Poem Analysis - In Memory Of Sigmund Freud

W.H. Auden's "In Memory of Sigmund Freud" is an elegy that transcends simple mourning, evolving into a powerful meditation on Freud's enduring influence and the ongoing battle against human darkness. The poem begins with a somber acknowledgement of widespread grief, then gradually shifts towards celebrating Freud's legacy as a champion of truth and a beacon of hope for the afflicted. While the initial tone is reflective and almost resigned, the poem builds towards a hopeful and empowering conclusion, emphasizing the continuing relevance of Freud's work in navigating the complexities of the human psyche.

Freud's Legacy of Honesty and Remembrance

One central theme is the importance of honesty and remembrance in achieving psychological well-being. Auden emphasizes that Freud's genius lay not in intellectual cleverness, but in his ability to encourage self-reflection. “He wasn't clever at all: he merely told / the unhappy Present to recite the Past." This evokes Freud's method of psychoanalysis, urging individuals to confront their past traumas and unresolved conflicts. By "remember[ing] / like the old and be[ing] honest like children," Auden suggests that Freud facilitated a process of self-discovery, enabling individuals to break free from the shackles of their past and approach the future with greater humility and understanding. The poem posits this as a crucial step towards personal liberation, which in turn contributes to a more just and compassionate society.

The Battle Against "Hate": An Enduring Struggle

The poem portrays Freud's work as an ongoing battle against destructive forces, personified by "Hate." "Only Hate was happy, hoping to augment / his practice now, and his dingy clientele / who think they can be cured by killing / and covering the garden with ashes." This vivid imagery portrays hate as a destructive force that thrives on violence and despair. The "garden" represents the potential for growth and healing, while the "ashes" symbolize the destructive consequences of unchecked hatred. The poem implies that Freud's work directly confronts this "Hate" by offering an alternative path to healing through understanding and self-awareness. Freud's method undermines the foundations upon which Hate thrives, namely, ignorance and repression. The ongoing presence of "Hate" after Freud's death underscores the continued relevance and necessity of his work.

The Image of the Night and its Exiled Creatures

The recurring imagery of the "night" and its "fauna" and "delectable creatures" symbolizes the unconscious mind, the realm of repressed desires, fears, and traumas that Freud sought to illuminate. "For about him till the very end were still / those he had studied, the fauna of the night." These creatures are described as "exiles who long for the future," suggesting that they represent aspects of the self that have been marginalized or suppressed. The poem calls for embracing the "night" and its inhabitants, urging us to "be enthusiastic over the night," not just for its mystery but for the inherent need for our love and acceptance. This emphasizes Freud's belief in the importance of integrating the unconscious into conscious awareness to achieve wholeness and liberation. The "large sad eyes" of these creatures portray a vulnerability that compels empathy and compassion.

A Climate of Opinion: Freud's Enduring Influence

Auden concludes by suggesting that Freud's legacy transcends individual influence, becoming "a whole climate of opinion / under whom we conduct our different lives." This is a potent metaphor. It suggests that Freud's ideas have permeated the cultural landscape, subtly shaping our perceptions and behaviors. Even those who reject Freud's theories are still influenced by them, demonstrating the pervasive impact of his work. The poem emphasizes that this "climate" can "hinder or help," suggesting that the conscious application of Freud's principles requires ongoing effort and critical engagement. While it does not offer a utopian vision, the poem conveys a sense of hope that Freud's legacy can contribute to a more compassionate and understanding world. The idea that "the tired in even / the remotest miserable duchy / have felt the change in their bones" suggests the far-reaching impact of Freud's work on even the most marginalized and isolated individuals.