“The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden

“The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden was first published in 1952, as part of his collection “Nones”. The poem is an ekphrastic poem, which means that it is a description of a work of art, in this case, the shield of Achilles, as described in Homer’s Iliad. In the poem, Auden reflects on the contrast between the heroic ideals of ancient Greece and the bleak realities of modern life. He describes the shield, which was once a symbol of power and protection, as now gathering dust in a museum, a relic of a bygone era. The poem explores the themes of modernity, futility, war, heroism, death, destruction, and the passivity of modern men, and is considered a classic of 20th-century poetry. Through its use of imagery, allusion, and irony, “The Shield of Achilles” offers a profound meditation on the human condition, and the ways in which our values and ideals are shaped and transformed over time.

Text: “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden

    She looked over his shoulder
       For vines and olive trees,
    Marble well-governed cities
       And ships upon untamed seas,
    But there on the shining metal
       His hands had put instead
    An artificial wilderness
       And a sky like lead.

A plain without a feature, bare and brown,
   No blade of grass, no sign of neighborhood,
Nothing to eat and nowhere to sit down,
   Yet, congregated on its blankness, stood
   An unintelligible multitude,
A million eyes, a million boots in line,
Without expression, waiting for a sign.

Out of the air a voice without a face
   Proved by statistics that some cause was just
In tones as dry and level as the place:
   No one was cheered and nothing was discussed;
   Column by column in a cloud of dust
They marched away enduring a belief
Whose logic brought them, somewhere else, to grief.

    She looked over his shoulder
       For ritual pieties,
    White flower-garlanded heifers,
       Libation and sacrifice,
    But there on the shining metal
       Where the altar should have been,
    She saw by his flickering forge-light
       Quite another scene.

Barbed wire enclosed an arbitrary spot
   Where bored officials lounged (one cracked a joke)
And sentries sweated for the day was hot:
   A crowd of ordinary decent folk
   Watched from without and neither moved nor spoke
As three pale figures were led forth and bound
To three posts driven upright in the ground.

The mass and majesty of this world, all
   That carries weight and always weighs the same
Lay in the hands of others; they were small
   And could not hope for help and no help came:
   What their foes like to do was done, their shame
Was all the worst could wish; they lost their pride
And died as men before their bodies died.

    She looked over his shoulder
       For athletes at their games,
    Men and women in a dance
       Moving their sweet limbs
    Quick, quick, to music,
       But there on the shining shield
    His hands had set no dancing-floor
       But a weed-choked field.

A ragged urchin, aimless and alone,
   Loitered about that vacancy; a bird
Flew up to safety from his well-aimed stone:
   That girls are raped, that two boys knife a third,
   Were axioms to him, who’d never heard
Of any world where promises were kept,
Or one could weep because another wept.

    The thin-lipped armorer,
       Hephaestos, hobbled away,
    Thetis of the shining breasts
       Cried out in dismay
    At what the god had wrought
       To please her son, the strong
    Iron-hearted man-slaying Achilles
       Who would not live long.

Annotations: “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden  

Stanza	Annotations
1	The woman looks over Achilles’ shoulder expecting to see scenes of beauty and civilization, but instead, she sees a desolate and artificial landscape.
2	The shield depicts a featureless plain, devoid of life or comfort, yet populated by a vast, uniform army waiting for orders, illustrating the dehumanization of war.
3	A disembodied voice justifies conflict with dry logic, devoid of emotion or empathy, leading soldiers to their doom.
4	The woman expects to see traditional religious rituals, but instead sees a scene of bureaucratic cruelty and injustice, with innocents bound for execution.
5	The power and responsibility of the world lie in the hands of indifferent officials, leaving the powerless victims to suffer without aid or justice.
6	The woman anticipates scenes of joy and celebration, but instead sees a bleak landscape where violence and suffering are commonplace and innocence is lost.
7	The armorer, Hephaestus, leaves the scene, and Thetis, Achilles’ mother, laments the grim reality depicted on the shield, realizing the fate awaiting her son.

Literary and Poetic Devices: “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden  

Device	Example	Explanation
Allusion	“The thin-lipped armorer, Hephaestos”	Reference to Greek mythology, specifically to Hephaestus, the blacksmith god who forged Achilles’ armor.
Anaphora	“She looked over his shoulder”	Repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses, for emphasis.
Assonance	“Quick, quick, to music”	Repetition of vowel sounds within words, for auditory effect and rhythm.
Consonance	“A million eyes, a million boots in line”	Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words, for auditory effect and rhythm.
Enjambment	“But there on the shining metal / His hands had put instead”	Continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza.
Imagery	“Marble well-governed cities”	Use of vivid language to create mental pictures or sensations, appealing to the senses.
Irony	“His hands had put instead / An artificial wilderness”	A contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs, often with humorous or poignant effect.
Metaphor	“A sky like lead”	A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, suggesting a comparison.
Onomatopoeia	“A crowd of ordinary decent folk / Watched from without and neither moved nor spoke”	Use of words that imitate the sound they represent, enhancing the auditory experience of the text.
Oxymoron	“Artificial wilderness”	Placing two contradictory terms together for emphasis or to create a paradoxical effect.
Personification	“Out of the air a voice without a face”	Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities, enhancing the description or narrative.
Repetition	“Quick, quick, to music”	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis, rhythm, or poetic effect.
Simile	“A sky like lead”	A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using “like” or “as,” highlighting a similarity.
Symbolism	“The Shield of Achilles”	Use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, enriching the deeper meaning of the text.
Synecdoche	“A million eyes, a million boots in line”	A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole or the whole is used to represent a part.
Tone	“In tones as dry and level as the place”	The attitude of the speaker or writer towards the subject matter or audience, conveyed through the choice of words and language style.
Assumption	“That girls are raped, that two boys knife a third”	Presumption or acceptance of something as true without proof or evidence, reflecting societal norms or beliefs.
Hyperbole	“A million eyes, a million boots in line”	Exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, often in a poetic context to create a vivid image or convey intense emotion.
Paradox	“Their shame / Was all the worst could wish”	A statement that appears self-contradictory but may reveal a deeper truth or insight upon closer examination.

Themes: “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden

• Theme 1: Disillusionment with War
  The poem explores the disillusionment with war and its effects on humanity. The speaker describes the shield made by Hephaestos for Achilles, which instead of depicting a beautiful and peaceful world, shows a desolate and barren landscape, symbolizing the destruction and chaos of war. The “unintelligible multitude” of soldiers marching without expression or purpose, and the “million eyes” and “million boots in line” waiting for a sign, illustrate the dehumanizing effects of war.
• Theme 2: Loss of Innocence
  The poem also explores the loss of innocence and the brutal realities of war. The speaker describes the scene on the shield where “three pale figures were led forth and bound / To three posts driven upright in the ground” and executed, symbolizing the senseless violence and cruelty of war. The “crowd of ordinary decent folk” watching without moving or speaking illustrates the powerlessness and apathy of bystanders in the face of injustice.
• Theme 3: Disconnection from Humanity
  The poem highlights the disconnection from humanity and the effects of war on individuals. The speaker describes the “weed-choked field” on the shield, where a “ragged urchin” loiters, and a bird flies away from a well-aimed stone, symbolizing the desolation and hopelessness of a world where promises are broken and violence is normalized. The urchin’s acceptance of violence and cruelty as a way of life illustrates the disconnection from human values and empathy.
• Theme 4: The Futility of Human Endeavor
  Finally, the poem explores the futility of human endeavor and the inevitability of fate. The speaker describes Thetis’ dismay at the shield made by Hephaestos, which symbolizes the futility of human attempts to control or change the course of events. The poem concludes with the lines “Iron-hearted man-slaying Achilles / Who would not live long,” highlighting the inevitability of fate and the transience of human life.

Literary Theories and “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden  

Literary Theory	Example from the Poem
Marxist Theory	“A million eyes, a million boots in line, / Without expression, waiting for a sign.” (lines 9-10) This passage illustrates the Marxist idea of the alienation and oppression of the working class, as the soldiers are reduced to mere automatons, devoid of individuality or free will.
Psychoanalytic Theory	“The thin-lipped armorer, / Hephaestos, hobbled away, / Thetis of the shining breasts / Cried out in dismay” (lines 37-40) This passage can be seen as an example of the psychoanalytic concept of the Oedipus complex, as Thetis’ distress at the shield made by Hephaestos (her son’s armor) may symbolize a repressed desire or conflict.
Feminist Theory	“Thetis of the shining breasts / Cried out in dismay” (lines 39-40) This passage highlights the feminist critique of the objectification of women, as Thetis is reduced to her physical appearance (“shining breasts”) and her emotions are dismissed.
Postcolonial Theory	“Barbed wire enclosed an arbitrary spot / Where bored officials lounged (one cracked a joke)” (lines 17-18) This passage illustrates the postcolonial idea of the oppressive and arbitrary nature of colonial power, as the officials lounging behind barbed wire symbolize the imposition of control and domination.
Existentialist Theory	“A ragged urchin, aimless and alone, / Loitered about that vacancy” (lines 25-26) This passage exemplifies the existentialist concept of the absurd, as the urchin’s aimlessness and the desolate landscape symbolize the meaninglessness and isolation of human existence.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements: “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden

Topic	Questions	Thesis Statement
Dehumanization of War	How does Auden depict the dehumanizing effects of war in the poem?	In “The Shield of Achilles,” Auden vividly portrays the dehumanization of war through imagery, symbolism, and irony, emphasizing the loss of humanity amidst conflict.
Critique of Authority	How does the poem critique authority figures and institutions, such as the voice justifying war and the bureaucratic officials?	Auden’s poem critiques authority by exposing the callousness and indifference of those in power, highlighting the moral bankruptcy and cruelty perpetuated by bureaucratic systems.
Loss of Innocence	How does Auden explore the theme of loss of innocence, particularly through the depiction of bystanders and victims?	Through poignant imagery and stark contrast, Auden reveals the devastating impact of war on innocence, illustrating how bystanders and victims alike are robbed of their humanity.
Mythological Symbolism	What is the significance of the mythological references, such as Hephaestus and Thetis, in the poem?	Auden employs mythological symbolism to underscore the timeless nature of human conflict and the tragic inevitability of fate, offering a profound commentary on the human condition.

Short Questions/Answers about “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden  

1. How does Auden portray the consequences of war in “The Shield of Achilles”? Auden vividly depicts the bleak aftermath of war through stark imagery, such as in the lines “A plain without a feature, bare and brown, / No blade of grass, no sign of neighborhood.” Here, the barren landscape symbolizes the desolation and destruction wrought by conflict, emphasizing the loss of civilization and natural beauty in its wake. Additionally, the image of “An artificial wilderness” crafted by Achilles on his shield further underscores the artificiality and emptiness of the world shaped by war, highlighting its dehumanizing effects.
2. What role do mythological allusions play in the poem? Mythological references, such as Hephaestus and Thetis, add layers of meaning and depth to Auden’s exploration of human suffering and fate. For example, Hephaestus, the armorer god, represents craftsmanship and creation, yet his portrayal as “the thin-lipped armorer” hobbling away suggests a sense of resignation and disillusionment with the world he helps shape. Thetis, Achilles’ mother, cries out in dismay at the grim reality depicted on the shield, symbolizing maternal anguish and sorrow in the face of her son’s inevitable fate as a warrior doomed to die young.
3. How does Auden critique the rhetoric of authority figures in the poem? Auden critiques the rhetoric of authority by portraying the voice justifying war as detached and impersonal, devoid of empathy or compassion. The line “Proved by statistics that some cause was just” exemplifies this, as it reduces the justification for conflict to cold, logical arguments divorced from human suffering. Through this critique, Auden challenges the manipulation of language and statistics to justify violence, exposing the dehumanizing effects of war propaganda on both perpetrators and victims.
4. What themes of innocence and disillusionment are present in the poem? Auden explores themes of innocence and disillusionment through the juxtaposition of idealized expectations with harsh realities. For instance, the woman’s anticipation of “vines and olive trees, / Marble well-governed cities” contrasts sharply with the barren landscape and scenes of bureaucratic cruelty depicted on Achilles’ shield. Similarly, the image of the “ragged urchin” and the casual acceptance of violence as seen in “That girls are raped, that two boys knife a third” underscore the loss of innocence and the harsh realities faced by those living in a world shaped by war

Literary Works Similar to “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden  

1. “Smile, Smile, Smile” by Wilfred Owen: This poem combines the imagery of the marching soldiers, gains from the war, and suffering of the soldiers.
2. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: It’s one of the best poems of Eliot. This poem is about the death of culture, and the misery of being learned in a world detached from its roots.
3. “The Field of Waterloo” by Thomas Hardy: This poem describes the battlefield of Waterloo and the suffering of different creatures. It is one of the best-known poems of Hardy.
4. “Do Not Weep, Maiden, for War Is Kind” by Stephen Crane: This poem is about the suffering of war and the effect it has on the soldiers and their families.
5. “Remains” by Simon Armitage: This poem presents Armitage’s war experiences and is an acerbic one concerning the traumas of war.

Suggested Readings for Further Analysis of “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden  

1. Auden, W. H. “The Shield of Achilles.” The Collected Poetry of W. H. Auden, edited by Edward Mendelson, Vintage, 1991, pp. 376-379.
2. Bloom, Harold, editor. W. H. Auden: Modern Critical Views. Chelsea House Publishers, 1985.
3. Carpenter, Humphrey. W. H. Auden: A Biography. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1981.
4. Summers, Claude J. “‘Or One Could Weep Because Another Wept’: The Counterplot of Auden’s ‘The Shield of Achilles.’” The Journal of English and Germanic Philology, vol. 83, no. 2, 1984, pp. 214–32. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27709313. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
5. Mendelson, Edward. Early Auden. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1981.

Representative Quotations from “The Shield of Achilles” by W. H. Auden 

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“An artificial wilderness / And a sky like lead.”	The speaker describes the disappointing scene depicted on Achilles’ shield, contrasting the woman’s expectations of beauty and civilization with the bleak reality of an artificial, desolate landscape.	This quotation highlights the theme of disillusionment, suggesting that the idealized vision of society and civilization is replaced by a grim, industrialized reality, reflecting the dehumanizing effects of war and the loss of innocence.
“Out of the air a voice without a face / Proved by statistics that some cause was just.”	A disembodied voice justifies the righteousness of a cause with dry logic, devoid of empathy or humanity, exemplifying the impersonal and bureaucratic nature of war propaganda.	Here, Auden critiques the manipulation of language and statistics to justify violence, exposing the dehumanizing effects of war rhetoric and the moral bankruptcy of those who perpetuate conflict without regard for human suffering.
“They marched away enduring a belief / Whose logic brought them, somewhere else, to grief.”	The soldiers march off to war, clinging to a belief that ultimately leads them to suffering and grief, emphasizing the tragic consequences of blind obedience and misplaced loyalty.	This quotation explores the theme of disillusionment and the futility of war, suggesting that the soldiers’ steadfast belief in the righteousness of their cause only leads to further pain and suffering, highlighting the destructive nature of conflict.
“A crowd of ordinary decent folk / Watched from without and neither moved nor spoke.”	Bystanders witness a scene of arbitrary cruelty without intervening, showcasing the passive complicity and moral apathy prevalent in society.	Auden critiques the indifference and inaction of bystanders in the face of injustice, highlighting the collective responsibility to challenge oppressive systems and stand up for justice, underscoring the importance of empathy and active engagement.
“Thetis of the shining breasts / Cried out in dismay / At what the god had wrought / To please her son, the strong / Iron-hearted man-slaying Achilles / Who would not live long.”	Thetis, Achilles’ mother, laments the grim reality depicted on the shield, grieving for her son’s fate as a warrior destined for a short, violent life.	This quotation underscores the theme of maternal sorrow and foreshadows Achilles’ tragic destiny, suggesting that even the gods are not immune to the pain and sorrow caused by human conflict, reflecting the universal tragedy of war.