Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Novelist" by W.H. Auden is a relatively brief but resonant poem that examines the role and responsibilities of the novelist.

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.

Themes

The Role of the Artist: Auden contrasts poets with novelists, suggesting that while poets can captivate with their talents and individuality, novelists must immerse themselves in the common experiences of life.

The Burden of Commonality: The novelist is portrayed as needing to embrace the mundane and the ordinary, to understand and depict the universal human experience.

The Challenge of Empathy: The poet emphasizes the necessity of empathy for a novelist, who must identify with all aspects of human life, both the virtuous and the corrupt, in order to truly capture the human condition.

Imagery and Symbolism

Talent as a Uniform: The metaphor of talent being like a uniform encapsulates the idea that skill or natural ability can be both an identity and a confinement. For poets, it may dazzle, but for the novelist, it must be transcended to reach deeper truths.

Thunderstorm: The thunderstorm symbolizes the power and passion that poets can command, contrasting with the more humble path of the novelist.

Hussars: The reference to hussars (a type of light cavalry) emphasizes the dash and boldness of poets, as opposed to the struggle and plainness required of the novelist.

Language and Style

The language of the poem is plain and unadorned, mirroring the qualities that Auden ascribes to the novelist. The diction is straightforward, and the tone is contemplative, providing a sober reflection on the craft of the novelist.

Conclusion

"Novelist" by W.H. Auden is a thoughtful meditation on the nature of novelistic craft, contrasting the roles of poets and novelists. While poets may dazzle and inspire, Auden posits that novelists must delve into the ordinary, embrace awkwardness, and engage with the full spectrum of human experience. It is a poem that acknowledges the quiet power and profound empathy required to tell the stories of everyday life. It's an interesting perspective that reveals much about Auden's understanding of literature and the distinct roles different types of writers play in reflecting and shaping human understanding.

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