Poem Analysis - On The Sale By Auction Of Keats Love Letters

Initial Impression and Tone

Oscar Wilde's "On The Sale By Auction Of Keat's Love-letters" is a poignant reflection on the commodification of personal and artistic expression. The poem begins with a somber and critical tone, expressing disdain for the commercialization of intimate and artistic artifacts. The mood shifts from indignation to a more philosophical and historical contemplation, drawing parallels between the auction of Keats' letters and a biblical narrative. This shift underscores the poem's deeper exploration of the value and respect due to artistic and personal legacies.

Historical and Authorial Context

Oscar Wilde, an Irish writer known for his wit and social commentary, wrote this poem in response to the auction of John Keats' love letters. Keats, a renowned Romantic poet, had written these letters to Fanny Brawne, expressing his deep and passionate love. The auctioning of these personal and intimate documents sparked Wilde's critique of the commercialization of art and personal sentiment. This context highlights Wilde's concern with the sanctity of artistic and personal expression, which he saw as being violated by the auction process.

Themes: Commodification of Art and Personal Expression

The primary theme of the poem is the commodification of art and personal expression. Wilde criticizes the auctioning of Keats' love letters, describing the "brawlers of the auction-mart" who "bargain and bid" for these intimate documents. The use of the term "brawlers" suggests a lack of respect and a crude, commercial interest in the letters. The phrase "each poor blotted note" emphasizes the personal and imperfect nature of the letters, contrasting sharply with the cold, commercial transactions taking place. This theme is further developed through the imagery of the "merchant's price" being quoted for "each separate pulse of passion," highlighting the dehumanizing effect of turning personal emotions into marketable items.

Themes: The Sacredness of Art and Personal Legacies

Another significant theme is the sacredness of art and personal legacies. Wilde suggests that those who break the "crystal of a poet's heart" for commercial gain do not truly love art. The "crystal of a poet's heart" is a metaphor for the delicate and precious nature of artistic expression, which is being shattered by the auction process. This theme is reinforced by the historical allusion to the soldiers who gambled for the garments of Jesus, symbolizing the disregard for the sacred and the profound. The soldiers, like the bidders at the auction, are unaware of the true value and significance of what they are handling, emphasizing the disrespect and desecration involved in commodifying personal and artistic legacies.

Themes: The Profanation of Intimacy

The poem also explores the theme of the profanation of intimacy. The love letters, which were meant to be private and intimate, are now being exposed to "small and sickly eyes" that "glare or gloat." This imagery underscores the violation of privacy and the desecration of intimate emotions. The letters, which were once a sacred exchange between lovers, are now being reduced to objects of commercial interest. This theme is further emphasized by the contrast between the "God's wonder" and the "woe" of the soldiers, highlighting the profanation of something sacred and personal.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and vivid imagery. The "crystal of a poet's heart" is a powerful symbol of the delicate and precious nature of artistic expression. The "brawlers of the auction-mart" represent the crude and commercial forces that threaten to shatter this delicate crystal. The historical allusion to the soldiers gambling for Jesus' garments is a potent symbol of the disregard for the sacred and the profound. This imagery underscores the poem's critique of the commodification of art and personal expression. The "small and sickly eyes" that "glare or gloat" are a vivid image of the desecration of intimacy, highlighting the violation of privacy and the reduction of personal emotions to marketable items.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "On The Sale By Auction Of Keat's Love-letters" is a powerful critique of the commodification of art and personal expression. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Wilde highlights the sacredness of artistic and personal legacies and the profanation involved in turning them into commercial objects. The poem's historical allusion to the soldiers gambling for Jesus' garments underscores the disregard for the sacred and the profound, emphasizing the disrespect and desecration involved in commodifying personal and artistic legacies. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving the sanctity of artistic and personal expression.