2.3.3 - O What is That Sound by W. H. Auden
Book Back Questions
1. How does the poem “O What Is That Sound” contrast the male world of the warrior with the human cry of a female lover?
In the poem “O What Is That Sound”, W. H. Auden clearly contrasts the male world of war with the emotional cry of a female lover. The soldiers represent the male world of power, discipline, and violence. They march strongly, armed with weapons, and move closer step by step. In contrast, the female lover represents fear, love, and human emotion. She keeps asking questions about the sound and the approaching soldiers. While the male world focuses on survival and strength, the female voice seeks comfort, reassurance, and love. At the end, the man runs away to save himself, showing the selfish instinct caused by war. The woman is left helpless, expressing pain and betrayal. Thus, Auden contrasts brutal war with tender human emotions.
2. Why is the female lover shocked and disappointed in “O What Is That Sound”?
The female lover is shocked and disappointed because her partner abandons her when danger comes near. Throughout the poem, she trusts him and believes in their love and promises. When the soldiers approach their house, she expects him to protect her. Instead, he runs away to save his own life. This breaks her trust completely. She reminds him of the vows he made to love her forever, but he still leaves her alone. The shock is not only caused by the soldiers but also by the betrayal of her lover. She realizes that love and promises become meaningless during war. Thus, her disappointment comes from the painful truth that human beings think only about self-survival in times of danger.
3. Describe how Auden presents the movements of the soldiers in “O What Is That Sound”.
Auden presents the movements of the soldiers in a fearful and vivid manner. He uses repetition like “drumming, drumming” to create the sound of marching feet. This repetition gives a rhythmic effect, similar to soldiers marching in unison. The soldiers are described as moving closer with every stanza. At first, they seem distant, but gradually they pass familiar places like the doctor, the parson, and the farmer. This shows that they are approaching the couple’s house. The description of scarlet soldiers and shining weapons adds to the fear. By showing the steady and unstoppable movement of the soldiers, Auden creates tension and anxiety throughout the poem.
4. Write a critical appreciation of the poem “O What Is That Sound”.
“O What Is That Sound” is a tragic war poem written by W. H. Auden. The poem is written in ballad form and consists of seven stanzas. It presents a conversation between two people hiding during war. The poem highlights fear, panic, and human weakness. Auden effectively uses repetition, imagery, and dialogue to create tension. The poem shows how war destroys not only lives but also relationships. The sudden betrayal of the lover reveals the selfish side of human nature. The gradual movement of soldiers builds suspense and fear. The poem also conveys a universal message that war has the same devastating effect in all times. Overall, it is a powerful poem that exposes the cruelty of war and human helplessness.
5. Justify the title “O What Is That Sound”.
The title “O What Is That Sound” is well justified because it introduces the main theme of fear and uncertainty in the poem. The poem begins with a simple question about a sound that seems harmless at first. Gradually, the sound turns out to be the terrifying march of soldiers. The title reflects how ordinary life is suddenly interrupted by war. It also shows that things are not always what they seem. The sound that once thrilled the ear becomes a symbol of danger and death. The title is deliberately casual, showing how people during war are attacked unexpectedly. Thus, the title perfectly captures the fear, confusion, and tragic reality of war portrayed in the poem.