Poem Analysis - Doggerel By A Senior Citizen

A Grumpy Old Man's Lament

W.H. Auden's "Doggerel By A Senior Citizen" is a witty and nostalgic grumble against the modern world of 1969. The poem adopts the persona of an aging individual lamenting the loss of traditional values and aesthetics. The tone is largely curmudgeonly, marked by a clear preference for the past and a disdain for contemporary trends. However, amidst the complaints, there are glimmers of acceptance and even contentment, suggesting a complex and nuanced perspective rather than simple bitterness. The poem moves from specific grievances to broader reflections on love and reality, culminating in a somewhat defiant assertion of belonging.

Echoes of Edwardian Values

The poem is deeply rooted in the speaker's recollection of the Edwardian era, which serves as a golden age against which the present is unfavorably compared. The speaker longs for a time "when bath-rooms took up lots of space,/ And, before eating, one said Grace." These details, though seemingly trivial, symbolize a bygone era of spaciousness, formality, and religious piety. This yearning extends to technology, where the speaker finds modern inventions like "the automobile, the aeroplane" to be "useful gadgets, but profane," preferring instead the simpler, more romantic "enginry...moved by water or by steam." This highlights a resistance to the rapid technological advancements and a longing for a slower, more deliberate pace of life.

Clash of Generations and Values

A central theme revolves around the perceived decline of cultural and moral standards. The speaker expresses disapproval of several aspects of modern society, from "Manichean pornography" to "liturgical reforms." The poem explicitly acknowledges a "Generation Gap," attributing blame to those "who will not learn their Mother-Tongue." This refers not only to literal language but also to the broader cultural heritage and values that the speaker feels are being abandoned. The speaker champions the "Protestant Work-Ethic" and fiscal responsibility ("to pay in cash for what I buy"), positioning these as superior to the perceived permissiveness and debt-ridden lifestyles of the younger generation. This theme emphasizes a sense of cultural loss and a fear that cherished traditions are fading away.

The Comfort of Reality and Friendship

Despite the overall tone of dissatisfaction, the poem offers a contrasting theme of acceptance and connection. While lamenting the changes in society, the speaker acknowledges the enduring power of love and friendship: "But Love, at least, is not a state/ Either en vogue or out-of-date,/ And I've true friends, I will allow,/ To talk and eat with here and now." This suggests that even in a world that feels alien, personal relationships provide solace and grounding. The speaker rejects the label of being "alienated," asserting that it is through "skirmish[ing]" with the present that he feels "most at home with what is Real." This implies that engagement with the world, even if critical, is preferable to complete detachment, and that a sense of belonging can be found in active participation, not just nostalgic longing.

Symbols of Preference and Disdain

The poem employs several symbolic images to represent the speaker's preferences. The "fish-tail burner on the landing" becomes a symbol of a refined and dignified past, contrasting with the "light-bulb which I cannot love." This distinction isn't merely about technology; it represents a shift from an era of elegance and craftsmanship to one of utilitarian efficiency. Similarly, the reference to "The Book of Common Prayer...of 1662" symbolizes a preference for traditional religious practices over modern "with-it sermons" and "Liturgical reforms." The repeated emphasis on the tangible (cash, steam, familiar religious texts) suggests a distrust of abstraction and a yearning for concrete, time-tested values. Is the speaker's preference truly for these objects and practices, or are they stand-ins for a deeper longing for a sense of order and meaning that the speaker feels is absent in the modern world?

Final Assessment of an Aging Perspective

"Doggerel By A Senior Citizen" is more than just a grumpy old man's rant. It's a poignant reflection on the process of aging and the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing world. Auden crafts a persona that is both critical and self-aware, nostalgic yet grounded in the present. The poem's strength lies in its ability to convey a complex emotional landscape, acknowledging the allure of the past while also recognizing the importance of engaging with the present. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even amidst feelings of alienation and cultural loss, the enduring values of love, friendship, and a commitment to reality can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.