Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Our Bias" by W.H. Auden explores the complex relationship between humanity and time, contrasting the instinctive nature of the non-human world with the often convoluted and self-conscious way humans approach life.

Themes and Motifs

Time and Nature

Time is personified and set against natural images like the lion's paw and the rose. The lion's leap and the assurance of the rose are depicted as unaffected by the passage of time, symbolizing an innate wisdom in nature that goes beyond human understanding.

Human Complexity and Error

The title, "Our Bias," hints at the central theme of human imperfection and self-imposed complexity. The reference to choosing words by their sound and judging a problem by its awkwardness illustrates human tendency to complicate matters, possibly to our detriment.

Directness vs. Circumlocution

The poem contrasts the straightforward behavior of the lion and the rose with human preference for "some going round" instead of direct action. This comparison suggests a criticism of human indecision or evasion.

Imagery and Symbols

The Hour-Glass and the Lion's Paw: The hour-glass symbolizes the relentless passing of time, while the lion's paw represents natural strength and instinct. The image captures a conversation between artificial human construct (time) and the organic natural world.

The Rose: The rose, with its assurance, is a symbol of beauty and simplicity. It stands as a metaphor for the uncomplicated wisdom of nature, which doesn't waver in the face of time's passage.

Structure and Tone

The poem consists of two quatrains followed by a sestet. The quatrains establish the contrast between time's judgment and nature's indifference, while the sestet delves into human complexity.

The tone is reflective and somewhat critical, highlighting human folly without descending into outright condemnation. There's an implied encouragement for readers to perhaps learn from the natural world's uncomplicated approach.

Conclusion

"Our Bias" is a thoughtful meditation on the complexities of human behavior as contrasted with the more straightforward instincts of the natural world. By using rich imagery and sharp contrast, Auden paints a picture of human life that is often unnecessarily complicated, urging a reflection on what might be gained by a simpler, more direct approach. It's a contemplation on the artificial constructs that guide human decisions and the inherent wisdom found in nature that doesn't overthink or overcomplicate its existence. The poem invites the reader to consider the virtues of simplicity and directness and the true value of always being "right."

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