Why is it that we read poetry? We get Auden's answer to that question in the poem "In Memory of W.B. Yeats": poetry moves in ways that people can't. It lasts in ways that people don't. And it makes us feel things about people and places that we might not otherwise spend any time thinking about at all. Take Yeats, for example; when was the last time you thought about him? Exactly. As Auden works through various versions of elegies, we begin to feel a bit of what it must have been like for Auden to lose such an important presence in his life.
Questions About Art and Culture
- How do the forms of this poem help you to understand Auden's take on elegies in general?
- Do you think a poem is a good way to commemorate someone's death? Why or why not?
- What is it about poetry that Auden seems to value so much?
- Do you think Auden would talk about visual art in the same way he does poetry, or is this a genre-specific description? Why do you come to your conclusion?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Art is the one thing that can change people's minds in times of darkness and despair.
As this poem asserts, art doesn't ever change anything. It just offers fresh perspectives.