Poem Analysis - As The Poets Have Mournfully Sung

Auden's Darkly Humorous Glimpse at Mortality

W.H. Auden's "As The Poets Have Mournfully Sung" is a short, darkly humorous take on the inevitability of death. The poem begins with a nod to traditional elegies before quickly subverting expectations with its unexpectedly blunt and almost flippant tone. The poem's brevity and use of rhyme create a sing-song quality that contrasts sharply with the somber subject matter, adding to its ironic effect. This contrast establishes a mood that is both mournful and satirical, questioning the conventional romanticization of death. The poem offers no comforting platitudes, instead presenting a stark and somewhat cynical view of mortality's indiscriminate nature.

The Great Leveler: Death's Indiscriminate Reach

The central theme of this poem is mortality and its universality. Auden challenges the traditional, often sentimental, depictions of death prevalent in poetry. Instead of focusing on the tragedy of individual loss, he emphasizes that death comes for everyone, regardless of their status, personality, or even physical attributes. The list provided – "the innocent young, / The rolling-in-money, / The screamingly-funny, / And those who are very well hung" – underscores this point. The poem suggests that death is a great leveler, stripping away all distinctions and leaving everyone equally vulnerable. The inclusion of such diverse characteristics highlights death's utter lack of discrimination.

Irony and Understatement: Death's Absurdity

One of the poem's most striking features is its use of irony. The opening line sets up an expectation of a mournful elegy, only to be followed by a series of surprisingly irreverent descriptions. This creates a jarring effect, forcing the reader to confront the absurdity of death. The phrase "screamingly-funny" is particularly jarring, as it juxtaposes humor with the grim reality of death. Furthermore, the poem's simple language and sing-song rhyme scheme serve to downplay the seriousness of the subject, creating a sense of understatement. This understatement further reinforces the ironic tone, suggesting that death is a mundane, even predictable, occurrence.

The "Very Well Hung": A Moment of Provocation

The phrase "those who are very well hung" stands out as a particularly provocative and arguably symbolic choice. While seemingly crude, it serves multiple purposes. First, it reinforces the poem's rejection of traditional poetic language and subject matter. Second, it highlights the poem's central theme of death's indiscriminate nature. The inclusion of this specific characteristic suggests that even those with physical advantages or perceived desirability are not immune to death's grasp. The phrase might also be interpreted as a satirical comment on societal values, suggesting that even qualities admired in life are ultimately meaningless in the face of death. However, it also begs the question: Is this line simply a humorous shock tactic, or does it offer a deeper commentary on human vanity and mortality?

A Cynical Farewell

In conclusion, "As The Poets Have Mournfully Sung" is a short but powerful poem that challenges conventional notions of death and mourning. Through its ironic tone, blunt language, and unexpected imagery, Auden presents a stark and somewhat cynical view of mortality's universality. The poem's significance lies in its refusal to offer easy comfort or sentimental platitudes. Instead, it forces the reader to confront the absurdity of death and its utter lack of discrimination. Ultimately, Auden's poem serves as a reminder that death comes for us all, regardless of who we are or what we possess, leaving us with a final thought that life is fleeting and perhaps a bit ridiculous.