Lullaby : Literary devices
Lullaby is a notable literary work by W. H. Auden. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Lullaby.
Literary devices
Figure of speech
Metaphor: The poem says, “Time and fevers burn away / Individual beauty from / Thoughtful children.” That means time and illness act like flames that destroy our beauty. It shows how human life and beauty fade.
Personification: Auden gives human qualities to time and beauty. Time doesn’t literally burn; beauty doesn’t literally flee. Yet they are treated as if alive. This makes the idea of fading more vivid.
Imagery: The poem uses vivid pictures like “Lay your sleeping head, my love, human on my faithless arm.” You can almost see the sleeping figure, feel the arm, sense the night. This image builds a tender mood.
Symbolism:
- The “sleeping head” stands for rest, trust, and love in a moment of peace.
- The “arm” that is “faithless” symbolizes human weakness.
- The “winds of dawn … softly round your dreaming head” symbolize renewal or hope after a dark night.
Alliteration: Repeated sounds appear softly — for example, “winds of dawn” or “dreaming head.” These sounds help the poem flow gently, matching its “Lullaby” mood.