Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Quest: The Average" by W.H. Auden is part of his "Quest" sonnet sequence and explores the themes of societal and familial expectations, identity, and the struggle between the ordinary and the exceptional.

Analysis

Form and Structure: Following the consistent pattern of the "Quest" sequence, this poem is constructed in sonnet form with 14 lines. However, the rhyme scheme is more irregular, not adhering strictly to the typical Petrarchan or Shakespearean sonnet patterns.

Content: The poem introduces the protagonist, a young man pushed by his hard-working peasant parents to seek a life beyond their modest means. Their expectation and pressure drive him to aspire for a career that would make him wealthy and impressive.

He is depicted as trapped by these expectations, believing that only a heroic career would be worthy of his parents' love and sacrifice. The desire to be extraordinary takes him to the desert, a hundred miles from any town, symbolizing the isolation and difficulty of his chosen path.

The imagery of the desert's glare and the roaring silence highlight the harshness and inhospitality of his journey. It's an unforgiving environment that reflects his internal conflict. The climax of the poem is in the closing lines, where he sees the shadow of an "Average Man" attempting something exceptional, realizes his folly, and runs away.

Theme: The poem's primary theme is the tension between societal expectations and individual identity. The protagonist's struggle reflects a universal experience: the pressure to conform to others' expectations, the desire to be exceptional, and the realization of one's true self. It's a cautionary tale that warns against the danger of losing oneself in others' dreams and the importance of recognizing one's own limitations and identity.

Additionally, the poem touches on the pressure exerted by parents on their children, the conflict between rural and urban values, and the difference between shallow ambition and genuine fulfillment.

Conclusion

"Quest: The Average" by W.H. Auden is a poignant exploration of human struggle, ambition, and identity. Through the journey of its protagonist, the poem sheds light on universal human experiences, reflecting on the push and pull between societal expectations and personal truths. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and the courage to accept one's own nature. Like other sonnets in the "Quest" series, it provides an insightful and evocative commentary on human nature and our complex relationship with ourselves and our world.

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