Poem Analysis - Christmas Oratio

W.H. Auden's "Christmas Oratio" is a reflective and somewhat cynical meditation on the aftermath of Christmas, moving from the immediate post-holiday letdown to a broader contemplation of faith, human nature, and the difficult path of spiritual life. The poem begins with a weary resignation, cataloging the mundane tasks of dismantling the holiday, before shifting to a more profound examination of the human tendency to fail in living up to the ideals of the season. This ultimately leads to a sober anticipation of future suffering and a plea for strength amidst the ordinary struggles of daily existence. The overall tone is one of disillusioned realism, tinged with a persistent hope for redemption.

The Disappointment of the Mundane

One of the central themes in "Christmas Oratio" is the inherent disappointment that follows moments of intense emotional or spiritual experience. The poem opens with the practical, almost weary tone of "Well, so that is that." This stark opening immediately contrasts the supposed joy of Christmas with the drudgery of putting away decorations and facing leftover food. The phrase "the moderate Aristotelian city" encapsulates this return to normalcy, a world governed by logic, reason, and practical concerns. This city is a place of "darning and the Eight-Fifteen," a life reduced to routine and obligation, far removed from the transformative potential of the Christmas "Vision." The shrinkage of the kitchen table and the increased narrowness of the streets symbolizes the shrinking of perspective and the stifling feeling of returning to everyday life after a heightened experience.

The Paradox of Faith and Human Weakness

Auden explores the complex relationship between faith and human fallibility. The poem suggests that even those who have "seen the Child, however dimly," are still prone to weakness and failure. The speaker admits to having "sent Him away," suggesting a rejection of the transformative potential of the Christmas message. The line, "Begging though to remain His disobedient servant," reveals a poignant awareness of one's own shortcomings while still clinging to a desire for faith. This paradoxical stance reflects a common human struggle to reconcile spiritual aspiration with the realities of human imperfection. The poem doesn't condemn this struggle but rather acknowledges it as an inherent part of the human condition, suggesting that true faith involves grappling with doubt and weakness.

Suffering and the Yearning for Transcendence

The poem subtly hints at a desire for suffering as a means of escaping the mundane. The lines "And craving the sensation but ignoring the cause, / We look round for something, no matter what, to inhibit / Our self-reflection" suggest that humanity often seeks distraction from the discomfort of introspection and the perceived emptiness of routine. This yearning leads to a counterintuitive plea: "Lead us into temptation and evil for our sake." This is not necessarily a desire for wickedness but rather a recognition that suffering, paradoxically, can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, breaking through the monotony of the "Time Being." The anticipation of Lent and Good Friday reinforces this theme, suggesting that suffering is an inevitable and even necessary part of the spiritual journey. The poem’s final lines, about the soul enduring a silence and trusting in God's will, suggest that the ability to withstand trials is vital to the endurance of true faith.

Symbols of Innocence and Disillusionment

The image of "the Child" serves as a powerful symbol of innocence, potential, and transformative love. This symbol stands in stark contrast to the adult world of "bills to be paid, machines to keep in repair, / Irregular verbs to learn." The "stable," where "Everything became a You and nothing was an It," represents a moment of genuine connection and transcendence, a time when the world was perceived with empathy and compassion. However, the "guilt" that remains after recollecting that moment suggests a failure to sustain this state of grace. The broken decorations symbolize the fragility of idealized visions and the inevitability of disillusionment. The mention of "Euclid's geometry / And Newton's mechanics" symbolizes cold rationality that attempts to impose order on existence but ultimately fails to capture the full spectrum of human experience.

A Final Note

"Christmas Oratio" is not a sentimental celebration of the holiday spirit but a complex and honest reflection on the human condition. It acknowledges the disappointment that often follows moments of intense emotion or spiritual insight, the difficulty of maintaining faith in the face of human weakness, and the paradoxical desire for suffering as a means of escaping the mundane. Auden's poem suggests that true spiritual growth involves accepting the complexities of life, embracing both joy and sorrow, and enduring the "silence" of faith with steadfast resolve. The poem’s significance lies in its ability to articulate the often-unspoken anxieties and doubts that accompany the human search for meaning in a world of routine and disappointment.