Poem Analysis - The Riddle

W.H. Auden's "The Riddle" is a contemplative poem that explores the complexities of human existence, grappling with themes of duality, judgment, and the search for meaning. The poem begins with a sense of loss and separation, gradually moving towards a hard-won acceptance of the self and the world. The tone is initially melancholic and questioning, yet it shifts to a more affirmative, albeit somewhat resigned, understanding. The poem's riddle lies not in a single answer, but in the ongoing process of confronting and reconciling the inherent contradictions of life. This exploration culminates in the acceptance of life as multifaceted and valuable in its diverse manifestations.

The Banishment of Innocence: Isolation and Duality

The opening stanza immediately establishes a world marked by separation and loss. The "fallen man and wife" evoke the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve, suggesting a fall from grace and a subsequent awareness of their own vulnerability. The image of the "single stag banished to a lonely crag" further emphasizes isolation, while the "breeding animals" looking in on "Duality" highlight the fundamental division that now characterizes their existence. The "birds fly in and out / Of the world of man," signifying a connection to nature yet also emphasizing the distinction between the human realm and the natural world. This initial setting establishes a landscape where unity has fractured, leaving behind a sense of longing and a search for reconciliation.

The Weight of Judgment: Morality and Acceptance

The second stanza introduces the theme of judgment and its paradoxical nature. The "bayonets glittering in the sun" and the "soldiers who will judge" suggest an impending reckoning, a moment of scrutiny and accountability. Surprisingly, even "politicians speak / Truths of value to the weak," and "necessary acts are done / By the ill and the unjust." This implies that even flawed systems and individuals can contribute to positive outcomes. However, the "Judgment and the Smile," personified and existing "two-in-one," represent an ultimate, unattainable reconciliation. Though they see creation as it is, "None shall reconcile" highlights the inherent impossibility of fully resolving the contradictions and moral complexities of existence. This section does not advocate moral relativism, but demonstrates how unexpected sources of moral value can exist even within systems or actors with compromised integrity.

The Temptation of Extremes: Faith and Mortality

This section introduces the concept of extremes and their impact on human belief. The "Kingdoms of the Short and Tall, / Rivals for our faith," symbolize the opposing forces that vie for our allegiance. The "giant who storms the sky / In an angry wish to die" and the "tiny with their power / To divide and hide and flee" represent contrasting approaches to life and death. The giant's defiance awakens heroism, while the "tiny's" ability to evade offers a false sense of "Immortality" when facing "our fortunes fall". In the face of hardship, the temptation to believe in our immortality can be a psychological defense mechanism against fear of death, revealing an enduring hope that, like the tiny creatures, we too can escape ultimate defeat.

The Revelation of Love: Self and Other

The poem turns to love as a potential source of understanding. "Lovers running each to each" experience a shared passion, "Learn what love alone can teach" and find fulfillment in mutual desire, echoing Blake's idea that the other is the reflection of "Gratified desire" in ones own life. This concept of shared satisfaction and understanding through physical love represents a form of humanity, a connection that transcends other earthly concerns. However, this idea of union shifts significantly. The speaker realizes "That we love ourselves alone," a potentially cynical observation that suggests even in the most intimate relationships, self-interest remains a driving force. Paradoxically, this realization allows for a deeper acceptance of self and others, leading to the final affirmation that "existence is enough," finding value in "savage solitude / Or the play of love." The poem argues that recognizing this innate human selfishness allows one to accept the imperfection that exists within life, and in doing so, truly accept what life can be as "Woman, Man, and Child".

Embracing the Paradox: Final Insight

Auden's "The Riddle" ultimately suggests that the answer to life's complexities lies not in finding definitive solutions, but in accepting the inherent contradictions and uncertainties that define the human experience. The journey from initial separation and judgment to the final acceptance of existence as "Woman, Man, and Child" reflects a movement from disillusionment to a hard-won wisdom. The poem argues that embracing this paradox, accepting the self and the other, and finding value in both solitude and connection, represents the key to navigating the riddle of life. Ultimately the poem argues that even in an imperfect world where perfect understanding is impossible, value in life can still be achieved.