Poem Analysis - As We Like It

Introduction: A World Under Threat

W.H. Auden's "As We Like It" presents a bleak and unsettling vision of a world teetering on the brink of disaster. The poem moves from describing the supposed marvels of modern civilization to highlighting the lurking dangers of political manipulation and societal decay. The tone is initially observational, almost detached, but gradually darkens as the poem progresses, shifting from a general critique to an urgent warning. There's a palpable sense of foreboding throughout, culminating in a resignation to the inevitable.

The Shadow of Societal Breakdown

A central theme in "As We Like It" is the breakdown of societal values and the rise of destructive forces. The opening stanzas paint a picture of a city built by "the conscience-stricken" and "the weapon-making," highlighting the inherent contradiction within its foundations. The "wild rumours" and "betrayers" suggest a climate of political instability and distrust. The poem laments the absence of those who valued understanding and peace, replaced by "peaked and violent faces" consumed by prejudice, indicating a moral and intellectual decline within the society.

The Peril of Ignorance and Apathy

Another significant theme is the danger of ignorance and apathy in the face of impending doom. The "feverish prejudiced lives" who "do not care" are symbolic of a population willingly blinded by propaganda and distraction ("the flutter of bunting, the glittering brass"). The "ignorant town" is vulnerable to the "plague" unleashed by the "sinister tall-hatted botanist," who acts as a grim reaper figure, spreading destruction with a calculated act. This symbolizes how easily a population can be manipulated and destroyed when lacking knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Mortality, Love, and the Cold Universe

The poem also explores themes of mortality and the endurance of love against the backdrop of a cold, uncaring universe. The line "And the malice of death" underscores the ever-present threat of mortality. Amidst this, "the necessary lovers touch," a small act of human connection in a bleak landscape. The image of "the river is alone and the trampled flower" evokes a sense of loneliness and vulnerability. Ultimately, the planets rushing "towards Lyra in a lion's charge" convey the immensity and indifference of the cosmos, highlighting the insignificance of human struggles within the vastness of space and time, yet the persistence of the fundamental human connection.

Sinister Imagery: Plague and the Botanist

The imagery in "As We Like It" is particularly striking, especially the figure of the "sinister tall-hatted botanist." This image is a powerful symbol of calculated destruction. The botanist, traditionally associated with healing and life, becomes a harbinger of death, suggesting a perversion of knowledge and science. The "insignificant phial" underscores the devastating potential of even seemingly small actions, emphasizing how easily evil can be unleashed. Is the "plague" a literal disease, or a metaphor for a more insidious social or political ill? This ambiguity adds to the poem's unsettling effect.

Concluding Thoughts: A Bleak Legacy

In conclusion, "As We Like It" is a sobering commentary on the fragility of civilization and the ever-present threat of societal decay. Auden uses vivid imagery and a gradually darkening tone to explore themes of ignorance, political manipulation, and the indifference of the universe. The poem leaves us with a sense of unease, questioning whether humanity can truly learn from its mistakes and escape the cycle of destruction. The final lines, "It's a world. It's a way," offer a bleak acceptance of the current state of affairs, leaving the reader to ponder the future and its potential for both hope and despair.