Discussion Topic
Analysis and classification of W. H. Auden's poem "O What Is That Sound"
Summary:
W. H. Auden's poem "O What Is That Sound" is a ballad that uses a conversational structure between two speakers to build tension and suspense. The poem reflects themes of betrayal and impending doom, as one speaker anxiously questions the approaching soldiers while the other provides increasingly evasive answers. The rhythmic repetition and simple language enhance its emotional impact.
What is the critical analysis of W. H. Auden's poem "O What is That Sound"?
W.H. Auden’s “O What is That Sound” is a ballad in which two narrators—presumably married—converse about a troupe of soldiers that is coming toward their home. The poem was published in the early 1930s, a time of growing civil unrest and military strategizing as Europe marched ever closer toward World War II.
Each stanza follows a question-and-answer format with an ABAB rhyme scheme throughout. The first line of each stanza begins with “O,” which indicates a sense of urgency or confusion. The repetition in the poem emphasizes this tone and establishes a sing-song rhythm that mimics the “drumming, drumming” mentioned in the first stanza.
A shift occurs at the end of the seventh stanza with the line “And now they are running.” While earlier descriptions of the “scarlet soldiers” have been rather rational and unconcerned, the second narrator, who has been answering the other’s questions, seems surprised by this detail....
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Noticing for the first time that the soldiers seem headed directly for their home, the second narrator is distressed.
The last two stanzas of the poem have a frightened, suspenseful tone that suggests something violent is about to happen to the narrators: the soldiers’ “boots are heavy on the floor” and “eyes are burning.” The imagery of burning eyes suggests anger or destruction, which is directed toward at least one of the narrators.
Therefore, Auden is commenting on the destructive, violent nature of war that invades even the most provincial places—along with the persecution it includes. Considering that WWI had ended shortly before the poem’s publication and that WWII came shortly after (Hitler became chancellor of Germany in 1933), Auden’s poem has an almost prophetic mood.
What type of poem is "O What Is That Sound?" by W. H. Auden?
The poem “O What Is That Sound?” by W. H. Auden is a ballad. The poem consist of nine stanzas in which two speakers carry on a dialogue. The stanzas do not follow the typical ballad rhyme scheme of ABCB but rather ABAB, but the rhythm, repetition, and narration still follow the traditional ballad form.
The first speaker begins each stanza by asking a question regarding a group of marching soldiers. These soldiers are marching to the beat of drums as their weapons flash in the morning sun. Suddenly, they change direction and leave the road. The speaker wonders if they are going to visit the doctor or the parson or the farmer. The second speaker responds to each question, telling the first speaker that the soldiers are just practicing their “usual manoeuvres” and that perhaps the change in direction only reflects a change in orders. The second speaker also says that the soldiers are passing by the doctor, the parson, and the farmer.
In the last two stanzas, the soldiers' mission becomes much clearer. The first speaker asks the second speaker where he is going and begs him to stay. The second speaker assures the first of his love but says that he “must be leaving.” The soldiers, apparently, are coming to get him. Perhaps he is an enemy or a deserter. In the last stanza, only the first speaker remains, describing the broken lock, splintered door, and burning eyes of the soldiers. They have entered, and the ballad breaks off suddenly with no conclusion to the story.