Poem Analysis - O What Is That Sound

An Ominous Approach

W.H. Auden's "O What Is That Sound" unfolds as a chilling dialogue, a suspenseful build-up to an unknown dread. The poem begins with an almost childlike curiosity, quickly morphing into palpable fear and finally, devastating betrayal. The tone shifts from innocent inquiry to desperate pleading as the impending doom draws nearer, creating an atmosphere of mounting anxiety and despair.

Echoes of a Troubled Time

While Auden's poem doesn't explicitly mention a specific historical event, it resonates strongly with the anxieties of the pre-World War II era. The rise of fascism in Europe cast a long shadow, and the poem's depiction of an encroaching, impersonal military force can be interpreted as a reflection of the fear and uncertainty surrounding political aggression and the potential for widespread conflict. The lack of specific details contributes to the poem's universality, making it relevant beyond its immediate historical context.

Impending Doom and Betrayal

One of the central themes in "O What Is That Sound" is the inevitability of impending doom. The rhythmic repetition of questions and the increasingly frantic responses build suspense as the soldiers draw closer. The "scarlet soldiers" are initially dismissed as harmless, but their steady approach, amplified by the drumming sound, becomes increasingly menacing. Coupled with this is the theme of betrayal, which surfaces in the penultimate stanza. The speaker's plea for their lover to stay is met with the cold, detached response: "I promised to love you, dear,/ But I must be leaving." This sudden abandonment heightens the sense of despair and underscores the poem's bleak outlook. A third possible theme is denial. The "dear" dismisses each alarming sign with increasingly weak and unconvincing excuses, highlighting the human tendency to ignore or downplay threats until it is too late.

Scarlet Soldiers: Symbols of Oppression

The image of the "scarlet soldiers" is a potent symbol throughout the poem. The color scarlet, often associated with blood, violence, and warning, foreshadows the impending danger. The soldiers are presented as an impersonal force, devoid of individuality or compassion. Their relentless approach and the "drumming, drumming" sound they produce evoke a sense of mechanical inevitability, suggesting the overwhelming power of the state or a totalitarian regime. It's interesting to consider why Auden chose scarlet instead of another color like blue or green. Could the scarlet be alluding to the blood shed by previous conflicts and thus be a representation of the history of war?

A Descent into Despair

"O What Is That Sound" is a powerful exploration of fear, betrayal, and the encroaching threat of an unknown enemy. Through vivid imagery and a steadily mounting sense of dread, Auden captures the psychological impact of impending violence and the devastating consequences of abandonment. The poem's chilling conclusion, with the soldiers breaking down the door, leaves the reader with a profound sense of unease, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals in the face of overwhelming force and the fragility of human connection in times of crisis.