Poem Analysis - Song Of The Master And Boatswain

A Mariner's Lament: Introduction

W.H. Auden's "Song Of The Master And Boatswain" is a brief, evocative poem that explores themes of fleeting pleasure, the burden of the past, and a desire for freedom. The poem initially presents a scene of boisterous revelry, but quickly shifts to a more introspective and melancholic tone. The speaker, seemingly a seasoned sailor, recounts experiences with women and reflects on the consequences of past actions, ultimately seeking solace in the vastness of the sea. The poem's straightforward language belies a deeper exploration of personal responsibility and the search for escape.

Contextual Underpinnings

While specific historical events might not directly apply, Auden's own life experiences as a gay man in a time of social constraints could be relevant. The poem hints at a navigation of fleeting, perhaps emotionally unfulfilling, encounters. Furthermore, the sailor's life itself, with its inherent risks and sense of freedom from societal norms, provides a fitting backdrop for exploring themes of responsibility and escape.

Escaping the Cage: Freedom and Restraint

One of the poem's central themes is the tension between freedom and restraint. The opening stanza depicts a world of uninhibited pleasure-seeking, with sailors indulging in drink and fleeting encounters with women. However, the speaker distinguishes himself from this behavior, stating, "I was not looking for a cage / In which to mope my old age." This rejection of commitment and domesticity suggests a desire to remain unburdened, free to roam and avoid the confines of a settled life. The "cage" symbolizes the perceived restrictions of relationships and societal expectations. The rejection of the cage highlights the speaker's commitment to personal autonomy, even at the potential cost of loneliness.

Haunted by the Past: Memory and Regret

The poem also grapples with the weight of the past. The lines, "The nightingales are sobbing in / The orchards of our mothers, / And hearts that we broke long ago / Have long been breaking others," evoke a sense of regret and the enduring consequences of past actions. The "nightingales sobbing" creates a mournful atmosphere, suggesting that the speaker is haunted by memories of heartbreak. The image of "hearts that we broke long ago" carrying on the cycle of pain speaks to the lasting impact of our choices. These lines illustrate a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of human relationships and the ripple effects of our actions.

The Allure of the Abyss: Seeking Solace in the Sea

The concluding lines of the poem offer a potential resolution to the speaker's internal conflict. "Tears are round, the sea is deep: / Roll them overboard and sleep" suggests a desire to cast off the burdens of the past and find peace in the anonymity of the sea. The "sea" can be interpreted as a symbol of vastness, oblivion, and the possibility of renewal. By urging to "roll them overboard," the speaker implies that it is possible to release oneself from the pain of memory. The invitation to "sleep" suggests a longing for peace and an end to the emotional turmoil.

Concluding Thoughts: A Mariner's Redemption?

"Song Of The Master And Boatswain" is a poignant exploration of freedom, responsibility, and the enduring power of memory. The poem suggests that while we may strive to escape the constraints of relationships and the consequences of our actions, the past will inevitably follow us. Ultimately, the poem offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that through acceptance and a willingness to let go, we may find solace in the vastness of the world and the possibility of inner peace. Is the ocean of forgetfulness a real possibility, or is this just another sailor's wishful thinking?