Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Aubade (in memoriam Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy)" by W.H. Auden is a philosophical and contemplative poem that explores profound themes of existence, identity, time, and humanity. An aubade is a morning love song or a song or poem about lovers separating at dawn, but Auden takes this form to a deeper, metaphysical level.

Key Elements:

Waking and Existence: The poem begins with the speaker's awakening from sleep, a transition that symbolizes a return to consciousness and the complexities of human existence. This is not just a physical awakening but a philosophical one, alluding to a deeper awareness of self and reality.

Augustinian Echo: The reference to Augustine echoes his philosophical explorations of knowing and willing, existence, and the nature of the self. It underscores a sense of conscious existence, where the speaker recognizes their ability to think, act, and experience.

Directions and Perspectives: The mention of facing "in four directions" emphasizes a multi-dimensional view of reality, encompassing both spatial and temporal dimensions. The speaker looks outward and inward, backward and forward, reflecting an expansive perspective on existence.

Personification and Gender: The lack of "Neuter Gender" and the personification of flowers, trees, and stones reveal a world imbued with life and identity. There's a sense of unity and connection between all living things.

Love and Management: The contrast between loving and managing things shows a tension between the humane, empathetic understanding of the world and the utilitarian need to control and manipulate it.

Conversation with Self: The inner dialogue, characterized by "I," "Me," "Thou," and "We," symbolizes an introspective journey. This internal council represents a meeting of different facets of the self, reflecting the complexity of human identity.

Time and Duty: The treatment of time as a "City" where each person has a unique political duty underscores the idea of collective responsibility. The imperative to choose and to tell truthful tales emphasizes the ethical dimension of human existence.

Mortality and Wisdom: The motto "Listen, Mortals, Lest Ye Die" is a sobering reminder of mortality and the wisdom needed to navigate the intricacies of life.

In Memoriam: The subtitle, "in memoriam Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy," honors the German social philosopher, suggesting that the poem may be engaging with his ideas.

Overall, Auden's "Aubade" is a deeply reflective and intellectual poem that explores a wide range of philosophical and existential themes. It weaves together personal reflection and universal insight, presenting a multi-dimensional view of human existence and our relationship with the world around us. The language is dense and thought-provoking, demanding careful consideration and offering rich rewards for those who delve into its complexities.

*NOTE: Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy (1888-1973) was a German historian and social philosopher. His work encompassed a wide range of topics, including history, law, sociology, theology, and speech thinking. He is known for his interdisciplinary approach and innovative theories that sought to understand the dynamics of society, history, and human communication.

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