“September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

“September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden first appeared in 1939 as part of his collection of poems titled Another Time. This poignant and reflective piece is set against the backdrop of the outbreak of World War II, capturing the collective anxiety, disillusionment, and moral quandaries of a world descending into chaos. Through vivid imagery and introspective musings, Auden grapples with themes of war, political corruption, human suffering, and the individual’s role in a fractured society. Its popularity stems not only from its eloquent depiction of a pivotal historical moment but also from its universal relevance, as it continues to resonate in times of social and political unrest. The poem’s haunting opening lines, “I sit in one of the dives / On Fifty-second Street,” juxtaposed with the stark historical reference, create a timeless meditation on human frailty and resilience.

Text: “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

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,
Who can speak for the dumb?

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.

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.

Annotations: “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

Stanza	Annotation
1-2	Personal and Impersonal: The poem begins with a personal, almost intimate setting: a dimly lit bar. This contrasts sharply with the impending global conflict. The speaker’s “uncertain and afraid” state mirrors the collective anxiety of the time.
3-6	Historical and Psychological: Auden traces the historical roots of the conflict, linking it to broader cultural and psychological factors. He suggests that the rise of fascism and the impending war are symptoms of a deeper societal malaise.
7-12	Political and Intellectual Failure: The poet critiques the failure of political leadership and intellectual thought. He suggests that the world’s leaders are either apathetic or misguided, unable to address the root causes of the crisis.
13-18	The Illusion of Normality: The poem returns to the bar setting, highlighting the contrast between the superficiality of everyday life and the underlying anxiety and fear. The characters cling to a false sense of security, unaware of the impending doom.
19-24	The Psychology of Desire: Auden explores the psychological roots of conflict, suggesting that it stems from deep-seated human desires for love, recognition, and power. This theme is linked to the idea of the “normal heart,” which craves what it cannot have.
25-30	Individual Responsibility and Collective Guilt: The poet shifts the focus to individual responsibility, arguing that individuals must take action to address the world’s problems. He critiques the complacency of the masses and the failures of authority.
31-36	A Call to Hope and Human Connection: The final stanza offers a glimmer of hope. Despite the bleak outlook, Auden calls for human connection and empathy. The “ironic points of light” symbolize the potential for resistance and change.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

Device	Example	Explanation
Allusion	“From Luther until now”	Reference to historical or cultural events, enriching the context.
Anaphora	“The lights must never go out, / The music must always play”	Repetition of a phrase at the start of successive lines, emphasizing a point.
Antithesis	“Imperialism’s face / And the international wrong”	Contrasting ideas presented in proximity for effect.
Assonance	“The music must always play”	Repetition of vowel sounds, enhancing musical quality.
Caesura	“Accurate scholarship can / Unearth the whole offence”	Pause in a line, creating a dramatic or reflective effect.
Consonance	“From Luther until now”	Repetition of consonant sounds, often at the end of words, for emphasis.
Enjambment	“Circulate over the bright / And darkened lands of the earth”	Continuation of a sentence without pause, building momentum.
Epistrophe	“The lights must never go out, / The music must always play”	Repetition at the end of successive lines, reinforcing ideas.
Hyperbole	“What mad Nijinsky wrote / About Diaghilev”	Exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect.
Imagery	“Lost in a haunted wood”	Vivid descriptions appealing to the senses, immersing the reader.
Irony	“Imperialism’s face / And the international wrong”	Contrast between expectation and reality, adding depth to meaning.
Juxtaposition	“Bright and darkened lands of the earth”	Placing contrasting ideas side by side for impact.
Metaphor	“The romantic lie in the brain”	Direct comparison to imply deeper meaning or symbolism.
Paradox	“We must love one another or die”	Seemingly contradictory statement revealing a deeper truth.
Personification	“Blind skyscrapers use / Their full height to proclaim”	Assigning human traits to non-human elements, creating relatability.
Repetition	“To undo the folded lie”	Reiteration of key phrases to reinforce central themes.
Symbolism	“Ironic points of light”	Use of objects or images to represent abstract ideas or themes.
Tone	Reflective, despairing, yet hopeful	Author’s attitude, shaping the reader’s perception.
Understatement	“May I… show an affirming flame”	Intentional minimization of significance, emphasizing an idea.

Themes: “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

• The Failure of Leadership and Intellectual Thought
• Auden’s “September 1, 1939” is a scathing critique of the intellectual and political class of his time. He bemoans their inability to provide meaningful solutions to the impending global crisis. The poet suggests that these leaders are either apathetic or misguided, trapped in a cycle of self-serving rhetoric and empty promises. The “elderly rubbish” they spout to a “apathetic grave” highlights their failure to address the pressing issues of the day.
• The Psychological Roots of War
• The poem delves deep into the psychological underpinnings of war, suggesting that it is not merely a rational choice but a manifestation of irrational desires and fears. Auden explores the concept of the “normal heart,” which craves what it cannot have. This innate human desire, when unchecked, can lead to destructive behavior, including war. By understanding the psychological roots of conflict, we can better address the underlying issues that drive human beings to violence.
• The Illusion of Normality and the Power of Human Connection
• Despite the looming threat of war, the characters in the poem cling to a false sense of normality. They engage in mundane activities, oblivious to the impending doom. However, Auden suggests that true solace can be found in human connection. By forging bonds with others, individuals can resist despair and work towards a more just and compassionate future. The power of human connection is a recurring theme in the poem, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.
• Individual Responsibility and Collective Guilt
• Auden challenges the notion of individual innocence, arguing that everyone bears some responsibility for the state of the world. He criticizes the complacency of the masses and the failures of authority. The poet suggests that individuals must take action to confront injustice and work towards a better future. By recognizing our collective responsibility, we can strive to create a more just and equitable society.

Literary Theories and “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

Literary Theory	Application to “September 1, 1939”
New Criticism	A New Critic would focus on the formal elements of the poem, such as its structure, imagery, and language. They might analyze the poem’s use of irony, paradox, and ambiguity to create a complex and layered meaning. For example, the contrast between the personal and the political, the individual and the collective, creates a rich tapestry of meaning.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	A psychoanalytic critic might explore the psychological motivations of the characters and the speaker. They could analyze the poem’s use of symbolism and imagery to represent unconscious desires and fears. For example, the “normal heart” represents the universal human desire for love and recognition, which can lead to destructive behavior.
Marxist Criticism	A Marxist critic would examine the poem’s social and economic context. They might analyze the poem’s critique of capitalism and imperialism, as well as its exploration of class and power. For example, the “elderly rubbish” spoken by political leaders represents the failure of the ruling class to address the needs of the working class.

Critical Questions about “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

• How does Auden reflect the historical context of World War II in the poem?
• Auden captures the despair and moral collapse preceding World War II through vivid imagery and direct allusions. The line “Waves of anger and fear / Circulate over the bright / And darkened lands of the earth” reflects the global anxiety of the era. The reference to “From Luther until now” suggests a historical continuum of ideological and political failures leading to the rise of fascism. By mentioning “What occurred at Linz,” Auden alludes to Hitler’s birthplace, symbolizing the psychological and cultural forces that led to the war. The historical awareness makes the poem both a personal meditation and a broad commentary on collective culpability and madness.
• What is the significance of the recurring theme of individual responsibility in the poem?
• The poem underscores the importance of individual responsibility amidst collective chaos. Lines such as “We must love one another or die” highlight a moral imperative to foster compassion in an increasingly fragmented world. Auden’s assertion that “Hunger allows no choice / To the citizen or the police” reveals how structural injustices diminish human agency. Despite this, he emphasizes the power of individual voices to resist despair, as in “All I have is a voice / To undo the folded lie.” Auden’s focus on personal accountability reflects his belief in the transformative potential of ethical action.
• How does Auden use symbolism to critique modern society?
• Auden critiques modern society’s emptiness and materialism through potent symbols. The “blind skyscrapers” symbolize the cold, impersonal nature of industrial progress, detached from human values. “Faces along the bar / Cling to their average day” captures a collective escapism, where people seek solace in routine rather than confronting the realities of war and moral decay. The “ironic points of light” signify the flickering hope of resistance and justice amidst a world dominated by darkness. These symbols combine to present a grim yet nuanced portrait of modernity’s spiritual and ethical crises.
• How does Auden’s tone evolve throughout the poem, and what does it convey about hope and despair?
• Auden’s tone shifts from somber reflection to cautious optimism, embodying the tension between despair and hope. The opening lines, “Uncertain and afraid / As the clever hopes expire,” establish a bleak tone of existential fear. However, the poem progresses to moments of defiant affirmation, as seen in “May I… show an affirming flame,” which underscores a resilient hope in human goodness and justice. The oscillation between despair and affirmation mirrors Auden’s nuanced understanding of the human condition, where hope persists despite overwhelming darkness.

Literary Works Similar to “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

1. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: Both poems explore themes of cultural decay and existential despair in the face of modernity and war, using fragmented imagery and historical references.
2. “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen: Like Auden’s poem, it critiques the horrors of war and challenges the glorification of violence through vivid and haunting imagery.
3. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: Both works grapple with the struggle against despair and the affirmation of life, emphasizing the importance of resistance in dark times.
4. “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick: While less explicitly about war, this poem similarly underscores the fleeting nature of time and the urgency of human action, themes Auden also explores.
5. “Anthem for Doomed Youth” by Wilfred Owen: Like Auden’s work, it mourns the loss of a generation to war, combining poignant imagery with a critique of societal complacency.

Representative Quotations of “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“I sit in one of the dives / On Fifty-second Street”	Setting the scene in a seedy bar, symbolizing disillusionment and alienation.	Existentialism: Reflects on individual alienation in a fractured world.
“Waves of anger and fear / Circulate over the bright / And darkened lands of the earth”	Describes the pervasive global turmoil as World War II looms.	Globalization and Conflict Theory: Examines the interconnection of global crises.
“The unmentionable odour of death / Offends the September night”	Alludes to the death and destruction caused by human conflict.	Thanatology: Addresses the inevitability of death in the human condition.
“From Luther until now / That has driven a culture mad”	References Martin Luther and the historical roots of cultural and ideological madness.	Cultural Criticism: Explores historical and ideological madness shaping society.
“Those to whom evil is done / Do evil in return”	Highlights the cyclical nature of violence and its roots in historical injustice.	Postcolonial Theory: Critiques the legacy of oppression and its perpetuation.
“We must love one another or die”	A plea for compassion and solidarity in the face of division and despair.	Humanism: Advocates for universal love and ethical responsibility.
“Faces along the bar / Cling to their average day”	Depicts societal escapism and routine as a coping mechanism against fear.	Sociology: Analyzes social behaviors and collective denial mechanisms.
“Blind skyscrapers use / Their full height to proclaim / The strength of Collective Man”	Critiques the dehumanization of industrial modernity and collective ideologies.	Modernism: Questions industrial progress and its impact on humanity.
“Ironic points of light / Flash out wherever the Just / Exchange their messages”	Symbolizes the resilience of justice and hope amidst overwhelming darkness.	Ethics and Resistance Theory: Highlights acts of justice as beacons of hope.
“May I, composed like them / Of Eros and of dust, / Show an affirming flame”	Expresses a personal commitment to hope and moral resistance.	Personal Philosophy: Affirms individual agency in resisting despair and nihilism.

Suggested Readings: “September 1, 1939” by W.H. Auden

1. Williams, Melanie L. “Then and Now: The Natural/Positivist Nexus at War: Auden’s ‘September 1, 1939.'” Journal of Law and Society, vol. 31, no. 1, 2004, pp. 60–86. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1410443. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
2. Dean, William D. “Liberal Piety: W. H. Auden among the Theologians.” The Journal of Religion, vol. 94, no. 4, 2014, pp. 436–56. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.1086/677287. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
3. Perillo, Lucia. “W. H. Auden’s 9/1/39.” The American Poetry Review, vol. 31, no. 5, 2002, pp. 28–29. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20682001. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
4. Mendelson, Edward. “Revision and Power: The Example of W. H. Auden.” Yale French Studies, no. 89, 1996, pp. 103–12. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2930341. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.