Autumn Song
What effect does fragmentation have? Bonus points for How many stanzas are in the poem?
Reflects the disjointed experience of modernity. 5 stanzas.
What is the tone associated with Funeral Blues
Sombre, poignant, melancholic (any other strong sad emotion also counts, no basic emotions)
What is exclusion/marginalisation?
The systematic denial of access to resources, opportunities, and rights, leading to individuals or groups being pushed to the fringes of society.
What does the poem's title mean?
The poem's title directly references this specific date, marking the beginning of a significant historical event; WWII.
What is the tone of the poem?
Satirical and ironic tone using a bureaucratic voice to critique standardisation and conformity.
What is the main theme of Autumn Song?
The main theme of "Autumn Song" is the inevitability of death and the passage of time, reflecting on the beauty and bleakness of autumn as a metaphor for life and decay
What are the four environments/spaces explored in each stanza of Funeral Blues? (Hint: There are four)
Domestic, Localised, Individual, Universal
Which modernist technique communicates the refugee's experience and how does this affect the tone?
Fragmentation reflects the chaos and dislocation experienced by refugees. Abrupt shifts in tone and imagery convey emotional turmoil and alienation, mirroring their plight.
What is the main theme in September 1 1939
Uncertainty and fear for the future
How does the poem's structure reflect modernist experimentation with form?
Irregular rhyme schemes, and line lengths break away from ‘traditional poetic structures’.
How does Auden's "Autumn Song" reflect the cultural and historical context of its time, considering it was written in 1936?
The poem reflects the anxiety and sense of impending doom prevalent in the 1930s, with the rise of fascism and approach of World War II.
Describe the historical context of Funeral Blues?
The poem reflects the looming, global uncertainty before World War II, accentuating the personal and collective grief of the world.
What is the meaning of a blues form?
A blues form is a poetic or musical structure that expresses themes of sadness and hardship, often featuring repetitive patterns and a conversational style. In poetry, it evokes personal struggle and emotional depth, emphasizing a reflective and sorrowful mood.
What is an AAB rhyme scheme?
Only the first two lines of a stanza rhyme and the third line is used to accentuate an idea
How does the poem address the modernist concern with alienation?
By reducing them to numbers, data points and behaviours. Their conformity to society & lacking individuality.
What modernist notions are present in "Autumn Song"?
The poem explores themes of alienation, loss, and the fragmentation of modern life. It presents a bleak, unsentimental view of mortality, which aligns with modernist skepticism towards traditional sources of meaning.
What does the author's rejection of romantic tropes do for the text?
The author's rejection of romantic tropes emphasizes the harsh reality of grief, making the emotions more raw and genuine. This approach strips away comforting illusions, highlighting the depth of loss and intensifying the poem’s impact.
How does fragmentation enhance the perception of chaos?
Fragmentation mirrors the instability and dislocation experienced by the refugees. The shifts in tone and imagery reflect the unpredictability of their situation, enhancing the sense of helplessness and chaos they face.
How is ignorance expressed in September 1 1939 and how does tone add to this expression?
Auden expresses ignorance of American society by critiquing its superficiality and consumerism, contrasting it with the turmoil in Europe. His tone reflects bewilderment and alienation, highlighting a disconnect from American values and the complexities of life during a time of crisis.
How does irony and satire contribute to the modernist themes?
A satirical landscape of economic societies is created along with an ironic portrayal of ‘the perfect citizen’ critiquing materialism, dehumanisation, etc. This also enables exploration of the human experience and existential questions around a human’s purpose and significance.
In what ways does "Autumn Song" challenge traditional values associated with the cycle of life and death?
The poem presents a stark, unsentimental view of mortality that challenges comforting narratives about death, reflecting modernist skepticism towards traditional sources of meaning.
Describe the form and what impact this has on the poem?
The form consists of four quatrains with an AABB rhyme scheme and regular meter. This structured form contrasts with the chaotic emotions of grief, adding a sense of control and inevitability. The rhyme and rhythm create a somber, song-like quality, emphasizing the profound sadness and finality of loss in the poem.
How does the conversational tone add to the poem?
The conversational tone makes the poem feel personal and intimate, drawing the reader into the refugees' experiences. It adds a sense of immediacy and relatability, highlighting the everyday nature of their struggles and making their plight more impactful and emotionally resonant.
Describe the symbolic meaning of the city/setting in September 1 1939
Represents both a physical and emotional landscape, embodying the chaos and instability of the time. It reflects the tension between urban life and the underlying political turmoil.
What is the significance of the use of bureaucratic language?
By adopting this bureaucratic voice, Auden effectively criticizes the dehumanizing aspects of modern society. This emphasizes how modern bureaucracies reduce individuals to statistics and identification numbers, stripping away their humanity.