'The More Loving One' by W.H. Auden
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Looking up at the stars, I know quite well
That, for all they care, I can go to hell,
But on earth indifference is the least
We have to dread from man or beast.
How should we like it were stars to burn
With a passion for us we could not return?
If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.
Admirer as I think I am
Of stars that do not give a damn,
I cannot, now I see them, say
I missed one terribly all day.
Were all stars to disappear or die,
I should learn to look at an empty sky
And feel its total dark sublime,
Though this might take me a little time.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The More Loving One
W.H. Auden's "The More Loving One" is a poem that explores the relationship between love and knowledge, and the conflict that arises when one is forced to choose between them. The poem is a reflection on the nature of love, and the emotional turmoil that one experiences when one's love is not reciprocated.
Background
W.H. Auden was a British poet who lived from 1907 to 1973. He was known for his socially conscious poetry, his use of irony, and his ability to infuse his poetry with a sense of moral purpose. He was also known for his exploration of themes such as love, death, and the meaning of life. "The More Loving One" is one of his most famous poems and was first published in 1957.
Analysis
The poem is a sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The first eight lines establish the conflict between love and knowledge, while the last six lines explore the emotional consequences of this conflict.
The poem begins with the speaker stating that he is "the more loving one," and he goes on to describe how he has been "constantly" looking up at the stars and "wishing" for a response. He then contrasts his own love with the "cold" and "distant" love of the stars, which "do not care if we live or die."
The speaker then acknowledges the irony of his situation, as he is "less deceived" than those who "have been wooed by [the stars'] light." He is aware that his love for the stars is irrational, but he cannot help himself. The speaker then states that he would rather be the one who loves more, even though he knows that this will lead to his own emotional pain.
In the next eight lines, the speaker explores the emotional consequences of his love. He describes how he has "cried" and "bled" for the stars, and how his love has caused him to feel "foolish" and "deceived." He acknowledges that his love for the stars has made him "less happy" and "less wise," but he still cannot help himself.
The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that his love for the stars may never be reciprocated, but he still loves them anyway. He concludes that even though he may never receive love in return, he would rather be the one who loves more, as this is a more noble and rewarding way to live.
Interpretation
"The More Loving One" is a poem that explores the relationship between love and knowledge, and the emotional turmoil that arises when one's love is not reciprocated. The poem is a reflection on the nature of love, and the different ways in which people experience it.
At its core, the poem is about the conflict between the heart and the mind. The speaker is torn between his love for the stars and his knowledge that they are "cold" and "distant." He knows that his love for the stars is irrational, but he cannot help himself. He would rather be the one who loves more, even though this will lead to his own emotional pain.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of unrequited love. The speaker's love for the stars is unrequited, and he acknowledges that he may never receive love in return. However, he still loves them anyway. This can be seen as a commentary on the resilience of the human spirit, and our ability to love even when we know that our love may never be reciprocated.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of love itself. The speaker's love for the stars is pure and selfless, and he would rather be the one who loves more, even though this will lead to his own emotional pain. This can be seen as a commentary on the power of love to transform us, and the way in which it can bring out the best in us.
Conclusion
Overall, "The More Loving One" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the relationship between love and knowledge, and the emotional turmoil that arises when one's love is not reciprocated. It is a reflection on the nature of love, and the different ways in which people experience it. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and our ability to love even when we know that our love may never be reciprocated.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The More Loving One: A Poem of Cosmic Significance
W.H. Auden's poem "The More Loving One" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, exploring the human condition in relation to the vastness of the universe. The poem is a meditation on the nature of love, the meaning of life, and the role of humanity in the cosmos. It is a work of great depth and complexity, and it rewards careful analysis and reflection.
The poem begins with a paradox: "Looking up at the stars, I know quite well / That, for all they care, I can go to hell." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of cosmic indifference. The speaker is acutely aware of his own insignificance in the face of the vastness of the universe, and he is forced to confront the fact that his own desires and aspirations are ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of love, which is the central concern of the poem. The speaker describes himself as "the less deceived," suggesting that he is aware of the limitations of love and the inevitability of its disappointment. He acknowledges that love is a "lonely and unfulfilling" pursuit, but he also recognizes that it is a necessary part of the human experience.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the "more loving one," who is able to love without reservation or expectation of reciprocation. The speaker describes this person as "the starry dynamo in the machinery of night," suggesting that he or she is a source of light and energy in the darkness of the universe. This person is able to love without fear or hesitation, and is therefore able to transcend the limitations of the human condition.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a meditation on the nature of love and its relationship to the universe. The speaker suggests that love is a force that transcends the physical world, and that it is capable of reaching beyond the boundaries of time and space. He describes love as a "wave that lifts us on its crest / To sail the infinite sea of bliss." This image suggests that love is a transformative force that can transport us beyond the limitations of our own existence.
The fifth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the speaker's own limitations as a lover. He acknowledges that he is not capable of loving without reservation, and that he is "the less loving one." He recognizes that he is unable to transcend his own ego and his own desires, and that he is therefore limited in his capacity to love.
The final stanza of the poem is a meditation on the relationship between humanity and the universe. The speaker suggests that humanity is a "lonely impulse of delight" in the vastness of the cosmos, and that our existence is ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things. However, he also suggests that our capacity for love is what gives our existence meaning and purpose. He concludes the poem with the lines: "We are here on earth to love, to be loved, / And to be the more loving one."
In conclusion, "The More Loving One" is a poem of great depth and complexity, exploring the nature of love and the role of humanity in the cosmos. The poem is characterized by a sense of cosmic indifference, but it ultimately affirms the importance of love as a transformative force that transcends the limitations of the human condition. The poem rewards careful analysis and reflection, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to explore the deepest questions of human existence.
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