Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Twelve Songs: 11" by W.H. Auden depicts a soldier's reflections on his circumstances, desires, and discontentment. Through concise and colloquial language, Auden brings to life a character filled with frustration, longing, and a sense of weary resignation. Below is a critical analysis of the poem.

Structure and Language

The poem is written in couplets. Each stanza consists of two lines, and the rhyme scheme follows an AA pattern throughout the poem. Its conversational tone reflects the common speech of a soldier, adding an authenticity to the character's voice and reinforces the themes of longing for ordinary comforts and expressing discontentment in a straightforward manner

Imagery and Tone

Auden employs stark and unromantic imagery to illustrate the soldier's environment. From the wet wind and lice to the hard grey stone, the description is bleak and unglamorous. The tone is one of dissatisfaction and longing, emphasized by the soldier's confusion about his situation and his longing for simple comforts like his girl and his pay.

Themes

Discontentment: The soldier's existence is filled with discomfort and dissatisfaction, conveyed through the physical annoyances like lice and a cold and emotional ones such as loneliness and jealousy.

Longing for the Ordinary

The soldier's desires are not grand; he wants his girl, his pay, and eventually, in his old age, to do nothing but "look at the sky." This longing for the mundane illustrates a universal yearning for normality and comfort, especially in the face of hardship.

Commentary on Religion and Desire: The mention of Piso, a Christian who worships a fish (an early Christian symbol), adds a layer of complexity to the poem. The soldier's dismissal of Piso's faith reflects a disdain for anything that interferes with human desires and pleasures, such as love and intimacy.

Emotional Impact; The poem's emotional resonance lies in its simplicity and authenticity. The soldier's voice feels real, and his longings and frustrations are palpable. The reader is likely to empathize with his situation, recognizing the universal feelings of longing and discontentment.

Conclusion

"Twelve Songs: 11" by W.H. Auden is a poignant portrayal of a soldier's mundane discomforts and desires. Through its straightforward language and vivid imagery, the poem captures a universal sense of longing for ordinary comforts and a life unburdened by hardship and uncertainty. The soldier's voice resonates as authentically human, filled with desires and disappointments that many can recognize in their own lives. The poem serves as a reminder that the longing for simplicity and contentment is often a universal pursuit, especially in the face of life's challenges and complexities.