Consider Auden As an Anti-Romantic Poet. 

Answer

Consider Auden as an anti-romantic poet. 

Or Find out the anti-romantic elements in W.H. Aude’s poetry.

W.H. Auden (1707-73) is often considered an anti-romantic poet. He rejected many of the principles and themes of the Romantic era in his work. Unlike the Romantics, who idealized nature, human emotion, and the sublime, Auden’s poetry reflects a more skeptical and realistic view of the world. Below are some key points of discussion that highlight Auden’s anti-romanticism.

Realistic Love in “Lullaby”: In “Lullaby,” Auden presents love not as a perfect, eternal bond but as a transient, flawed experience. The poem opens with, 

Lay your sleeping head, my love, 

Human on my faithless arm, 

It suggests that human love is inherently imperfect. This contrasts with the Romantic ideal of love as an everlasting and pure emotion. Auden acknowledges the fleeting nature of beauty and love. It drops his portrayal in reality rather than in idealized fantasy.

Anti-Romantic Towards Nature: One of the hallmarks of Romantic poetry was the glorification of nature. It is seen as a source of beauty, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. However, Auden rejects this view and portrays nature as indifferent. He even represents nature hostile to human life. 

Rejecting Individualism: Another characteristic of Romanticism is the celebration of the individual. It is seen as a source of creativity and moral authority. However, Auden rejects this view and portrays the individual as vulnerable. 

Rejection of Idealism and Romanticism: Auden rejects the romantic ideal of heroism and beauty in “The Shield of Achilles. He presents a dark image of modern warfare. He describes the “massacre” and “slaughter” in the battle scene. It contrasts with the traditional romantic portrayal of war as a heroic and honorable activity. The following lines from the poem illustrate this rejection:

But there on the shining metal

His hands had put instead

An artificial wilderness

And a sky like lead.

Destruction of Illusions in “The Shield of Achilles”: “The Shield of Achilles” juxtaposes the mythical, heroic world depicted on Achilles’ shield with the harsh realities of modern warfare and suffering. Auden contrasts the heroic imagery with scenes of barbed wire and concentration camps. He illustrates the stark difference between romanticized visions of glory and the harsh truth of contemporary conflict. This juxtaposition is a powerful critique of the romantic idealization of war and heroism.

Using Satire and Irony: Romanticism often employs idealistic and sentimental language. In his poetry, Auden uses satire and irony to represent society. For instance, in “The Unknown Citizen,” Auden satirizes the dehumanization of modern society through a poem about an anonymous man who conforms to societal expectations. 

Rejecting Idealized Love: Romantic poetry often idealized love and depicted it as the solution to all problems. However, Auden’s works are less optimistic about love and relationships. He often portrays love as a complicated element. For example, in “Lullaby,” Auden writes about the pain of unrequited love.

Love has no ending, no duration

This line suggests that Auden sees love as something that is fleeting and impermanent.

Auden’s anti-romanticism is characterized by the rejection of the idealized and sentimental themes of Romantic poetry. It focuses on the harsh realities of the human condition. He portrays the world as we might wish it to be and hope in the face of tragedy and despair.