Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Door" by W.H. Auden, a part of the "Quest" sonnet sequence, presents a meditation on the symbolic and literal meanings of a door, exploring themes of opportunity, exclusion, transformation, and mystery. Here is an analysis of the poem:

Structure

Although the poem doesn't follow the traditional rhyme schemes of a Shakespearean or Petrarchan sonnet, which often abide by specific rhyming patterns, with its 14 lines, it certainly fits the basic structural requirement of a sonnet. The sonnet form gives the poem a compact and formal structure, creating a sense of balance and unity. This controlled structure contrasts with the enigmatic content, creating a tension that echoes the door's dual role as both barrier and entry point.

Symbolism

The door symbolizes both access and barrier. It represents possibilities and new experiences but also serves as an obstacle, separating the known from the unknown, the inside from the outside. Auden portrays the door as a gateway to both wonders and dangers, contrasting the idea of "a wonderland" with the image of executioners, enigmas, and "The foaming inundation at a roar."

Themes

Opportunity and Exclusion

The door stands as a threshold between different states of existence or consciousness. Its opening may reveal a world of opportunities and wonders, as illustrated by the reference to "Enormous Alice," an allusion to Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." However, it can also shut people out, as evidenced by the lines describing "Great persons" who eye it warily or the widow with a missionary grin.

Life and Death

The door symbolizes the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. The lines "We pile our all against it when afraid, / And beat upon its panels when we die" reveal how the door is a constant presence in human lives, representing both security and an ultimate barrier that cannot be overcome.

Power and Authority

There's a hint of social commentary in the mention of "Her Majesty in a bad temper," possibly reflecting on the societal structures and those in power. The door's control over access might be read as a metaphor for the way power is distributed and wielded in society, determining who may enter and who must remain outside.

Conclusion

"DOOR" by W.H. Auden is a rich and complex poem that utilizes the symbol of a door to explore various facets of human existence. Its sonnet form contains an exploration of the dual nature of the door as both a gateway to possibility and an impassable barrier. The poem resonates with universal human experiences and anxieties and invites readers to reflect on the thresholds they encounter in their own lives.

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