Poem Analysis - Lullaby

Introduction: A Fleeting Moment of Intimacy

W.H. Auden's "Lullaby" is a tender and complex meditation on love, mortality, and the fleeting nature of beauty. The poem unfolds as a hushed declaration spoken to a sleeping lover, oscillating between an awareness of time's destructive power and an embrace of the present moment. The initial tone is intimate and protective, gradually shifting to a broader philosophical reflection before returning to a comforting, hopeful outlook. The poem acknowledges the harsh realities of life but ultimately finds solace in human connection.

Historical Context and Auden's Perspective

Auden, writing in the mid-20th century, lived through periods of great social and political upheaval. The shadow of war and the rise of ideological extremism likely influenced his work, prompting him to explore themes of human vulnerability and the importance of personal relationships in a chaotic world. His own personal life, marked by both intense connections and periods of solitude, further informed his understanding of love and loss.

Theme 1: Love as a Sanctuary

One of the central themes of the poem is love as a temporary refuge from the harsh realities of existence. The opening stanza establishes this immediately: "Lay your sleeping head, my love, / Human on my faithless arm." The speaker offers their arm, despite admitting its "faithless" nature, as a haven for their lover. This suggests that even imperfect love can provide comfort. The lines "But in my arms till break of day / Let the living creature lie, / Mortal, guilty, but to me / The entirely beautiful" emphasize the speaker's acceptance of their lover's imperfections and mortality, finding beauty in their very human vulnerability. The speaker deliberately places the lover within the arms as a sanctuary before the harshness of the outside world takes hold.

Theme 2: Mortality and the Fleeting Nature of Beauty

The poem grapples explicitly with the theme of mortality. Time is personified as a destructive force: "Time and fevers burn away / Individual beauty from / Thoughtful children, and the grave / Proves the child ephemeral." This highlights the transient nature of life and beauty. The reference to the "ephemeral" child underscores the fragility of human existence. The poem acknowledges that physical beauty is subject to decay, yet it simultaneously elevates the importance of cherishing the present moment and the beauty that exists within it, however fleeting.

Theme 3: The Illusion and Reality of Love

Auden explores the tension between the idealized vision of love and its often messy reality. The second stanza touches upon the "supernatural sympathy, / Universal love and hope" that lovers experience, suggesting a transcendent quality to romantic connection. However, this vision is juxtaposed with the "ordinary swoon," reminding us that love also exists in the mundane and imperfect moments of everyday life. The "hermit's sensual ecstasy" in the same stanza provides a counterpoint, suggesting that even in isolation, a form of love or connection to the world can be found. The poem questions whether the idealized vision of love can truly sustain, or if it is simply a temporary illusion.

Symbolism and Imagery: Midnight, Glaciers, and Dawn

The poem employs several potent symbols and vivid images. Midnight, mentioned twice, represents a liminal space, a transition between day and night, certainty and uncertainty. It is the moment when "certainty, fidelity...pass," suggesting the fragility of commitments and the allure of the unknown. The image of glaciers and rocks in the second stanza evokes a landscape of cold, intellectual detachment, contrasting with the warmth and intimacy of the lovers' embrace. The final stanza introduces the image of dawn, symbolizing hope and renewal. The "winds of dawn" are meant to "show / Such a day of sweetness," suggesting the possibility of finding joy and contentment even in the face of mortality and the passage of time.

Concluding Thoughts: Embracing Impermanence

In conclusion, "Lullaby" is a deeply moving exploration of love's capacity to offer solace in a world defined by impermanence. Auden acknowledges the inevitability of loss and decay, yet he also celebrates the power of human connection to transcend these limitations, at least for a fleeting moment. The poem's significance lies in its honest portrayal of love's complexities, its acceptance of human flaws, and its ultimate affirmation of the beauty and value found in the present. Auden's poem invites us to embrace the imperfect nature of love and life, finding strength and solace in the connections we forge, however transient they may be.