Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | ||||||||
Poem Analysis: The Birds and Valleys: The poem begins by describing birds in the valleys, who flutter around without concern. They may represent innocence or the natural, untouched aspects of life. The Careless and Seeming Kindness: The birds are described as being drawn to "the careless" and trained to snare by seeming kindness. This could be a metaphor for innocence drawn to something dangerous or deceptive, possibly an allegory for people being lured into traps through apparent gentleness or charm. The Masked Hill and Fleeting Flight: The imagery here is mysterious and enchanting. The "masked hill" could signify hidden dangers or underlying truths, while the birds' "fleeter" flight might suggest a deceptive appearance or fleeting beauty. Fowlers and the Ambush: The fowlers are compared to foxes, cunning and predatory. They lie in wait for the unsuspecting birds. This can be seen as a comment on the predatory nature of humans or society, where innocence can be easily preyed upon. The Kill and Loss of Love: The poem concludes with the shooting of the "real unlucky dove," a symbol of peace and love, falling away from brightness. This could signify a loss of innocence or the destructive force that underlies even the most beautiful and serene scenes. The separation of love from living suggests a tragic detachment or disillusionment. Overall Themes: The poem seems to comment on the fragility of innocence and the lurking dangers that can be hidden beneath seemingly calm and beautiful exteriors. It might also be interpreted as a broader metaphor for human relationships, where trust can be exploited, and love can be lost. Auden's Style: Auden's choice of language is both lyrical and precise, painting a vivid picture while also leaving much to interpretation. The use of nature as a metaphor for human experience is a common theme in his work, and in "Decoys" he employs this to great effect. "Decoys" invites multiple interpretations and can be seen as a meditation on human vulnerability, the potential for deception in relationships, or a broader existential reflection on the juxtaposition of beauty and cruelty in the world. Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NIGHTFALL (1) by WYSTAN HUGH AUDEN ALONE (1) by WYSTAN HUGH AUDEN BACH AND THE LADY by WYSTAN HUGH AUDEN BETWEEN ADVENTURE by WYSTAN HUGH AUDEN WHO'S WHO by WYSTAN HUGH AUDEN |
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