'Lullaby' by W.H. Auden
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Lay your sleeping head, my love,
Human on my faithless arm;
Time and fevers burn away
Individual beauty from
Thoughtful children, and the grave
Proves the child ephemeral:
But in my arms till break of day
Let the living creature lie,
Mortal, guility, but to me
The entirely beautiful.
Soul and body have no bounds:
To lovers as they lie upon
Her tolerant enchanted slope
In their ordinary swoon,
Grave the vision Venus sends
Of supernatural sympathy,
Universal love and hope;
While abstract insight wakes
Among the glaciers and the rocks
The hermit's sensual ecstasy.
Certainty, fidelity
On the stroke of midnight pass
Like vibrations of a bell,
And fashionable madmen raise
Their pedantic boring cry:
Every farthing of the cost,
All the dreaded cards foretell,
Shall be paid, but from this night
Not a whisper, not a thought,
Not a kiss nor look be lost.
Beauty, midnight, vision dies:
Let the winds of dawn that blow
Softly round your dreaming head
Such a day of sweetness show
Eye and knocking heart may bless,
Find your mortal world enough;
Noons of dryness see you fed
By the involuntary powers,
Nights of insult let you pass
Watched by every human love.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lullaby by W.H. Auden: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you tired? Do you want to rest? If so, then let's delve into W.H. Auden's poem Lullaby together. This classic poem is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the themes of love, death, and sleep. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the meaning behind the words and the emotions that they evoke. So, let's get started!
Background Information
Lullaby is a poem written by W.H. Auden in 1940. Auden was a British poet who was known for his intellectual and philosophical poetry. His works often explored themes of love, society, and politics. Lullaby is one of his most popular poems and has been praised for its simplicity and beauty.
Analysis
Lullaby is a beautiful and calming poem that describes the peacefulness of sleep. The poem opens with the speaker telling his lover to rest, saying "Lay your sleeping head, my love, / Human on my faithless arm." The use of the word "faithless" here is interesting. It suggests that the speaker may not be entirely trustworthy, but that the lover can still find comfort in him. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with gentle imagery and soothing language.
The second stanza continues this theme of rest and relaxation, with the speaker describing a "moonlit door" and the "wind along the grass." These images are peaceful and calming, suggesting that the speaker wants his lover to feel safe and secure in his arms. The phrase "sleep, beloved, without fear" reinforces this idea, as it suggests that the lover can let go of any worries or anxieties and simply relax.
The third stanza takes a darker turn, with the speaker acknowledging the inevitability of death. He says "And death shall have no dominion," a line that has become famous in its own right. This phrase suggests that even in death, the speaker and his lover will remain connected. The use of the word "dominion" is interesting, as it suggests that death is something that can be conquered or overcome. This is a comforting thought, as it suggests that even in the face of death, love can survive.
The final stanza returns to the theme of rest and sleep, with the speaker telling his lover to "sleep on, / No stranger." This phrase suggests that the lover is not alone, and that the speaker will be there to watch over her. The final line of the poem, "Nor lose my love," reinforces this idea, suggesting that the speaker's love will endure even after death.
Overall, Lullaby is a beautiful poem that explores the themes of love, death, and sleep. The imagery is peaceful and calming, and the language is soothing. The poem suggests that even in the face of death, love can endure, and that rest and relaxation are important aspects of life.
Interpretation
One possible interpretation of Lullaby is that it is a poem about the power of love. The speaker's love for his lover is so strong that even in the face of death, it can endure. The poem suggests that love is a powerful force that can conquer even the most daunting of challenges.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is about the importance of rest and relaxation. The speaker wants his lover to feel safe and secure in his arms, and he encourages her to let go of any worries or anxieties and simply rest. The peaceful imagery and soothing language suggest that rest and relaxation are important aspects of life.
Finally, the poem may be interpreted as a meditation on mortality. The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death, but he suggests that even in death, love can endure. The phrase "death shall have no dominion" suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather something that can be conquered or overcome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lullaby is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of love, death, and sleep. The imagery is peaceful and calming, and the language is soothing. The poem suggests that even in the face of death, love can endure, and that rest and relaxation are important aspects of life. Whether you are tired or not, Lullaby is a poem that is sure to inspire and comfort you.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Lullaby by W.H. Auden: A Masterpiece of Poetic Craftsmanship
W.H. Auden is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his poem "Lullaby" is a shining example of his poetic genius. Written in 1937, the poem is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the themes of love, death, and the transience of life. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover, telling her to "lay your sleeping head, my love" on his arm. The use of the word "sleeping" immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting a sense of peace and tranquility. The speaker then goes on to describe the world outside, which is full of chaos and turmoil. He speaks of "the midnight graces/ The flickering lanterns of the seas/ The jasmines, the sweet jasmines" which allude to the beauty and fragility of life.
The second stanza of the poem is where the theme of death is introduced. The speaker tells his lover that "the stars are not wanted now; put out every one" suggesting that the world is coming to an end. He then goes on to say that "Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun" which is a metaphor for the end of the world. The use of these metaphors is a powerful way of conveying the idea of death and the transience of life.
The third stanza of the poem is where the theme of love is introduced. The speaker tells his lover that "pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood" but that he will still love her. This is a powerful statement, suggesting that even in the face of death and the end of the world, love will endure. The use of the word "pour" is interesting, as it suggests a sense of pouring out one's emotions, which is a common theme in Auden's poetry.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the structure of the poem becomes apparent. The poem is written in a villanelle form, which is a highly structured form of poetry that consists of five tercets and a quatrain. The first and third lines of the first tercet are repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of repetition and rhythm. The use of this form is a testament to Auden's skill as a poet, as it is a difficult form to master.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker addresses his lover directly, telling her to "sleep on" and that he will be there to protect her. The use of the word "sleep" is interesting, as it suggests a sense of peace and tranquility. The speaker then goes on to say that "I have loved none but you" which is a powerful statement of love and devotion.
In terms of literary devices, the poem is full of them. The use of metaphors, as mentioned earlier, is a powerful way of conveying the themes of the poem. The use of repetition, as seen in the villanelle form, creates a sense of rhythm and structure. The use of imagery, such as "the flickering lanterns of the seas" and "the sweet jasmines" creates a sense of beauty and fragility.
In conclusion, "Lullaby" by W.H. Auden is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship. The poem explores the themes of love, death, and the transience of life in a powerful and poignant way. The use of metaphors, repetition, and imagery creates a sense of beauty and fragility that is both haunting and beautiful. The villanelle form is a testament to Auden's skill as a poet, and the poem is a shining example of his poetic genius.
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