Poem Analysis - Voltaire At Ferney

A Moment of Contentment Amidst Relentless Work

W.H. Auden's "Voltaire at Ferney" paints a portrait of the aging philosopher, Voltaire, in a moment of apparent tranquility. The poem initially suggests a peaceful scene – a successful estate, admiring workers, and scenic beauty. However, this serenity is quickly undermined by the awareness of Voltaire's ongoing battles against injustice and his deep-seated anxieties about the world's cruelty. The poem's tone shifts from contentment to a restless sense of duty, reflecting Voltaire's internal conflict between enjoying his accomplishments and fulfilling his self-imposed mission.

Voltaire's Context: The Enlightenment's Champion

Voltaire (1694-1778) was a central figure of the Enlightenment, a period emphasizing reason, individualism, and human rights. He was known for his sharp wit and his relentless criticism of religious intolerance, political oppression, and social injustice. Auden's poem captures Voltaire at a stage in his life where he had retreated from Paris to Ferney, a small town on the French-Swiss border, to continue his work from a position of relative safety. This historical context is crucial to understanding the poem's themes of fighting for justice and the burden of responsibility that Voltaire felt.

The Enduring Fight Against Injustice

One of the poem's main themes is the ongoing struggle against injustice and falsehood. This is explicitly stated in the line "Against the false and the unfair / Was always worth it." Voltaire's life was dedicated to this fight, and even in his supposed retirement, he remains consumed by it. The mention of his "enemies" in Paris and the "horrible nurses / Itching to boil their children" vividly illustrates the pervasive nature of the cruelty and irrationality he opposed. This constant vigilance defines Voltaire's character, preventing him from truly relaxing or finding complete peace.

Mortality and the Urgency of Action

The poem subtly explores the theme of mortality. The line "Soon he would be dead" introduces a sense of urgency to Voltaire's mission. He is aware that his time is limited, and this awareness fuels his relentless work. The contrast between the "uncomplaining stars composed their lucid song" and the "night was full of wrong" emphasizes the brevity of human life against the backdrop of the vast and indifferent universe. This contrast further underscores the importance of Voltaire's actions in the face of inevitable death, suggesting that his legacy will endure even after he is gone.

The Symbolism of Light and Darkness

The poem employs potent symbolism through the contrasting images of light and darkness. The "white alps glittered" represent the clarity of reason and the beauty of the natural world, which Voltaire seeks to promote. Conversely, the "night was full of wrong" symbolizes the ignorance, cruelty, and oppression that he battles. The "lucid song" of the stars can be interpreted as a symbol of truth and enlightenment. The interplay of light and darkness emphasizes the ongoing conflict between reason and irrationality, highlighting Voltaire's role as a beacon of light in a world shrouded in darkness.

A Legacy Forged in Tireless Effort

Auden's "Voltaire at Ferney" is a nuanced portrait of a complex man. It captures Voltaire's apparent contentment amidst the relentless fight against injustice. The poem highlights the tension between his desire for peace and his unwavering commitment to fighting against the false and the unfair. Ultimately, the poem suggests that Voltaire's true legacy lies not in his personal happiness, but in his tireless efforts to civilize the world, leaving behind verses that might inspire future generations to continue the struggle for reason and justice.