Poem Analysis - That Night When Joy Began

Introduction: From Fear to Hope

W.H. Auden's "That Night When Joy Began" is a concise exploration of newfound joy tempered by lingering fear, ultimately blossoming into a hopeful acceptance of peace and love. The poem begins with a sense of anxiety, waiting for an expected threat to extinguish the burgeoning joy. However, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts from apprehensive to tentatively optimistic, culminating in a vision of a secure and boundless love. The poem suggests a transition from a state of wariness to a belief in a more peaceful and loving existence.

The Shadow of War and the Dawn of Hope

While the poem does not explicitly mention historical events, it is difficult to ignore the context of Auden's life and the backdrop of the 20th century. Auden lived through two World Wars, and his poetry often reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of that era. The opening lines, with the "flash/Of morning's levelled gun," evoke a sense of imminent danger and potential violence. This imagery suggests a world accustomed to conflict, where joy is a fragile and unexpected occurrence. The poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the longing for peace and the difficult process of overcoming the trauma of war.

Love as a Theme

Love, both in its personal and perhaps broader, societal sense, is a central theme in the poem. Initially, love (or joy, which can be seen as a precursor to love) is fragile and vulnerable, existing under the threat of annihilation. The speakers "waited for the flash." However, as "morning let us pass," the poem suggests that love has a chance to grow and flourish. The concluding lines, "And love's best glasses reach/No fields but are his own," present a vision of love that is expansive, secure, and encompassing. The phrase "his own" implies ownership, but in this context, it suggests that love has overcome any external threat and now possesses its own territory, free from intrusion.

From Fear to Trust

The poem also explores the theme of transitioning from fear to trust. The initial fear is embodied in the image of the "levelled gun," a symbol of aggression and potential destruction. This fear is not just a vague sense of unease; it is a specific expectation of violence. However, as time passes, this fear begins to subside. "Day by day relief/Outgrows his nervous laugh," suggesting that the anxiety gradually diminishes as the threat fails to materialize. The "nervous laugh" is replaced by a newfound "credulous of peace," indicating a growing belief in the possibility of a peaceful existence. The poem charts a journey from a state of heightened alert to a gradual acceptance of safety and security.

The Power of Vision

The image of "love's best glasses" is a powerful symbol of perception and understanding. These "glasses" represent a way of seeing the world that is free from suspicion and distrust. The fact that they "reach/No fields but are his own" suggests that love allows one to perceive a world that is entirely safe and secure. This image can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it suggests that love creates its own reality, a safe haven from the external world. On another level, it suggests that love allows one to see the world as it truly is, free from the distortions of fear and prejudice. This final image of clear vision reinforces the poem's overall message of hope and transformation.

Conclusion: A Testament to Hope

"That Night When Joy Began" is a powerful testament to the resilience of hope in the face of adversity. The poem's journey from fear and uncertainty to peace and security is a compelling reminder of the transformative power of love. It explores the challenges of overcoming the trauma of a world accustomed to conflict and the gradual process of learning to trust in the possibility of a better future. The poem ultimately offers a vision of love that is expansive, secure, and capable of creating its own reality, a "home" free from the threats of the outside world. It is a message of hope for a world longing for lasting peace.