Poem Analysis - Fish In The Unruffled Lakes

Introduction: A Dichotomy of Innocence and Experience

W.H. Auden's "Fish In The Unruffled Lakes" presents a stark contrast between the natural world, characterized by effortless beauty and instinctive action, and the burdened existence of humanity. The poem begins with a sense of idyllic simplicity, yet it quickly transitions into a somber reflection on human consciousness and its attendant anxieties. A melancholic tone permeates the central stanzas, born from the acknowledgment of human failings and the loss of innocence. The poem concludes with a note of hope and gratitude, sparked by an act of voluntary love.

The Loss of Innocence: Nature Versus Humanity

One of the primary themes of the poem is the loss of innocence. Auden uses the animal kingdom – fish, swans, and lions – as symbols of a state of being untouched by the burdens of self-awareness and moral complexity. They "act, and are gone," living purely on instinct, untroubled by remorse or moral dilemmas. In contrast, humanity is defined by its consciousness, its capacity for "Duty's conscious wrong," and its awareness of its own mortality. The phrase "shadowed days" underscores the weight of this awareness, a stark contrast to the "unruffled lakes" and "white perfection" associated with the natural world. This inherent knowledge separates humanity from the rest of creation and dooms them to a life of regret and "envy" for the simple existence of animals.

Love as Redemption: A Counterpoint to Despair

The theme of love surfaces as a potential redemptive force against the backdrop of human suffering. The speaker contrasts the negativity of human existence – "weep and sing / Duty's conscious wrong" – with the gratitude felt for the beloved, "my swan," who offers "voluntary love." This love is presented as a gift, a spontaneous act of kindness that transcends the calculated and self-serving behaviors associated with human "goodness carefully worn." This suggests that genuine love can momentarily alleviate the burden of consciousness and offer a glimpse of the unburdened existence enjoyed by the creatures in the poem's opening.

Time's Relentless Wave: Mortality and Fleeting Beauty

The poem grapples with the theme of mortality, symbolized by "Time's toppling wave." Both the innocent animals and the burdened humans are subject to the passage of time, suggesting a shared fate despite their differing experiences of life. The beauty of the natural world, epitomized by the "swarming colours" of the fish and the "white perfection" of the swans, is rendered transient by this temporal reality. The poem implicitly asks: if all is fleeting, what is the point of the human struggle with morality and self-awareness? The final stanza, by highlighting the enduring power of love, offers a potential answer: that connection and genuine emotion provide meaning in the face of inevitable loss.

Symbolism: The Swan as Ideal and the Clock as a Reminder

The swan is a central symbol in the poem. Initially, it represents the inherent perfection and grace of nature. However, it also becomes a metaphor for the beloved, who embodies these qualities and extends them to the speaker through an act of "voluntary love." The image of the swan shifts from a symbol of unattainable perfection to a symbol of achievable connection. Conversely, "The Devil in the clock" functions as a symbol of the inescapable passage of time and the relentless pressure of societal expectations and moral obligations. This reminds the speaker of their inherent human flaws and the duties that burden them, contrasting sharply with the freedom and innocence of the natural world.

Conclusion: Finding Grace in a Fallen World

"Fish In The Unruffled Lakes" is a meditation on the human condition, contrasting the simple beauty of the natural world with the anxieties and moral complexities of human consciousness. Auden explores themes of innocence, mortality, and love, using vivid imagery and symbolism to create a poignant and thought-provoking poem. Ultimately, the poem suggests that while humanity is burdened by self-awareness and the inevitability of loss, genuine connection and acts of selfless love can offer moments of grace and redemption within a fallen world. The poem leaves us contemplating the difficult but essential balance between acknowledging human flaws and striving for moments of authentic connection.