Poem Analysis - Vespers

Auden's "Vespers" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the fundamental differences and uncomfortable common ground between two opposing ideologies: Arcadia and Utopia. The poem unfolds as a tense encounter between two representatives of these worldviews, revealing their mutual suspicion and underlying anxieties. The tone is initially observational and detached, gradually shifting to a more critical and unsettling exploration of the shared foundation upon which both idealized societies are built. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a chilling recognition of the violence inherent in the pursuit of any perfect world.

The Clash of Ideologies: Arcadia vs. Utopia

The central theme of "Vespers" is the irreconcilable conflict between opposing visions of the ideal society. Auden embodies this conflict through the contrasting figures of the Arcadian and the Utopian. The Arcadian, with his "Aquarian belly," represents a world of personal pleasure, aesthetic appreciation, and a tolerance born of apathy. He is content with imperfection and prioritizes individual freedom over collective progress. Conversely, the Utopian, with his "Scorpion's mouth," embodies a world of rigorous order, social justice, and a willingness to sacrifice individual desires for the common good. He yearns for a rationally organized society, even if it requires force and suppression of dissent. Their mutual disdain, evident in lines like "He would like to see me cleaning latrines: I would like to see him removed to some other planet," highlights the fundamental incompatibility of their values.

The Illusion of Individual Identity

The poem also delves into the theme of identity, questioning the authenticity of individual beliefs and behaviors. The lines "For Sun and Moon supply their conforming masks, but in this hour of civil twilight all must wear their own faces" suggest that societal pressures often force people to conform to expected roles. However, in the "civil twilight," a liminal space between day and night, individuals are compelled to reveal their true selves. This moment of revelation exposes the Arcadian and the Utopian for who they are and allows each to recognize the "Anti-type" in the other. The encounter strips away the comfortable illusions of their respective ideologies, forcing them to confront their inherent contradictions.

The Dark Secret of Societal Foundations

Auden employs powerful symbolism to expose the disturbing foundation upon which both Arcadia and Utopia are built. The recurring image of "blood" and "immolation" suggests that no society, regardless of its ideals, can escape the violence and sacrifice necessary for its creation and maintenance. The reference to Abel or Remus, figures associated with fratricide and the founding of cities, reinforces this idea. The "cement of blood" becomes a metaphor for the oppression and injustice that often lie hidden beneath the surface of even the most seemingly benign social structures. The line "without a cement of blood (it must be human, it must be innocent) no secular wall will safely stand" underscores the poem's chilling message about the inescapable cost of societal progress and stability.

Echoes of Disillusionment

One vivid image is the contrast between the Arcadian's nostalgic paradise, filled with "krumhorns, doppions, sordumes of jolly miners," and the Utopian's terrifying vision of "hellikins cavort[ing] through ruined drawing-rooms." This imagery encapsulates the Arcadian's longing for a simpler, pre-industrial past and the Utopian's potential descent into violent revolution. These contrasting visions are not presented as equally valid. The Arcadian world, though flawed, is depicted with a degree of warmth and nostalgia, while the Utopian vision is fraught with fear and destruction. The poet implies that pursuing the utopian ideal can lead to horrors worse than the imperfections of the present.

The Unavoidable Truth: A Shared Sacrifice

In conclusion, "Vespers" is a stark and unsettling exploration of ideological conflict and the hidden costs of utopian aspirations. By juxtaposing the Arcadian and Utopian worldviews, Auden reveals the inherent limitations and potential dangers of both. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to force readers to confront the uncomfortable truth that all societies, regardless of their ideals, are built upon a foundation of sacrifice and violence. The final lines, emphasizing the shared "victim" and the "cement of blood," serve as a haunting reminder that even the most well-intentioned efforts to create a better world can have devastating consequences, and that these consequences are often conveniently forgotten or ignored. This shared forgetting, the poem suggests, is crucial for the survival of any ideology, but it also represents a profound moral failure.