Consider Auden as a critic of W. B. Yeats in his poem on him.

Auden’s Poetic Style and Context

Auden’s poetry is characterized by its use of colloquial language, intricate rhyme schemes, and a blend of high and low cultural references. He often employed a detached, ironic tone, reflecting his skepticism towards grand narratives and romantic ideals. The context of the poem is crucial: 1939 marks the beginning of World War II, a period of immense political upheaval. This backdrop informs Auden’s questioning of the poet’s role and the relevance of art in a world facing existential threats.

Analyzing the Poem: A Critical Framework

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each contributing to Auden’s critical perspective. The opening stanza establishes a sense of normalcy disrupted by Yeats’s death, but immediately introduces a note of skepticism. The phrase “poetry makes nothing happen” is arguably the poem’s central thesis, directly challenging the Romantic notion of the poet as a transformative force. This is a direct critique of Yeats’s belief in the power of art to shape reality.

Stanza 1: The Powerlessness of Poetry

Auden’s assertion that “poetry makes nothing happen” is not a blanket dismissal of art, but a specific critique of Yeats’s aestheticism. Yeats often sought refuge in a world of myth and symbolism, distancing himself from the political realities of Ireland. Auden suggests that this detachment is ultimately ineffective, even irresponsible, in the face of historical events. The line “It keeps much more alive than we’d desire” hints at a discomfort with Yeats’s preservation of a bygone era.

Stanza 2: The Individual and History

The second stanza focuses on the individual’s relationship to history. Auden contrasts Yeats’s aristocratic background and detachment with the everyday struggles of ordinary people. The lines “For history only repeats itself / For those who fail to learn” suggest that Yeats’s focus on the past prevented him from engaging with the present and anticipating the future. This is a subtle accusation of intellectual and political myopia.

Stanza 3: The Role of the Poet

The third stanza delves deeper into the role of the poet. Auden acknowledges Yeats’s mastery of form and language, but argues that these skills are ultimately insufficient to address the fundamental problems of human existence. The image of the “broken vase” symbolizes the fragility of beauty and the inevitability of decay. Auden implies that Yeats’s pursuit of aesthetic perfection was a futile attempt to escape the harsh realities of life.

Stanza 4: Ambivalence and Legacy

The final stanza is the most complex and ambivalent. Auden acknowledges Yeats’s influence and celebrates his poetic achievements, but maintains a critical distance. The lines “He became his admirers’ dream” suggest that Yeats’s image had become more important than his actual work. The poem ends with a sense of uncertainty, leaving the reader to question the lasting significance of Yeats’s legacy. Auden doesn’t offer a simple condemnation, but a nuanced assessment of Yeats’s strengths and weaknesses.

Auden’s Critique: Specific Targets

• Yeats’s Aestheticism: Auden criticizes Yeats’s focus on beauty and form at the expense of social and political engagement.
• Yeats’s Romanticism: Auden rejects Yeats’s belief in the power of myth and symbolism to transform reality.
• Yeats’s Detachment: Auden questions Yeats’s aristocratic background and his distance from the everyday struggles of ordinary people.
• Yeats’s Historical Perspective: Auden suggests that Yeats’s preoccupation with the past prevented him from understanding the present.

Auden’s critique isn’t simply a rejection of Yeats; it’s a re-evaluation of the poet’s role in a changing world. He suggests that poetry must engage with the complexities of modern life, rather than retreating into a realm of idealized beauty.