'The Fall Of Rome' by W.H. Auden


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The piers are pummelled by the waves;
In a lonely field the rain
Lashes and abandoned train;
Outlaws fill the mountain caves.

Fantastic grow the evening gowns;
Agenst of the Fisc pursue
Absconding tax-defaulters through
The sewers of provincial towns.

Private rites of magic send
The temple prostitutes to sleep;
All the literati keep
An imaginary friend.

Cerebrotonic Cato may
Extol the Ancient Disciplines,
But the muscle-bound Marines
Mutiny for food and pay.

Caesar's double-bed is warm
As an unimportatnt clerk
Writes I DO NOT LIKE MY WORK
On a pink official form.

Unendowed with wealth or pity
Little birds with scalet legs,
Sitting on their speckled eggs,
Eye each flu-infected city.

Altogether elsewhere, vast
Herds of reindeer move across
Miles and miles of golden moss,
Silently and very fast.


Submitted by shadowfax

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Fall of Rome by W.H. Auden: A Powerful Medley of History, Mythology, and Philosophy

As literary critics and interpreters, we often find ourselves grappling with difficult texts that challenge our understanding, test our patience, and sometimes make us question the very nature of literature and its role in society. But every once in a while, we come across a work that not only speaks to us on a personal level but also transcends time, space, and genre to become a universal masterpiece that touches the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. Such a work is "The Fall of Rome" by W.H. Auden, a poem that blends history, mythology, and philosophy into a powerful medley of themes and images that resonate with our deepest fears, hopes, and aspirations.

At its core, "The Fall of Rome" is a reflection on the decline and fall of civilizations and the human condition that lies behind it. Drawing on the classic trope of the rise and fall of empires, Auden weaves a complex tapestry of narratives, characters, and symbols that capture the essence of a world in transition, from the glories and triumphs of Rome to the ruins and chaos of the modern era. But more than a mere chronicle of events, the poem is a philosophical inquiry into the nature of power, fate, and human agency, and a moral critique of the values and beliefs that underlie the rise and fall of civilizations.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of a wide range of sources and allusions, from classical literature and history to Christian theology and contemporary politics. Auden's erudition and imagination are on full display as he skillfully blends these diverse elements into a coherent and compelling narrative that invites us to explore the intersections between myth and history, reason and faith, and tradition and innovation. Whether he is invoking the names of legendary heroes and gods, describing the grandeur and decadence of ancient Rome, or analyzing the psychological and social factors that contribute to the decline and fall of empires, Auden shows a remarkable ability to synthesize disparate ideas and perspectives into a unified vision that transcends time and space.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of a variety of poetic devices and forms, from rhyme and meter to alliteration and imagery. Auden's mastery of these elements not only adds to the beauty and musicality of the poem but also enhances its meaning and impact. For example, the use of rhymed couplets in the first stanza gives a sense of order and stability that contrasts with the chaos and violence of the subsequent stanzas. Similarly, the use of repetition and alliteration in lines like "the dearth of men, the lack of food, and yet the skies are blue" creates a sense of urgency and desperation that reflects the plight of a civilization in crisis.

But perhaps the most striking feature of the poem is its timeless relevance and universal appeal. Despite being written in the 20th century, the poem speaks to us as if it were written yesterday, warning us of the dangers of complacency, decadence, and moral decay that threaten every civilization, including our own. Whether we look at the rise of China, the decline of the West, the challenges of climate change, or the threats of terrorism and nuclear war, we cannot help but see echoes of the themes and images that Auden explores in his poem. Moreover, the poem speaks to us as human beings, reminding us of our mortality, our struggles, our hopes, and our fears, and inviting us to reflect on the meaning and purpose of our existence.

In conclusion, "The Fall of Rome" by W.H. Auden is a masterpiece of literature that combines history, mythology, and philosophy into a powerful medley of themes and images that speak to us on a personal and universal level. Through his erudition, imagination, and poetic skill, Auden captures the essence of a world in transition, from the glories and triumphs of Rome to the ruins and chaos of the modern era, and invites us to reflect on the nature of power, fate, and human agency. Whether we read the poem as an allegory, a critique, or a warning, we cannot help but be moved by its timeless relevance and universal appeal, and by the beauty and power of its language and imagery.

Auden's The Fall of Rome is a rare gem that has stood the test of time and speaks to us with an urgency and relevance that few works of literature can match. It is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the human condition and the forces that shape our destiny.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Fall of Rome: A Poetic Masterpiece by W.H. Auden

W.H. Auden’s “The Fall of Rome” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in 1948, the poem is a reflection on the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, and the parallels that can be drawn to the modern world. Auden’s use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his skill as a poet.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the fall of Rome. The first part, titled “The Age of Anxiety,” sets the stage for the rest of the poem. Auden describes a world in which people are lost and confused, searching for meaning in a world that seems to have lost its way. He writes:

“Waves of anger and fear Circulate over the bright And darkened lands of the earth, Obsessing our private lives; The unmentionable odour of death Offends the September night.”

These lines capture the sense of unease and uncertainty that pervades the world. The “waves of anger and fear” suggest a world in turmoil, while the “unmentionable odour of death” hints at the violence and destruction that are to come.

The second part of the poem, titled “The Age of Iron,” explores the decline of Rome itself. Auden describes a world in which the values that once held society together have been eroded, and people are left to fend for themselves. He writes:

“The piers are pummelled by the waves; In a lonely field the rain Lashes an abandoned train; Outlaws fill the mountain caves.”

These lines paint a picture of a world in chaos. The “lonely field” and “abandoned train” suggest a world in which infrastructure has collapsed, while the “outlaws” suggest a breakdown in law and order. The image of the “pummelled” piers suggests a world in which even the most solid structures are being eroded.

The final part of the poem, titled “The Age of Bronze,” explores the aftermath of Rome’s fall. Auden describes a world in which the remnants of Rome are scattered and forgotten, and new civilizations rise in its place. He writes:

“The Catholic Church Sighs over humanity, And sighs again. The saviours and the saints Lift up their dripping face: Christ, what are we to do With this outrageous face, These feeble hands and this always Failing heart?”

These lines capture the sense of loss and confusion that follows the fall of a great civilization. The “saviours and the saints” suggest a world in which people are searching for meaning and purpose, while the “feeble hands” and “failing heart” suggest a world in which people are struggling to rebuild.

Overall, “The Fall of Rome” is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the human condition. Auden’s use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his skill as a poet. The poem is a reminder that civilizations rise and fall, but the human spirit endures.

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