'Like A Vocation' by W.H. Auden
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Not as that dream Napoleon, rumour's dread and centre,
Before who's riding all the crowds divide,
Who dedicates a column and withdraws,
Nor as that general favourite and breezy visitor
To whom the weather and the ruins mean so much,
Nor as any of those who always will be welcome,
As luck or history or fun,
Do not enter like that: all these depart.
Claim, certainly, the stranger's right to pleasure:
Ambassadors will surely entertain you
With knowledge of operas and men,
Bankers will ask for your opinion
And the heiress' cheek lean ever so slightly towards you,
The mountains and the shopkeepers accept you
And all your walks be free.
But politeness and freedom are never enough,
Not for a life. They lead
Up to a bed that only looks like marriage;
Even the disciplined and distant admiration
For thousands who obviously want nothing
Becomes just a dowdy illness. These have their moderate success;
They exist in the vanishing hour.
But somewhere always, nowhere particularly unusual,
Almost anywhere in the landscape of water and houses,
His crying competing unsuccessfully with the cry
Of the traffic or the birds, is always standing
The one who needs you, that terrified
Imaginative child who only knows you
As what the uncles call a lie,
But knows he has to be the future and that only
The meek inherit the earth, and is neither
Charming, successful, nor a crowd;
Alone among the noise and policies of summer,
His weeping climbs towards your life like a vocation.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Like a Vocation by W.H. Auden
Oh, when I was in love with you,
Then I was clean and brave,
And miles around the wonder grew
How well did I behave.
And now the fancy passes by,
And nothing will remain,
And miles around they'll say that I
Am quite myself again.
These lines are from the poem "Like a Vocation" written by W.H. Auden. The poem is a short and simple one with only four stanzas. However, as is the case with all great works of literature, the simplicity of the poem belies the depth of meaning that lies within it.
The Theme of Love
The theme of love is a timeless one that has been explored by poets and writers for centuries. In "Like a Vocation", Auden explores the idea of how love can change a person, and how losing that love can cause a person to lose their sense of self. The poem is written from the perspective of someone who has lost their love, and is now wondering if they will ever be able to regain the sense of self that they had when they were in love.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The speaker is reminiscing about a time when they were in love with someone, and how that love made them feel "clean and brave". The use of the word "clean" here is interesting, as it suggests that the speaker felt as though they had been purified by their love for this person. The word "brave" also has connotations of strength and courage, which further emphasizes the transformative power of love.
The Loss of Love
The second stanza of the poem marks a shift in tone. The speaker acknowledges that their love for this person is now just a "fancy" that has passed by. They also acknowledge that nothing will remain of their love, and that they will be "quite myself again". The use of the word "myself" here is important, as it suggests that the speaker has lost a part of themselves now that their love is gone.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker acknowledges that the people around them will notice that they have changed now that they are no longer in love. The use of the phrase "miles around" suggests that the speaker is not just talking about their immediate circle of friends and family, but rather the entire community. The fact that the people around them will notice that they have changed further emphasizes the transformative power of love, and how losing that love can cause a person to lose their sense of self.
The Final Stanza
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of love itself. The speaker acknowledges that love, like a vocation, is something that one must commit to fully in order to experience its transformative power. The use of the word "vocation" here is interesting, as it suggests that love is something that one must be called to, rather than simply stumbling upon it.
Overall, "Like a Vocation" is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the transformative power of love. Auden's use of language is simple yet effective, and the poem is able to convey a deep sense of emotion despite its brevity. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love, and a reminder that losing that love can cause a person to lose their sense of self.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Like A Vocation: A Masterpiece of W.H. Auden
W.H. Auden is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his poem "Like A Vocation" is a masterpiece that showcases his exceptional talent. The poem is a reflection on the nature of love and the human condition, and it is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
Themes
The central theme of "Like A Vocation" is love and its transformative power. The poem explores the idea that love is not just a feeling but a vocation, a calling that demands commitment and sacrifice. The speaker compares love to a religious vocation, suggesting that it requires the same level of devotion and dedication as a religious calling. The poem also explores the idea that love is a transformative force that can change people's lives and bring them closer to the divine.
Another important theme in the poem is the human condition. The speaker reflects on the fragility of human relationships and the inevitability of loss and separation. He acknowledges that love is not always easy and that it can be painful and difficult. However, he also suggests that the rewards of love are worth the risks and that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Structure
"Like A Vocation" is a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry that consists of 14 lines. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern that consists of five stressed syllables followed by five unstressed syllables. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is typical of a Shakespearean sonnet.
The poem is divided into two parts. The first part, which consists of the first eight lines, presents the central metaphor of the poem: love as a vocation. The speaker compares love to a religious calling, suggesting that it requires the same level of commitment and sacrifice. He also acknowledges the difficulties of love, suggesting that it can be painful and that it requires courage and faith.
The second part of the poem, which consists of the final six lines, explores the transformative power of love. The speaker suggests that love can change people's lives and bring them closer to the divine. He also acknowledges the inevitability of loss and separation, suggesting that love is not always easy but that it is worth the risks.
Language
The language of "Like A Vocation" is rich and complex, reflecting the depth and complexity of the poem's themes. The poem is full of metaphors and imagery, which help to convey the speaker's ideas and emotions.
One of the most striking metaphors in the poem is the comparison of love to a religious vocation. This metaphor is developed throughout the poem, with the speaker using religious language and imagery to describe the nature of love. For example, he describes love as a "pilgrimage" and a "quest," suggesting that it is a journey that requires faith and devotion.
The poem is also full of vivid imagery, which helps to bring the speaker's ideas to life. For example, he describes love as a "wilderness" and a "desert," suggesting that it can be a lonely and difficult journey. He also uses the image of a "flame" to describe the intensity of love, suggesting that it is a powerful and transformative force.
Conclusion
"Like A Vocation" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases W.H. Auden's exceptional talent. The poem is a powerful exploration of the nature of love and the human condition, and it is full of rich and complex language and imagery. The central metaphor of the poem, love as a vocation, is developed throughout the poem, with the speaker using religious language and imagery to describe the transformative power of love. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and its ability to change people's lives.
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