Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Quest: The Third Temptation" is yet another sonnet in W.H. Auden's sequence "Quest," a series that symbolically explores human experience and moral dilemmas.

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 third temptation described in the poem is centered around an exploration of human nature, wisdom, and love. The speaker, in his contemplation, watches human behavior ("princes walk, what wives and children say") and delves into his own heart's history to understand the laws and philosophies that govern life and death.

The speaker comes to a harsh conclusion that all philosophies from the "arm-chair" are false and that love only adds to confusion. He even equates the "song of pity" with the "Devil's Waltz," perhaps indicating that he sees empathy and compassion as deceptive and dangerous.

Accepting this cynical view, the speaker gains success and becomes "king of all the creatures," yet is haunted by a nightmarish vision. He sees a figure with distorted features like his own, weeping and growing enormous, crying "Woe." This haunting image may represent his own distorted soul, a reflection of his inner turmoil and moral decay.

Theme: The theme of this sonnet is the temptation of cynicism and the rejection of love and compassion. By succumbing to this worldview, the speaker gains worldly success but loses his inner integrity and humanity. The nightmare image at the end serves as a warning of the spiritual desolation that can result from such a path.

The "third temptation" is a poignant commentary on the human tendency to become disillusioned and hardened by life's complexities. The desire to understand everything can lead to a rejection of the essential human qualities of love and compassion, resulting in a distorted and despairing self-image.

Conclusion

"Quest: The Third Temptation" continues the symbolic journey explored in Auden's "Quest" sequence, focusing on the challenge of maintaining empathy, love, and understanding in the face of life's difficulties and contradictions. The stark conclusion serves as a reminder that the path to true wisdom and humanity cannot be found in cynical rejection but must involve an embrace of the complexities and ambiguities of human existence.

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