Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | ||||||||
"In Memory of W.H. Auden" is a poem by Gerald Stern that was first published in his collection "American Sonnets" in 2002. The poem is a tribute to the English poet W.H. Auden, who was a major influence on Stern's own work. Explanation: The poem is a meditation on the life and work of W.H. Auden. The speaker reflects on Auden's intellectual and artistic legacy, as well as the profound impact that his poetry had on the world. The poem also explores the ways in which Auden's work touched on universal themes and emotions, and how it served as a source of inspiration for the speaker. Poetic Elements:
Conclusion: "In Memory of W.H. Auden" is a deeply personal and reflective poem that pays tribute to a major figure in 20th-century poetry. The poem's use of vivid imagery and allusion creates a sense of connection between the speaker, Auden, and the wider world of poetry, while its underlying themes of legacy and inspiration underscore the emotional impact of Auden's work. Poem Snippet:
"But it was the music of the mind I heard, and what I loved was not the man but what he said." COMPARISON WITH “IN MEMORY OF W.H. AUDEN” by William Matthews:: Similarities:
Differences:
Another notable difference is the use of form. Matthews's poem is written in free verse, while Stern's poem is a sonnet, with a more structured rhyme scheme and meter. This difference in form reflects the different approaches that the two poets take in their exploration of Auden's work. Poem Snippets: Here are the poem snippets of each poem for comparison: Matthews: "I had a map of life, as plain as noon, unfolded on my bed. Nightly, from books like Auden's, all the terrors fled my head." Stern: "But it was the music of the mind I heard, and what I loved was not the man but what he said."
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