Poem Analysis - Carry Her Over The Water

A Serene and Surreal Celebration

W.H. Auden's "Carry Her Over The Water" is a whimsical and dreamlike celebration of love and marriage. The poem adopts a gently surreal tone, blending realistic images with fantastical elements to create a world where nature and inanimate objects participate in the joyous occasion. There is no strong emotional shift, the poem maintains a consistent atmosphere of lighthearted blessing throughout.

The Universal Language of Love

One of the central themes of the poem is, unsurprisingly, love itself. Auden presents love not as a turbulent passion, but as a serene and harmonious force. This is conveyed through the repeated phrase "Sing agreeably, agreeably, agreeably of love," suggesting a universal chorus of approval and blessing. The image of the culvers (doves) singing day and night, the frog's "sanguine" song, and even the horses pulling the carriage all contribute to this sense of a world united in celebrating love. Another theme is the sanctity of marriage. It's not presented as a simple union but as an event so significant that the entire world takes notice and offers its blessings. The streets flocking, houses turning, and tables praying all emphasize the profound and sacred nature of the commitment. Finally, there is a subtle theme of transformation. The woman is carried over the water and set down under the tree, a symbolic transition from one state to another. The act of putting a ring on her finger and pressing her to the heart are further acts of transformation, marking the beginning of a new life and identity.

Symbolic Imagery: Water, Gold, and Song

The poem is rich with symbolic imagery. Water, often associated with purification and renewal, serves as a threshold, signifying a transition into a new phase of life. The act of carrying her "over the water" suggests a cleansing or a departure from the past. The gold ring is a traditional symbol of commitment, fidelity, and the unbroken circle of marriage. Its placement on her finger visually and physically represents the bond of love. The recurrent image of song is perhaps the most pervasive symbol. It represents the harmony, joy, and universal approval surrounding the marriage. The repetition of "agreeably" underscores the idea that this is a love that is in tune with the world, a love that resonates with all of creation.

Nature's Surreal Benediction

The poem's most striking feature is its blend of the real and the surreal. The fish taking "snapshots" and the tables and chairs offering prayers create a fantastical atmosphere. This could be interpreted as a representation of the overwhelming joy and heightened perception experienced during moments of intense happiness. Everything feels alive and engaged in the celebration. It raises the question: Is this a literal depiction of the world's reaction, or is it an exaggerated expression of the speaker's own exhilaration and hope for the future?

A Lasting Harmony

"Carry Her Over The Water" is a charming and optimistic poem that celebrates love and marriage with a touch of whimsy. Through its surreal imagery and recurring motif of harmonious song, Auden crafts a vision of a world united in blessing a new union. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the magic and wonder of love while grounding it in the shared human experience of joy and celebration.