Poem Analysis - Were Late

Introduction: A Timeless Anxiety

W.H. Auden's "We're Late" is a concise yet potent meditation on time, purpose, and mortality. The poem opens with a sense of urgency and disorientation, conveyed through the image of unreliable clocks. As it progresses, the tone shifts from anxious inquiry to a somewhat resigned acceptance of the unknowable. The poem grapples with the human desire to understand our place in the grand scheme of time and existence, acknowledging the limitations of both knowledge and mortality.

The Elusive Nature of Time and Purpose

One of the central themes of the poem is the struggle to find meaning and purpose in time. The opening lines, "Clocks cannot tell our time of day / For what event to pray," suggest that conventional measures of time are inadequate for understanding our individual experiences. We are “late” not in a literal sense, but in a more profound, existential way. We lack direction and understanding, as highlighted by "because we have no time until / We know what time we fill." This creates a cycle: we cannot understand time until we find our purpose, but we cannot find our purpose without understanding time. Auden implies that a life without a clear purpose is a life adrift, disconnected from the true essence of time.

The Futility of Seeking Answers from the Past

The poem also explores the limitations of seeking answers from the past or from inanimate objects. The statue's eye, a symbol of history and tradition, offers no solace or guidance: "Nor can our question satisfy / The answer in the statue's eye." This suggests that historical knowledge or external authority cannot provide us with the personal meaning we seek. The living are preoccupied with legacy ("Only the living ask whose brow / May wear the Roman laurel now"), while the dead only know the process of dying ("The dead say only how"). Auden contrasts the living's concern with future glory with the dead's silent acknowledgement of their ultimate fate.

Mortality's Unfathomable Mystery

The theme of mortality is interwoven with the poem’s exploration of time and purpose. The stark question, "What happens to the living when we die?" underscores the fundamental human anxiety about death. Auden emphasizes the incomprehensibility of death, even to death itself ("Death is not understood by Death; nor You, nor I"). This statement highlights the inherent mystery surrounding our existence and ultimate fate. The use of "You, nor I" makes the message personal and direct. No amount of questioning or intellectual exploration can truly unveil the secrets of death.

Symbolism of Roman Laurel

The "Roman laurel" is a powerful symbol of worldly achievement and lasting fame. By referencing it in the poem, Auden comments on humanity's ambition and desire for recognition. The phrase "whose brow / May wear the Roman laurel now" hints at a competitive yearning for success and an attempt to leave a mark on history. However, the poem subtly suggests that such aspirations are ultimately fleeting and insignificant in the face of death. This symbol emphasizes human vanity in comparison to the vast unknowability of the afterlife.

Conclusion: Embracing the Unknown

In conclusion, "We're Late" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, grappling with themes of time, purpose, and mortality. Auden suggests that conventional measures of time are inadequate, and that seeking answers from the past may be futile. The poem acknowledges the inherent mystery of death, highlighting the limitations of human understanding. Ultimately, "We're Late" suggests a need to accept the unknowable aspects of existence and to find meaning within the present moment, despite the uncertainties of the future. Perhaps the poem is suggesting that true understanding comes not from finding all the answers, but from accepting the questions themselves.