Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
W.H. Auden’s “The Shield of Achilles,” published in 1955, is a powerful and unsettling poem that reimagines the forging of Achilles’ shield as described in Homer’s *Iliad*. While Homer’s shield embodies heroic ideals and a vibrant, ordered cosmos, Auden’s shield reflects a desolate, totalitarian landscape devoid of hope and human connection. The poem isn’t merely a retelling; it’s a stark critique of the contemporary culture of the mid-20th century, grappling with the aftermath of World War II and the looming threat of the Cold War. Auden uses the mythic framework to expose the anxieties and disillusionment of a world increasingly dominated by impersonal forces and the erosion of traditional morality.
The Traditional Shield and its Significance
In Homer’s *Iliad*, the forging of Achilles’ shield by Hephaestus is a celebration of craftsmanship, order, and the values of heroic society. The shield depicts scenes of peace, prosperity, and justice – a microcosm of the ideal world. It represents divine protection and embodies the virtues Achilles is expected to uphold. This traditional context is crucial for understanding the impact of Auden’s subversion.
Auden’s Subversion: A Landscape of Despair
Auden’s poem begins with the expectation of a similar celebratory scene, but quickly descends into a chilling depiction of a barren wasteland. The landscape is characterized by:
- A lack of natural beauty: Instead of rivers and fields, there’s a “plain” devoid of vegetation, a “crack in the bone” of the earth.
- A sterile, geometric order: The landscape is dominated by “grey, featureless” plains and a “forced march” of men, suggesting a rigid, oppressive system.
- The absence of heroism: There are no scenes of heroic combat or joyful celebration, only a bleak procession of suffering and conformity.
This deliberate contrast highlights Auden’s critique of a world where traditional values have been replaced by a cold, impersonal order.
The Figures on the Shield: Symbols of Dehumanization
The figures depicted on the shield are equally disturbing. They represent the dehumanizing forces of modern society:
- The Three Stooges: Their presence, initially appearing comical, symbolizes the absurdity and triviality that distract from genuine suffering. They represent a culture obsessed with entertainment and escapism.
- The barbed wire and the crowd: This imagery evokes the horrors of concentration camps and the loss of individual freedom. It’s a direct reference to the totalitarian regimes of the time, particularly Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia.
- The faceless crowd: The “hundreds of mouths” waiting to be fed represent the masses reduced to a state of passive dependence, stripped of their individuality and agency.
These figures are not symbols of strength or virtue, but of vulnerability, oppression, and the loss of human dignity.
Critique of Contemporary Culture: Totalitarianism and Bureaucracy
Auden’s poem is a multifaceted critique of contemporary culture. It can be interpreted as:
- A condemnation of totalitarianism: The bleak landscape and oppressive imagery directly reflect the horrors of totalitarian regimes and the suppression of individual freedom.
- A critique of bureaucratic indifference: The impersonal nature of the landscape and the faceless crowd suggest a society where individuals are reduced to numbers and treated with indifference by a cold, bureaucratic system.
- A lament for the loss of traditional values: The absence of heroic ideals and the prevalence of suffering and conformity suggest a world where traditional values have been eroded and replaced by a sense of meaninglessness.
The Role of the Mother and Achilles
The mother’s expectation of a shield depicting a heroic world contrasts sharply with the reality presented. Achilles’ reaction – a “coldness” spreading through his limbs – signifies his acceptance of this bleak fate. This acceptance is not heroic; it’s a chilling acknowledgement of the inevitability of suffering and the triumph of despair. The poem suggests that even the greatest of heroes are powerless to resist the forces of a dehumanized world.
| Homer’s Shield | Auden’s Shield |
|---|---|
| Represents order, prosperity, and heroic ideals | Represents chaos, oppression, and the loss of values |
| Depicts scenes of peace and celebration | Depicts scenes of suffering and conformity |
| Symbolizes divine protection and virtue | Symbolizes vulnerability and despair |
Conclusion
“The Shield of Achilles” is a profoundly unsettling poem that serves as a powerful critique of contemporary culture. Through its subversion of the traditional heroic narrative, Auden exposes the anxieties and disillusionment of a world grappling with the horrors of war, the rise of totalitarianism, and the erosion of traditional values. The poem’s bleak landscape and disturbing imagery serve as a stark warning about the dangers of dehumanization and the importance of preserving individual freedom and moral responsibility. It remains a relevant and resonant work, prompting us to reflect on the state of our own society and the values we choose to uphold.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.