfort and hope. The stanza begins with a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life: “The Christmas Feast is already a fading memory, / And already the mind begins to be vaguely aware / Of an unpleasant whiff of apprehension at the thought / Of Lent and Good Friday which cannot, after all, now / Be very far off.” This opening sets the tone for the rest of the stanza, which explores the tension between the joy and celebration of Christmas and the somber reflection of Lent and Good Friday.
Auden goes on to describe the various ways in which people try to cope with the pain and suffering of life, including “the consolation of imaginary things” and “the hope of heaven.” He acknowledges that these coping mechanisms may not be entirely rational or logical, but argues that they are nonetheless essential for human survival: “Without these things, life would be intolerable.”
The final lines of the stanza are particularly poignant, as Auden reflects on the ultimate fate of all human beings: “We must suffer to be free / And bear our griefs with a patient heart, / For such is the way of the gods.” This idea of suffering as a necessary part of the human experience is a common theme in many religious traditions, and Auden’s use of it here underscores the importance of faith and spirituality in helping people make sense of the world around them.
Overall, the twelfth stanza of “For the Time Being” is a powerful meditation on the nature of human suffering and the role of religion in providing comfort and hope. Through his careful use of language and imagery, Auden invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of pain and loss, and to consider the ways in which faith and spirituality can help us navigate the challenges of life.
Analysis of the Thirteenth Stanza
The thirteenth stanza of “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a powerful reflection on the nature of evil and suffering in the world. The stanza begins with the line “The Christmas Feast is already a fading memory,” which sets the tone for a somber and reflective meditation on the aftermath of the holiday season.
Auden goes on to describe the ways in which the world is filled with pain and suffering, from the “unending cycle of pain and despair” to the “endless repetition of the same old story.” He suggests that this suffering is not just a random occurrence, but is instead a result of the choices that human beings make.
The stanza ends with a powerful image of a “child in a foul stable,” which serves as a reminder of the ways in which even the most innocent and vulnerable among us can be subject to the cruelty and indifference of the world. Overall, the thirteenth stanza of “For the Time Being” is a poignant and thought-provoking reflection on the human condition, and the ways in which we can strive to make the world a better place.
Conclusion of the Poem
In conclusion, “For the Time Being” by W. H. Auden is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of religion, history, and human nature. Through its various characters and narratives, the poem offers a unique perspective on the Christmas story and the meaning behind it. Auden’s use of language and imagery is both beautiful and haunting, and his exploration of the darker aspects of human nature adds depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, “For the Time Being” is a powerful work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.