Poem Analysis - August 1968

Auden's Condemnation: The Futility of Brute Force

W.H. Auden's "August 1968" is a brief but potent condemnation of destructive power. The poem employs a simple, almost childlike, form to deliver a harsh message about the limitations of brute force and the ultimate triumph of human expression. The tone is initially detached, almost fable-like, but gradually shifts to one of disdain and disgust as the poem progresses. The poem paints a picture of the destructive "Ogre," a figure who represents violent oppression, but emphasizes his critical flaw: his inability to articulate or justify his actions with meaningful language.

Echoes of Political Turmoil: August 1968

The title, "August 1968," immediately situates the poem within a specific historical context: a month marked by significant political unrest and violence across the globe. The Prague Spring, a period of liberalization in Czechoslovakia, was brutally suppressed by Soviet forces in August 1968. Furthermore, the Vietnam War was raging, and anti-war protests were escalating. Given this backdrop, it's highly probable that Auden's "Ogre" is a symbolic representation of oppressive regimes and ideologies that rely on violence rather than reason and dialogue. The poem serves as a critique of their destructive impact and intellectual bankruptcy.

The Dehumanizing Nature of Violence

One of the central themes explored in the poem is the dehumanizing nature of violence. The "Ogre" is presented not as a rational actor but as a primal force, capable of "Deeds quite impossible for Man." This suggests a separation between human morality and the actions of those who perpetrate violence. The poem paints the picture of a character with no remorse, no consideration. By reducing the oppressor to a monstrous figure, Auden emphasizes the inhumanity inherent in acts of subjugation. The image of the "subjugated plain" and the "desperate and slain" underscores the devastating consequences of this dehumanization.

Language as a Symbol of Humanity

Auden uses language as a symbol of humanity and the Ogres lack of it as his weakness. The inability of the "Ogre" to master speech becomes a crucial point. While he can inflict physical damage, he cannot articulate his actions or create a convincing narrative. This suggests that true power lies not in brute force but in the ability to communicate, reason, and persuade. The "drivel" that "gushes from his lips" symbolizes the intellectual emptiness and moral bankruptcy of the oppressor, highlighting the superiority of meaningful human expression over mindless violence. It could also be argued that the Ogre's drivel is propaganda.

Imagery of Desolation and Disgust

The poem employs stark imagery to convey the devastation wrought by the "Ogre." The "subjugated plain" is a powerful image of destruction and loss, suggesting a landscape scarred by violence. The visual of the ogre walking "with hands on hips" creates a sense of nonchalance and arrogance. The most striking image is the "drivel" gushing from his lips, a visceral and disgusting detail that reinforces the Ogre's lack of intelligence and empathy. It also creates a sense of complete disdain from the author. This imagery contributes to the poem's overall message about the moral and intellectual poverty of those who rely on force to maintain power.

A Final Insight: The Enduring Power of Words

In conclusion, "August 1968" is a powerful and concise condemnation of violence and oppression. Through the symbolic figure of the "Ogre," Auden critiques the limitations of brute force and emphasizes the enduring power of language and human connection. The poem suggests that while violence can inflict physical damage, it cannot ultimately silence the human spirit or erase the need for meaning and communication. The poem's significance lies in its reminder that true strength resides not in the ability to dominate but in the capacity to articulate, reason, and connect with others.