This paper deals with a critical analysis of W.H. Auden‘s 1939 poem “Herman Melville“. It focuses predominantly on the theme of serenity in later life and coming to terms with hardships one had to face throughout their lives. It also argues that themes of rebirth in the poem lead to a profound spiritual revelation at the end of Herman Melvilles life. In order to do a solid comparative analysis of both Auden‘s poetry and Melville‘s œvre, this paper examines the sea imagery found in the poem which is connected to finding goodness. My paper relies on sources such as The Enchafèd Flood by Auden, Moby Dick and other works of Herman Melville, as well as numerous secondary works of criticism. Furthermore, I argue that “Herman Melville“ depicts Auden‘s meditation on war and the rise of totalitarianism in Europe at the time. All of those topics make for an intriguing insight into mid-century poetry and Americanness in the literary landscape.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Auden’s Americanness Post-1939
3. Change, Rebirth, and Spiritual Peace
4. Sea Imagery and Melville’s Journey Toward Serenity
5. The Struggle Between Good and Evil
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Topics
This paper examines W.H. Auden’s poem "Herman Melville" as a personal reflection on resilience and spiritual discovery. By analyzing the poem within the context of Auden's relocation to the United States and his engagement with Melville’s life and work, the study explores how both authors navigated creative and existential struggles to achieve a sense of inner peace and moral clarity.
- The influence of Auden’s relocation to the U.S. on his literary identity and themes.
- The usage of maritime and sea imagery as metaphors for existential turbulence and spiritual transition.
- The interplay between the forces of good and evil as a commentary on the human condition and the dangers of totalitarianism.
- The conceptualization of rebirth and spiritual revelation in the careers of both authors.
Excerpt from the Book
4. Sea Imagery and Melville’s Journey Toward Serenity
In “Herman Melville”, W.H. Auden employs various examples of sea imagery, not only to pay homage to the eponymous author but also to symbolize the struggles and transformations that defined not only Melville’s but also Auden’s own life after hardship. In Herman Melville’s case this hardship is mostly defined by the lacking success of his more ambitious novels, especially Moby Dick, which resulted in financial struggles and him taking a job as a customs inspector in New York City which he held for nearly 20 years. Apart from that, he was also not spared from personal tragedies. According to an article about Melville on Two Miles High, his eldest son Malcolm died by suicide at the age of 18, and his younger son Stanwix died of tuberculosis at 36. This loss must have resulted in a growing sense of despair. Furthermore, recurring themes like spiritual turmoil, the concept of evil, or the existence of God, particularly found in Moby Dick, suggests that Melville grappled with existential questions and a deeper crisis of faith throughout his life.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: Introduces the poem "Herman Melville" as a tribute to the US-American author and outlines the paper's focus on themes of rebirth, maritime imagery, and the struggle between good and evil.
2. Auden’s Americanness Post-1939: Analyzes how Auden's relocation to the United States shifted his personal and literary identity and his incorporation of American influences.
3. Change, Rebirth, and Spiritual Peace: Discusses the concept of artistic rebirth and spiritual awakening, relating Melville's work and Auden's experiences to the pursuit of serenity.
4. Sea Imagery and Melville’s Journey Toward Serenity: Explores the use of nautical symbols and sea metaphors as representations of the challenges faced by both Melville and Auden.
5. The Struggle Between Good and Evil: Examines the poem's depiction of moral conflict and relates it to Auden's critique of totalitarianism and the search for goodness.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes how both authors utilized their respective journeys to reach a profound spiritual revelation and a reconciliation with life's complexities.
Keywords
W.H. Auden, Herman Melville, American literature, poetry, rebirth, sea imagery, maritime symbols, The Enchafèd Flood, existentialism, morality, good and evil, Lincoln Kirstein, spiritual peace, Billy Budd, totalitarianism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research paper?
The paper provides an in-depth analysis of W.H. Auden’s poem "Herman Melville," exploring it as a reflection on the personal and artistic journeys of both authors toward spiritual peace and resilience.
What are the central thematic areas covered in this work?
Key themes include the artist's struggle for identity during and after relocation, the symbolic representation of the sea as a chaotic, transformational force, and the philosophical conflict between good and evil.
What is the main objective or research question of this study?
The study aims to demonstrate how Auden uses the figure of Melville to navigate his own post-1939 American experience and how both men find artistic and personal harmony through a deeper understanding of goodness.
Which scientific or analytical methods does the author employ?
The author employs literary analysis, incorporating biographical context, theoretical insights from Auden’s own work ("The Enchafèd Flood"), and connections between historical events and the literary output of the subjects.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body covers Auden’s transition to American citizenship, the interpretation of symbolic sea imagery in the poem, the influence of historical circumstances on the portrayal of evil, and the ultimate realization of interconnectedness and peace.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
The paper is characterized by terms such as W.H. Auden, Herman Melville, rebirth, sea imagery, literary identity, totalitarianism, and spiritual peace.
How does the author connect the concept of "rebirth" to Melville’s later life?
The author argues that Melville's rebirth is evidenced by the early 20th-century revival of his work, confirming his significance and immortality, and through the poetic suggestion of finding peace and value in human connections despite life's hardships.
What role does the "howling storm" play in the author's analysis of the poem?
The author interprets the storm as a symbol for turmoil and existential struggle, which functions as a guiding presence that eventually leads to Melville’s spiritual transformation and the acceptance of truth.
- Quote paper
- Jannes Winkler (Author), 2024, The Calm of Mountains. Serenity, Rebirth, and the Struggle Between Good and Evil in W.H. Auden‘s "Herman Melville", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1525643
