Poem Analysis - Law Like Love

Introduction: The Elusive Definition of Law

W.H. Auden's "Law Like Love" is a thoughtful and probing exploration of the concept of law, not as a fixed entity, but as a fluid and subjective interpretation. The poem adopts a conversational tone, almost like a philosophical debate, as it presents various perspectives on law from different figures in society. There is an initial air of authority in the pronouncements of the gardener, priest, and judge, which gradually gives way to uncertainty, skepticism, and finally, a comparison to the equally enigmatic experience of love. The poem's mood shifts from assertive pronouncements to hesitant admissions, highlighting the inherent difficulty in defining something so central to human existence.

Diverse Voices, Divergent Views: Exploring Subjectivity

One of the poem's central themes is the subjectivity of law. Auden emphasizes how different individuals and groups perceive and define law based on their roles, experiences, and beliefs. The gardener sees law as the natural order ("Law, say the gardeners, is the sun"), while the priest equates it with religious doctrine ("Law is the words in my priestly book"). The judge, representing earthly authority, views law as absolute and unchanging ("Law is The Law"). These contrasting viewpoints demonstrate that law is not a monolithic entity but rather a construct shaped by individual perspectives. This theme is further developed by the "law-abiding scholars" who propose that law is relative to time and place, and the "loud angry crowd" who believe law is embodied by themselves. These conflicting opinions reveal the inherent ambiguity and complexity surrounding the concept of law.

Law as a Social Construct: Power and Interpretation

Another prominent theme is the social construction of law. Auden suggests that law is not divinely ordained or objectively determined but rather created and maintained by societal forces. The priest's reliance on "my priestly book" and the judge's assertive pronouncements highlight how institutions and authority figures wield power in shaping the understanding and application of law. The "loud angry crowd," claiming "Law is We," underscores the idea that law can be influenced by popular opinion and collective action. Even the scholars' relativistic view implies that law is a product of specific historical and cultural contexts. The poem, therefore, invites us to consider the ways in which law is shaped by human agency and social dynamics, rather than existing as an immutable truth.

The Paradoxical Nature of Law and Love: An Uncomfortable Truth

The poem culminates in a surprising comparison: Law is like love. This analogy suggests that law, like love, is an elusive and often irrational force that governs human behavior. Both are difficult to define, understand, or control. "Like love we don't know where or why,/ Like love we can't compel or fly,/ Like love we often weep,/ Like love we seldom keep." This stanza highlights the unpredictable and often painful aspects of both law and love. The comparison challenges the notion of law as a rational and predictable system, suggesting that it is, in many ways, as mysterious and uncontrollable as human emotion. The image of "weeping" further suggests the potential for suffering and injustice within the legal system, just as there is heartbreak in love.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Ambiguity

"Law Like Love" is a nuanced exploration of the multifaceted nature of law, challenging the notion of a fixed and universally accepted definition. The poem emphasizes the subjective, socially constructed, and ultimately enigmatic qualities of law. By comparing law to love, Auden underscores the inherent ambiguity and irrationality that often underlie human systems of order. The poem's significance lies in its refusal to provide a definitive answer, instead inviting readers to embrace the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the concept of law and to recognize its profound impact on human experience. It's a humbling acknowledgement of our limited understanding of forces that shape our lives, inviting continued reflection and dialogue.