Poem Analysis - Eyes Look Into The Well

Introduction: A Landscape of Loss

W.H. Auden's "Eyes Look Into The Well" is a compact and haunting poem exploring profound loss and despair. Its tone is melancholic from the outset, establishing a scene of ruin and grief. The mood shifts from sorrowful observation to a deeper sense of injustice and violation. The poem resonates with a sense of finality and irretrievable damage, leaving the reader with a lingering feeling of desolation. It's a snapshot of a world where love and hope have been violently extinguished.

Echoes of War and Despair

While the poem doesn't explicitly name a specific conflict, Auden's background and the historical context of his time suggest the specter of war and its devastating consequences. Auden lived through both World Wars, and the poem’s imagery of fallen towers, stolen love, and discarded bodies evokes the widespread destruction and moral decay of these periods. The poem could be interpreted as a lament for innocence lost amidst violence and societal breakdown.

The Crushing Weight of Lost Love

One prominent theme is the destruction of love and its aftermath. The lines "Under a midnight stone / Love was buried by thieves" suggest a deliberate act of betrayal and theft. Love, once a source of life and warmth, is now entombed, robbed of its vitality. The "robbed heart begs for a bone" further emphasizes the feeling of deprivation and the desperate need for even a small amount of comfort after such a profound loss. This theme underscores the vulnerability of love to external forces and the enduring pain of its absence.

Mortality and Meaninglessness

The theme of mortality intertwines with a sense of meaninglessness. The image of "One the soldiers took, / And spoiled and threw away" is particularly striking. It represents a life discarded without regard, highlighting the brutal reality of war and the dehumanization of its victims. The phrase "nothing more to say" emphasizes the finality of death and the futility of further expression or protest. This theme paints a bleak picture of human existence, where life can be easily extinguished and meaning lost in the face of violence.

The Symbolism of Ruin and Decay

The poem is rich with symbolism, contributing significantly to its overall message. The "well" in the opening line could symbolize a source of life or truth that has been tainted or poisoned. The "tower cracked and fell" represents the collapse of established structures, both literal and metaphorical – societal institutions, personal beliefs, or even the human spirit. The image of the "damned rustle like leaves" evokes a sense of restless unease and spiritual desolation, suggesting a state of perpetual suffering and a disconnection from any sense of peace or redemption. Each symbol adds depth to the atmosphere of despair.

Conclusion: An Unsettling Reflection

"Eyes Look Into The Well" is a powerful exploration of loss, violence, and the human condition. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Auden creates a haunting landscape of despair. The poem reminds us of the fragility of love, the brutality of war, and the potential for human cruelty. Its unsettling tone and potent symbolism leave a lasting impression, prompting reflection on the enduring impact of loss and the search for meaning in a world often marked by suffering.