Welcome, esteemed readers, to an illuminating exploration of W. H. Auden’s profound poem, “September 1, 1939”. This piece stands as a powerful testament to a pivotal moment in history, offering timeless insights into human nature, conflict, and the enduring search for meaning. Prepare to delve into its depths, uncovering the layers of thought and artistry that make it a cornerstone of modern poetry.
Let us begin by immersing ourselves in the poem itself:
I sit in one of the dives
On Fifty-second Street
Uncertain and afraid
As the clever hopes expire
Of a low dishonest decade:
Waves of anger and fear
Circulate over the bright
And darkened lands of the earth,
Obsessing our private lives;
The unmentionable odour of death
Offends the September night.Accurate scholarship can
Unearth the whole offence
From Luther until now
That has driven a culture mad,
Find what occurred at Linz,
What huge imago made
A psychopathic god:
I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.Exiled Thucydides knew
All that a speech can say
About Democracy,
And what dictators do,
The elderly rubbish they talk
To an apathetic grave;
Analysed all in his book,
The enlightenment driven away,
The habit-forming pain,
Mismanagement and grief:
We must suffer them all again.Into this neutral air
Where blind skyscrapers use
Their full height to proclaim
The strength of Collective Man,
Each language pours its vain
Competitive excuse:
But who can live for long
In an euphoric dream;
Out of the mirror they stare,
Imperialism’s face
And the international wrong.Faces along the bar
Cling to their average day:
The lights must never go out,
The music must always play,
All the conventions conspire
To make this fort assume
The furniture of home;
Lest we should see where we are,
Lost in a haunted wood,
Children afraid of the night
Who have never been happy or good.The windiest militant trash
Important Persons shout
Is not so crude as our wish:
What mad Nijinsky wrote
About Diaghilev
Is true of the normal heart;
For the error bred in the bone
Of each woman and each man
Craves what it cannot have,
Not universal love
But to be loved alone.From the conservative dark
Into the ethical life
The dense commuters come,
Repeating their morning vow;
“I will be true to the wife,
I’ll concentrate more on my work,”
And helpless governors wake
To resume their compulsory game:
Who can release them now,
Who can reach the deaf,
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:
And no one exists alone;
Hunger allows no choice
To the citizen or the police;
We must love one another or die.Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.
Understanding “September 1, 1939”: A Concise Overview
“September 1, 1939” by W. H. Auden is a monumental poem that captures the profound anxiety and moral reckoning sparked by the outbreak of World War II. Penned on the very day Nazi Germany invaded Poland, initiating the global conflict, the poem serves as an immediate and deeply reflective response to a world teetering on the precipice of catastrophe. It was first published in The New Republic and later included in Auden’s 1940 collection, Another Time.
The Historical Context and Central Idea
The poem’s central idea extends far beyond a mere lament for war. Auden meticulously explores the historical, psychological, and societal underpinnings that lead to such widespread conflict. He traces a lineage of human failings, from historical figures like Martin Luther to the rise of totalitarianism, suggesting that a cycle of violence and injustice is deeply ingrained in human behavior. The poem posits that “evil is done” often “in return” for past wrongs, creating a perpetual chain of suffering.
Auden’s work is a powerful meditation on individual and collective responsibility. It critiques the complacency of ordinary people who seek refuge in denial, as well as the hypocrisy and self-serving rhetoric of those in power. Ultimately, the poem argues that true salvation from this cycle of destruction lies in a conscious rejection of falsehood and a profound commitment to empathy, understanding, and love. The famous line, “We must love one another or die,” encapsulates this urgent plea for human connection as the only antidote to global despair.
Key Insights for Every Reader
For many, “September 1, 1939” resonates not only as a historical document but also as a timeless commentary on the human condition. It reminds readers that grand geopolitical events are often rooted in individual choices, psychological flaws, and collective inaction. The poem challenges us to look inward and confront our own complicity in the world’s problems, urging a shift from apathy to active, compassionate engagement. While Auden himself later expressed reservations about certain lines, particularly the directness of “We must love one another or die,” the poem’s overall message of self-awareness, critical thinking, and the necessity of human solidarity remains profoundly impactful and relevant.
A Deeper Look into “September 1, 1939”: Themes and Craft
W. H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a rich tapestry of thematic exploration and masterful poetic technique. This section will unravel the poem’s core messages and demonstrate how Auden employs various literary and poetic devices to convey his urgent message.
Exploring the Poem’s Core Themes
The Nature of Evil and Historical Cycles
Auden does not present the outbreak of war as an isolated event but rather as the culmination of deep-seated historical and psychological patterns. He suggests that the roots of conflict are ancient and complex, tracing them back through centuries of human history.
Accurate scholarship can
Unearth the whole offence
From Luther until now
That has driven a culture mad,
Here, Auden alludes to Martin Luther, suggesting that even religious reforms can inadvertently sow seeds of division and conflict that echo through time. He connects this historical trajectory to the rise of totalitarianism, referencing “what occurred at Linz” (Hitler’s hometown) and the creation of “A psychopathic god.” This implies that the current crisis is not an anomaly but a recurring pattern of human folly and the corrupting influence of power. The poem further crystallizes this idea with a stark observation:
I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.
This powerful statement highlights a cyclical nature of violence, where grievances fester and lead to retaliatory actions, perpetuating a seemingly endless chain of suffering.
Individual Complacency and Collective Delusion
A significant portion of the poem critiques the widespread human tendency to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths, particularly in times of crisis. Auden observes how individuals and societies construct elaborate defenses to maintain a sense of normalcy, even as disaster looms.
Faces along the bar
Cling to their average day:
The lights must never go out,
The music must always play,
All the conventions conspire
To make this fort assume
The furniture of home;
This vivid imagery from the fifth stanza depicts people desperately clinging to routine and superficial pleasures. The “fort” of social conventions is an attempt to create a false sense of security, a “furniture of home” to ward off the terrifying reality outside. This collective denial is further emphasized by the chilling consequence:
Lest we should see where we are,
Lost in a haunted wood,
Children afraid of the night
Who have never been happy or good.
The metaphor of being “lost in a haunted wood” powerfully conveys a state of profound disorientation and fear, while the description of “Children afraid of the night / Who have never been happy or good” suggests a deeper, perhaps inherent, human failing or immaturity that prevents genuine happiness and moral action.
The Search for Truth and Affirmation
Despite the pervasive despair, Auden’s poem ultimately offers a glimmer of hope, advocating for the power of individual voice and collective love as a means to combat the “folded lie” of the world. The speaker acknowledges the limitations of their own influence but asserts the necessity of speaking truth.
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, the “folded lie” represents the various forms of deception, both self-imposed and propagated by power structures, that obscure reality. The speaker’s “voice” becomes a tool for intellectual and moral clarity. This leads to the poem’s most famous and often debated declaration:
There is no such thing as the State
And no one exists alone;
Hunger allows no choice
We must love one another or die.
This powerful assertion dismantles the illusion of individual isolation and the absolute authority of the state, emphasizing fundamental human interdependence. The stark ultimatum “We must love one another or die” underscores the urgency of empathy and solidarity in the face of existential threat. The poem concludes with a personal commitment to this affirming spirit:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.
This final image of an “affirming flame” symbolizes hope, resilience, and the individual’s capacity to radiate positivity and truth even amidst overwhelming darkness.
Literary Devices in “September 1, 1939”
Auden masterfully employs a range of literary devices to imbue “September 1, 1939” with its profound emotional and intellectual depth. Understanding these techniques enhances appreciation for the poem’s artistry.
- Allusion: Auden enriches the poem by referencing historical figures and concepts, connecting the contemporary crisis to a broader human narrative.
Exiled Thucydides knew
All that a speech can say
About Democracy,
And what dictators do,The allusion to Thucydides, the ancient Greek historian who chronicled the Peloponnesian War, suggests that the patterns of political conflict and human behavior are timeless. Thucydides’ insights into democracy and tyranny remain relevant, implying that humanity has failed to learn from history.
What mad Nijinsky wrote
About Diaghilev
Is true of the normal heart;The reference to Vaslav Nijinsky, the brilliant but troubled ballet dancer, and his mentor Sergei Diaghilev, introduces a psychological dimension. Nijinsky’s intense, perhaps obsessive, love for Diaghilev is used to illustrate the human craving “Not universal love / But to be loved alone,” highlighting a fundamental selfishness that can undermine broader solidarity.
- Imagery: Auden’s poem is replete with vivid sensory details that create a palpable atmosphere of dread, uncertainty, and eventual hope.
The unmentionable odour of death
Offends the September night.This powerful olfactory imagery immediately establishes a sense of foreboding and the pervasive presence of impending doom. The “odour of death” is not just metaphorical; it evokes the visceral reality of war. Later, the description of “blind skyscrapers use / Their full height to proclaim / The strength of Collective Man” offers a contrasting image of imposing, impersonal structures that symbolize a misguided faith in human collective power, yet are “blind” to deeper truths.
- Metaphor: The poem frequently uses metaphors to explore complex ideas by drawing comparisons between seemingly disparate things.
Of a low dishonest decade:
The 1930s are metaphorically described as a “low dishonest decade,” encapsulating Auden’s disillusionment with the political failures and moral compromises that led to war. This brief phrase powerfully condenses a complex historical period into a damning judgment. Another example is “Imperialism’s face / And the international wrong,” where imperialism is given a “face,” personifying it as a recognizable, malevolent entity.
- Personification: Auden gives human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract concepts, intensifying their impact.
Whose buildings grope the sky:
Here, the “buildings” of authority are personified as “groping the sky,” suggesting a blind, perhaps desperate, reach for power or significance, lacking true vision or understanding. This subtly critiques the institutions that claim to lead.
- Symbolism: Various elements within the poem carry symbolic weight, enriching its meaning beyond their literal interpretation.
Waves of anger and fear
Circulate over the bright
And darkened lands of the earth,The “darkened lands of the earth” symbolize not just geographical areas affected by war, but also the moral and intellectual gloom that has descended upon humanity. Conversely, the poem concludes with “Ironic points of light / Flash out wherever the Just / Exchange their messages,” where “light” symbolizes hope, truth, and the enduring spirit of resistance and connection among good people, even in the darkest times.
Poetic Devices and Structure in “September 1, 1939”
Beyond literary devices, Auden’s careful crafting of sound and structure significantly contributes to the poem’s power and message.
- Diction: Auden’s choice of words is precise and impactful, blending formal and colloquial language to create a unique tone that is both intellectual and emotionally immediate.
I sit in one of the dives
On Fifty-second StreetThe use of “dives” is a colloquial term, immediately grounding the poem in a specific, ordinary setting, making the speaker’s observations feel authentic and relatable. This contrasts with more formal language used elsewhere, such as “Accurate scholarship” or “ethical life,” creating a dynamic linguistic texture that reflects the poem’s broad scope.
- Form and Structure: The poem consists of nine stanzas of eleven lines each, a consistent structure that provides a framework for the turbulent content. While it does not adhere to a strict, traditional rhyme scheme, Auden employs internal rhyme, assonance, and consonance to create musicality and emphasize key ideas, giving the poem a sense of controlled chaos that mirrors its subject matter. The regular stanza length provides a sense of relentless progression, even as the content explores fragmentation and despair.
- Enjambment: The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues from one line to the next without a grammatical break, creates a sense of flow and urgency, often highlighting specific words or ideas.
Uncertain and afraid
As the clever hopes expire
Of a low dishonest decade:The enjambment here emphasizes the “uncertainty and fear” and the “expiring hopes,” drawing the reader’s attention to the emotional state and the dying optimism of the era. It propels the reader forward, mirroring the relentless march of events.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity creates a musical quality and draws attention to certain phrases.
Waves of anger and fear
The repetition of the long “a” sound in “Waves,” “anger,” and “and” creates a resonant, almost mournful sound that underscores the pervasive emotional turbulence described. This subtle sonic effect enhances the poem’s mood.
- Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines creates rhythm, emphasis, and a sense of mounting intensity.
Who can release them now,
Who can reach the deaf,
Who can speak for the dumb?The anaphora of “Who can” powerfully conveys a sense of helplessness and desperation, emphasizing the profound challenge of communicating truth and inspiring action in a world seemingly unwilling or unable to listen.
- Irony: Auden employs irony to highlight contradictions and underscore the tragic nature of human behavior.
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:The phrase “Ironic points of light” is particularly poignant. It is ironic because these beacons of hope and justice exist in a world otherwise consumed by “Negation and despair.” The irony lies in the quiet, often overlooked, persistence of goodness amidst overwhelming darkness, suggesting that true hope is found not in grand gestures but in humble, interconnected acts of decency.
The Enduring Resonance of “September 1, 1939”
W. H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939” remains a profoundly significant poem, offering a timeless reflection on the human condition in times of crisis. Its exploration of historical cycles of violence, the dangers of complacency, and the urgent call for love and truth continues to resonate with readers across generations. The poem’s intricate blend of historical commentary, psychological insight, and masterful poetic craft ensures its place as a vital piece of literature. By dissecting its themes and appreciating its literary and poetic devices, readers gain not only a deeper understanding of a pivotal historical moment but also enduring insights into the complexities of human nature and the perpetual struggle for a more just and compassionate world. It stands as a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming despair, the individual voice, committed to truth and connection, can indeed “Show an affirming flame.”