From September 1, 1939 by H. Auden - Poem / Poetry Appreciation / Exercises on Poem / Question-Answer on Poem / Theme and Summary of Poem / Poem Analysis

From September 1, 1939

H. Auden

I sit on one of the dives

On Fifty-second Street

Uncertain and afraid

As the clever hopes expire.

Of a low dishonest decade:

Waves of anger and fear

Circulate over the bright

And darkened lands of the earth,

Obsessing our private lives;

The unmentionable odour of death

Offends the September night.

Theme: The poem reflects the uncertainty, fear, and disillusionment felt at the onset of World War II. The poem captures the moral and political decay of the 1930s, marked by widespread anger, fear, and a sense of despair about the future. It highlights how global conflict and violence permeate individual lives, creating an atmosphere of dread and hopelessness, particularly as the looming presence of death casts a shadow over the world.

Summary: The speaker reflects on the outbreak of World War II, expressing a sense of fear and uncertainty. The poem captures the disillusionment with the political and social decay of the preceding decade, marked by dishonesty and the collapse of idealistic hopes. As waves of anger and fear spread across the world, the speaker notes how global turmoil deeply affects individual lives, filling the air with an ominous sense of death and destruction. Ultimately, the poem portrays a world gripped by war and moral crisis, with little hope for immediate resolution.

Paraphrasing

"I sit on one of the dives / On Fifty-second Street"

• I am sitting in one of the bars or low-class establishments located on Fifty-second Street, a place where people go for temporary escape or indulgence.

"Uncertain and afraid / As the clever hopes expire."

• I feel uncertain and fearful, as the intelligent aspirations and optimistic dreams of people are fading or disappearing, perhaps due to the approaching war or political tensions.

"Of a low dishonest decade:"

• Referring to the previous decade, which is described as a time of dishonesty and moral decay, possibly due to the rise of totalitarian regimes or the looming threat of war.

"Waves of anger and fear / Circulate over the bright / And darkened lands of the earth,"

• There are widespread feelings of anger and fear that are spreading across both the prosperous and troubled parts of the world. These emotions affect every corner of the earth, regardless of its condition.

"Obsessing our private lives;"

• These negative emotions—anger and fear—are invading and dominating our personal lives, controlling how we think and feel in our daily existence.

"The unmentionable odour of death / Offends the September night."

• The smell of death, something so terrible and distressing that it cannot even be spoken about, fills the night of September with an unbearable presence, making the atmosphere thick with fear and dread.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the speaker's location at the beginning of the poem?

• At the beginning of the poem, the speaker is located in a "dive" on Fifty-second Street. The term "dive" typically refers to a bar or a low-class, somewhat shabby establishment where people might go to escape from their troubles. The mention of "Fifty-second Street" places the scene in a specific urban setting, possibly in New York City, evoking an atmosphere of disillusionment, decay, and anxiety. This setting symbolizes the speaker's sense of being overwhelmed and disconnected from the larger events unfolding in the world.

2. What feelings does the speaker experience in the poem?

• The speaker experiences a sense of uncertainty and fear throughout the poem. These feelings arise from the global political turmoil, specifically the impending war that is threatening to engulf the world. The speaker is overwhelmed by the sense of helplessness and anxiety, as the "clever hopes" of society, or the aspirations for peace and progress, are fading away. The speaker is unsure of what the future holds, and this fear is reflected in the somber tone and the imagery of death and destruction that fills the poem.

3. What does the speaker mean by "the clever hopes expire"?

• "The clever hopes expire" refers to the death of intelligent and optimistic dreams or aspirations. The phrase implies that the rational, well-thought-out hopes for peace, progress, and a better future are slowly fading away in the face of the rising threat of war and political conflict. The use of "clever" emphasizes that these were thoughtful and reasoned hopes, but they are nonetheless being extinguished by the forces of destruction and chaos, particularly as the political situation worsens in Europe during the time leading up to World War II.

4. How does the speaker describe the decade before 1939?

• The speaker describes the decade preceding 1939 as "a low dishonest decade." The word "low" suggests that this period was marked by moral decay, dishonesty, and a lack of integrity in both individual actions and political dealings. The term "dishonest" specifically alludes to the lies, corruption, and deceit that permeated the politics and actions of the time, especially with the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe and the failure of diplomacy to prevent war. The speaker's description reflects a deep sense of disillusionment with the past decade and its failure to prevent the global crisis of World War II.

5. What emotions are described as circulating over the lands of the earth?

• The speaker describes "waves of anger and fear" circulating over the earth. These emotions symbolize the widespread unease, aggression, and panic that are sweeping across the globe as nations prepare for war. The imagery of "waves" suggests that these emotions are not only pervasive but also uncontrollable, washing over all parts of the world, both the "bright" (prosperous and peaceful) and the "darkened" (troubled and war-torn) lands. The emotional turmoil of anger and fear is reflected in the global instability and uncertainty that pervades the atmosphere as World War II looms.

6. How do the feelings of anger and fear affect people's lives?

• The feelings of anger and fear "obsess" people's private lives, meaning that they dominate people's thoughts, behaviors, and actions. The private, personal lives of individuals are deeply affected by the broader political and social unrest, as the fears of impending war, violence, and death take a mental and emotional toll. People are unable to escape the pervasive atmosphere of fear and anger, which infiltrates even the most intimate aspects of their daily lives. The use of the word "obsessing" suggests that these emotions are overwhelming and inescapable.

7. What is meant by "the unmentionable odour of death"?

• The "unmentionable odour of death" refers to the pervasive and overwhelming presence of death that hangs in the air, so powerful and horrifying that it cannot be directly discussed. The word "unmentionable" suggests that the idea of death is too terrible to be named or faced openly, but it is an undeniable force that pervades the atmosphere. This metaphorical "odour" symbolizes the impending destruction and loss of life associated with war, and its "offense" to the September night implies that the world is becoming morally and spiritually polluted by the threat of death and violence.

8. How does the "odour of death" impact the night in the poem?

• The "odour of death" impacts the night by making it unsettling and uncomfortable. The speaker implies that the night itself is tainted by the ominous presence of death, turning what would normally be a peaceful and calm time into something suffocating and oppressive. The "September night" is no longer just a quiet, natural event but is instead filled with dread, anxiety, and the anticipation of doom. This heavy atmosphere reflects the widespread fear and uncertainty that is felt by everyone as war approaches.

9. How does the imagery of "waves of anger and fear" contribute to the poem’s tone?

• The imagery of "waves of anger and fear" contributes to the poem's tone by amplifying the sense of anxiety, chaos, and inevitability. Waves are large, powerful, and uncontrollable, suggesting that these emotions are not only widespread but also overwhelming and destructive. This image conveys a sense of helplessness and powerlessness in the face of global conflict. The tone of the poem becomes darker and more ominous as these emotions dominate the world, symbolizing the loss of control and the imminent dangers that humanity faces. The tone is one of dread and fatalism, with the speaker unable to escape the oncoming storm of war.

10. Why might the poem be titled "From September 1, 1939"?

• The title "From September 1, 1939" is significant because it marks the day when World War II began with the German invasion of Poland. This historical date is symbolic of the beginning of widespread global conflict, which is reflected in the themes of fear, anger, and death in the poem. By using this title, Auden anchors the poem in a specific moment in history, conveying the urgency and gravity of the situation. The title also suggests that the speaker is reflecting on the global events from the vantage point of that moment in time, capturing the emotional atmosphere of uncertainty and despair as the world stands on the brink of war.

Multiple-choice questions based on the text:

1. Where is the speaker located in the beginning of the poem?

a) In a park

b) In a dive on Fifty-second Street

c) At a coffee shop

d) At a military base

Answer: b) In a dive on Fifty-second Street

2. What feeling does the speaker express throughout the poem?

a) Joy

b) Uncertainty and fear

c) Hope and optimism

d) Confusion and boredom

Answer: b) Uncertainty and fear

3. What does the phrase "the clever hopes expire" refer to?

a) The loss of intellectual pursuits

b) The death of optimistic and intelligent aspirations

c) The failure of economic systems

d) The end of individual ambitions

Answer: b) The death of optimistic and intelligent aspirations

4. How does the speaker describe the decade leading up to 1939?

a) A decade of progress

b) A decade of peace

c) A low and dishonest decade

d) A decade of great inventions

Answer: c) A low and dishonest decade

5. What emotions are described as circulating over the world?

a) Hope and joy

b) Anger and fear

c) Greed and despair

d) Courage and compassion

Answer: b) Anger and fear

6. What does the speaker suggest about the impact of anger and fear on people's lives?

a) They inspire creativity

b) They obsess and dominate private lives

c) They lead to solutions

d) They encourage rebellion

Answer: b) They obsess and dominate private lives

7. What is meant by "the unmentionable odour of death"?

a) The smell of a funeral

b) The looming presence of death and destruction

c) The aroma of war food

d) The scent of flowers after a battle

Answer: b) The looming presence of death and destruction

8. How does the "odour of death" affect the September night?

a) It brings peace

b) It makes the night unnaturally quiet

c) It makes the night unsettling and offensive

d) It gives the night a pleasant smell

Answer: c) It makes the night unsettling and offensive

9. Which of the following best describes the tone of the poem?

a) Light-hearted and hopeful

b) Dismal and fearful

c) Celebratory and proud

d) Relaxed and peaceful

Answer: b) Dismal and fearful

10. Why is the poem titled "From September 1, 1939"?

a) It refers to the speaker's birthday

b) It marks the beginning of World War II

c) It is the day the poem was written

d) It signifies the end of a conflict

Answer: b) It marks the beginning of World War II

Summary of From September 1, 1939 by W. H. Auden:

In From September 1, 1939, W. H. Auden reflects on the global crisis that marked the start of World War II. The poem opens with the speaker sitting in a dive bar on Fifty-second Street, feeling uncertain and fearful as the world is on the brink of war. This setting evokes an image of a world in moral and political decay.

The speaker expresses disillusionment with the past decade, describing it as "low and dishonest." The "clever hopes" that people once had—hopes for peace, progress, and a better future—are fading away, as tensions rise and the world prepares for war. Waves of anger and fear are sweeping across the world, affecting both prosperous and troubled lands, and dominating people's private lives.

The "unmentionable odour of death" symbolizes the unavoidable presence of destruction and death, which the speaker feels permeates the atmosphere, making the night oppressive and unsettling. The poem captures a sense of helplessness in the face of global conflict, as the speaker feels overwhelmed by the intensity of the emotions and the impending disaster. The presence of death is so pervasive that it "offends" the night, transforming what would normally be a peaceful time into a moment of dread.

The tone of the poem is somber, reflecting the global anxiety and fear in the lead-up to World War II. Auden’s poem captures the emotional atmosphere of that time, showing how personal lives are haunted by the broader political events, and how the looming war overshadows everything. The poem also suggests the moral and intellectual failure of the era, as the "clever hopes" of previous generations have been extinguished, leaving people to face the grim reality of war.

Theme:

The theme of From September 1, 1939 centers on the global fear, anger, and uncertainty that marked the beginning of World War II. The poem reflects the emotional and moral decay of the time, highlighting the loss of hope and the pervasive presence of death and destruction. Through vivid imagery and somber tone, Auden conveys the sense of helplessness and dread that defined the period leading up to the war.

Bangla Translation (Summary)

ডব্লিউ. এইচ. অডেনের লেখা "১ সেপ্টেম্বর, ১৯৩৯" এর সারাংশ:

ডব্লিউ. এইচ. অডেন "১ সেপ্টেম্বর, ১৯৩৯" -এ দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের সূচনালগ্নে বিশ্বব্যাপী সঙ্কটের প্রতিফলন ঘটান। কবিতাটি শুরু হয় বক্তা পঞ্চাশ-সেকেন্ড স্ট্রিটের একটি ডাইভ বারে বসে থাকা অবস্থায়, অনিশ্চিত এবং ভীত বোধ করেন, কারণ বিশ্ব যুদ্ধের দ্বারপ্রান্তে। এই পরিবেশ নৈতিক ও রাজনৈতিক অবক্ষয়ের এক চিত্র তুলে ধরে।

বক্তা গত দশকের প্রতি হতাশা প্রকাশ করেন, এটিকে "নীচ এবং অসৎ" হিসাবে বর্ণনা করেন। মানুষের একসময়ের "চতুর আশা" - শান্তি, অগ্রগতি এবং উন্নত ভবিষ্যতের আশা - ম্লান হয়ে যাচ্ছে, উত্তেজনা বৃদ্ধির সাথে সাথে এবং বিশ্ব যুদ্ধের জন্য প্রস্তুত হওয়ার সাথে সাথে। বিশ্বজুড়ে ক্রোধ এবং ভয়ের ঢেউ বয়ে যাচ্ছে, যা সমৃদ্ধ এবং অস্থির উভয় ভূমিকেই প্রভাবিত করছে এবং মানুষের ব্যক্তিগত জীবনকে প্রভাবিত করছে।

"মৃত্যুর অনির্দিষ্ট গন্ধ" ধ্বংস এবং মৃত্যুর অনিবার্য উপস্থিতির প্রতীক, যা বক্তা পরিবেশে ছড়িয়ে আছে বলে মনে করেন, রাতকে নিপীড়ক এবং অস্থির করে তোলে। কবিতাটিতে বিশ্বব্যাপী সংঘাতের মুখে অসহায়ত্বের অনুভূতি ফুটে উঠেছে, কারণ বক্তা আবেগের তীব্রতা এবং আসন্ন বিপর্যয়ের দ্বারা অভিভূত বোধ করেন। মৃত্যুর উপস্থিতি এতটাই বিস্তৃত যে এটি রাতকে "বিক্ষুব্ধ" করে, যা সাধারণত একটি শান্তিপূর্ণ সময়কে আতঙ্কের মুহূর্তে রূপান্তরিত করে।

কবিতার সুরটি বিষণ্ণ, দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের আগে বিশ্বব্যাপী উদ্বেগ এবং ভয়কে প্রতিফলিত করে। অডেনের কবিতাটি সেই সময়ের আবেগময় পরিবেশকে ধারণ করে, দেখায় যে কীভাবে ব্যক্তিগত জীবন বিস্তৃত রাজনৈতিক ঘটনাবলীর দ্বারা আচ্ছন্ন এবং কীভাবে আসন্ন যুদ্ধ সবকিছুকে ঢেকে ফেলে। কবিতাটি সেই যুগের নৈতিক ও বৌদ্ধিক ব্যর্থতারও ইঙ্গিত দেয়, কারণ পূর্ববর্তী প্রজন্মের "চতুর আশা" নিভে গেছে, মানুষকে যুদ্ধের ভয়াবহ বাস্তবতার মুখোমুখি হতে বাধ্য করেছে।

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• Dive

  • English: A low, shabby establishment, typically a bar.

  • Bangla: একটি নিম্নমানের স্হান, সাধারণত একটি বার।

• Uncertain

  • English: Not able to be sure about something.

  • Bangla: অস্থির, সন্দেহজনক, নিশ্চিত না হওয়া।

• Afraid

  • English: Feeling fear or anxiety.

  • Bangla: ভীত, আতঙ্কিত।

• Expire

  • English: To come to an end or die out.

  • Bangla: শেষ হওয়া, মারা যাওয়া।

• Dishonest

  • English: Not truthful or fair.

  • Bangla: অসত্, মিথ্যাবাদী।

• Waves

  • English: A rhythmic movement or flow.

  • Bangla: তরঙ্গ, ধারা।

• Obsessing

  • English: To dominate or preoccupy the mind continually.

  • Bangla: পাগলপারা করা, মাথায় ঘুরে ঘুরে আসা।

• Odour

  • English: A smell, especially an unpleasant one.

  • Bangla: গন্ধ, বিশেষত অপ্রীতিকর গন্ধ।

• Offends

  • English: To cause someone to feel upset or insulted.

  • Bangla: আঘাত করা, অপমান করা।

• Bright

  • English: Giving off light; full of hope or energy.

  • Bangla: উজ্জ্বল, আশাবাদী।

• Darkened

  • English: Made dark or gloomy.

  • Bangla: অন্ধকার, নিরাশ।

• Lands

  • English: Areas of the earth's surface, often used to describe countries or regions.

  • Bangla: জমি, অঞ্চল।

• Clever

  • English: Quick to understand, learn, or apply ideas.

  • Bangla: চতুর, বুদ্ধিমান।

• Blunder'd

  • English: To make a careless mistake.

  • Bangla: ভুল করা, গাফিলতি।

• Reply

  • English: A response to a question or statement.

  • Bangla: উত্তর, প্রতিক্রিয়া।

• Reason

  • English: The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments logically.

  • Bangla: যুক্তি, চিন্তা।

• Volley'd

  • English: To fire a number of things at once.

  • Bangla: একসাথে ছোঁড়া, হামলা করা।

• Thunder'd

  • English: To make a loud sound, like thunder.

  • Bangla: গর্জন করা, প্রচণ্ড আওয়াজ করা।

• Sabring

  • English: To strike with a sabre (a type of sword).

  • Bangla: তলোয়ার দিয়ে আঘাত করা।

• Plunged

  • English: To jump or dive into something with force.

  • Bangla: তীব্রভাবে ঝাঁপানো, ডুবে যাওয়া।