Poem Analysis - Consider This And In Our Time

W.H. Auden's "Consider This And In Our Time" is a stark and unsettling poem, saturated with a sense of impending doom. The poem moves through scenes of superficiality and societal decay, hinting at a looming crisis. The tone is initially detached and observational, almost journalistic, but gradually shifts to one of warning and condemnation. It evokes a feeling of pervasive anxiety and the inevitability of catastrophic change.

Impending Doom and Societal Decay

One of the central themes of the poem is the pervasive sense of impending doom. Auden creates this atmosphere through vivid imagery of decay and disruption. The "cigarette-end smouldering on a border" and "silted harbours, derelict works" symbolize a world on the brink of collapse. The presence of the "supreme Antagonist," actively influencing events, adds to the feeling of unease. This figure, more powerful than nature itself ("the great northern whale"), suggests an inescapable force driving society towards ruin. The poem suggests that the superficial pleasures and routines of everyday life are mere distractions from the inevitable catastrophe.

The Insidious Nature of Evil

Another crucial theme is the insidious nature of evil and its ability to infiltrate all levels of society. The "supreme Antagonist" doesn't operate through grand gestures but through subtle manipulation, whispering in "strangled orchard" and "silent comb," mobilizing "handsome and diseased youngsters" and "solitary agents." This suggests that evil is not a singular, identifiable entity but a pervasive force that exploits vulnerabilities and preys on the susceptible. The reference to the "infected sinus, and the eyes of stoats" implies a corruption that festers beneath the surface, influencing behavior and spreading like a disease.

Superficiality and Moral Bankruptcy

The poem highlights the superficiality and moral bankruptcy of the modern world. The scenes of "garden party of the year" and the "Sport hotel" filled with "insufficient units" in "furs, in uniform" represent a society obsessed with trivial pursuits and appearances. These characters are "supplied with feelings by an efficient band," suggesting a lack of genuine emotion and a reliance on manufactured experiences. The "Financier, leaving your little room / Where the money is made but not spent," symbolizes the greed and detachment that contribute to societal decay. This theme emphasizes the emptiness and moral corruption at the heart of the social structure that paves the way for inevitable disaster.

Symbols of Decay and Corruption

Several recurring symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. The image of disease, both physical ("infected sinus") and moral ("handsome and diseased youngsters"), represents the corruption that permeates society. The "cigarette-end smouldering on a border" is a powerful symbol of neglect and potential conflagration. The "derelict works" and "silted harbours" signify a society in decline, haunted by its past failures. The "stormy fens" symbolize a landscape that reflects the inner turmoil and instability of the characters within the poem. The final image of paper being torn in a gust of wind vividly displays how people are like items that scatter during immense disaster.

A Dire Warning

In conclusion, "Consider This And In Our Time" is a chilling poem that serves as a dire warning. Through vivid imagery, a shifting tone, and recurring symbols, Auden paints a portrait of a society on the brink of collapse. The poem explores the themes of impending doom, the insidious nature of evil, and the superficiality of modern life. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of unease and a question of personal responsibility in the face of impending catastrophe. How complicit are we in the creation and acceptance of these dark forces, and is it possible to change course before it is too late?