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Poet: W. H. Auden
Poem: Musée des Beaux Arts
Poem of the Day on:
Jul 7 2004
Comment 5 of 5, added on May 30th, 2006 at 5:56 PM.
i thought that this poem showed how people are thought to be "greedy" in the way that they would save themself before saving someone else. Auden understands this but he seems to dislike how this quality of human nature is covered up because it is thought to be an unpleasant characteristic. He praises artists for painting humans truthfully and showing that "selfish" side. People are not godlike; we worry for ourselves first then others and this is something that has no need to be covered up.
Eliza from United States
Comment 4 of 5, added on May 7th, 2006 at 1:45 PM.
I really liked the poem. I thought I would post some analysis for future students that may need help in some areas.
This poem is written in free verse, it is basically free of any structured rhyme or meter. The tone is nonchalant as if to mirror the way that people see disasters of others. In a nonchalant, uncaring way.
In the poem even dogs, and the executioner's horse does not even notice the crucifixion of christ. The aged want something great to happen, which is the birth of christ, but while this is happening children are just skating on a pond.
Hope this helps someone.
Christina from United States
Comment 3 of 5, added on September 29th, 2005 at 12:56 PM.
The museum from the title is the Musée des Beaux Arts in Brussels where the painting Icarus by Brueghel is exposed.
john
john van damme from Belgium
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i thought that this poem showed how people are thought to be "greedy" in the way that they would save themself before saving someone else. Auden understands this but he seems to dislike how this quality of human nature is covered up because it is thought to be an unpleasant characteristic. He praises artists for painting humans truthfully and showing that "selfish" side. People are not godlike; we worry for ourselves first then others and this is something that has no need to be covered up.
Eliza from United States