Poem Analysis - Talking To Myself

Auden's Anxious Anticipation

W.H. Auden's "Talking To Myself" is a brief but potent meditation on mortality and the fear of abandonment. The poem, delivered in a conversational tone, reveals the speaker's deep-seated anxiety about the future separation from himself, personified as "You" and recognized as aging. Despite the almost flippant language, a current of vulnerability runs beneath the surface, intensified by the speaker's desperate plea for a swift and decisive departure when death calls. The poem navigates the complex terrain of self-awareness and the human struggle to reconcile with inevitable loss.

The Looming Shadow of Mortality

One of the poem's central themes is mortality. The opening line, "Time, we both know, will decay You, and already I’m scared of our divorce," immediately establishes the poem's preoccupation with the passage of time and its destructive impact on the self. The use of "decay" creates a vivid image of deterioration and suggests the inevitability of physical decline. The speaker's fear of "divorce" highlights the painful prospect of separation from one's own being, emphasizing the profound sense of loss associated with death. This theme is further developed through the speaker's plea for a quick departure when "Le bon Dieu" (French for "the good God") summons "You," indicating an acceptance of death's inevitability coupled with a desire to minimize suffering.

Fear of Abandonment and the Plea for Swiftness

Beyond the acknowledgment of mortality, the poem explores the fear of abandonment. The personification of the speaker's "self" as "You" allows for the exploration of a relationship, albeit an internal one. The speaker’s fear of their own aging self leaving is a representation of this deep-seated fear. The poem's most striking moment lies in the imperative command: "Please, please, for His sake and mine, pay no attention To my piteous Don’ts, but bugger off quickly." This seemingly callous plea reveals a complex emotional landscape. The speaker acknowledges the potential for resistance and desperate clinging, even from himself. The use of the phrase "bugger off quickly," while colloquial, serves to mask the underlying pain and vulnerability. It suggests a desire to avoid prolonged suffering and a recognition that a swift and decisive departure is ultimately the kindest course of action, both for the departing self and the one left behind.

Religious Undertones and the Ambiguity of "Le bon Dieu"

The poem's invocation of "Le bon Dieu" introduces a religious element that adds another layer of complexity. While the phrase simply translates to "the good God," its use in this context raises questions about the speaker's religious beliefs and his understanding of the afterlife. Is "Le bon Dieu" a symbol of divine authority, or simply a convenient figure to represent the ultimate call of death? The ambiguity surrounding this figure allows for multiple interpretations. Perhaps, the speaker is questioning traditional religious notions of death while simultaneously acknowledging a higher power or a force beyond human control. The seemingly flippant tone in conjunction with the invocation of "Le bon Dieu" could be interpreted as a coping mechanism, a way of dealing with the profound fear of death through humor and detachment. Alternatively, the poem's religious undertones could represent a genuine plea for divine intervention, a hope that the departure will be swift and painless. The poem leaves the specific significance of "Le bon Dieu" open to the reader's interpretation.

A Final Insight: Confronting the Inevitable

"Talking To Myself" is a poignant exploration of mortality, abandonment, and the complexities of the human condition. Through its conversational tone, vivid imagery, and ambiguous religious undertones, the poem invites readers to confront their own anxieties about death and separation. Auden masterfully encapsulates the paradoxical nature of human emotions, revealing the vulnerability that lies beneath a seemingly detached and even cynical exterior. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the need to grapple with the inevitable realities of life and death. The speaker's plea for a swift departure, though tinged with humor, underscores the profound human desire to minimize suffering and find a measure of peace in the face of mortality.