Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Atlantis" is a thought-provoking poem written by Wystan Hugh Auden, first published in 1966. The poem explores the legend of the lost city of Atlantis, which is said to have sunk beneath the ocean in a single day and night. However, the poem is not simply a retelling of the Atlantis myth, but rather a reflection on the human desire for utopia and the dangers of pursuing such an ideal.

The poem is structured as a dialogue between two characters, one of whom is a representative of Atlantis and the other of whom is a traveler from another land. Through their conversation, the poet explores the nature of utopia and the reasons why the people of Atlantis ultimately failed in their quest for perfection.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea that the pursuit of utopia often leads to a kind of spiritual and moral decay. The people of Atlantis, according to the poem, were initially a noble and virtuous people who lived in harmony with nature and with each other. However, as they became more obsessed with the idea of creating a perfect society, they lost touch with their own humanity and became increasingly materialistic and self-centered.

Auden also explores the idea that the pursuit of utopia is ultimately futile, as it is based on a fundamentally flawed understanding of human nature. The people of Atlantis believed that they could create a perfect society by eliminating all forms of conflict and discord. However, as the poem suggests, such a society is impossible because human beings are inherently flawed and imperfect.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea that the pursuit of utopia often leads to violence and destruction. The sinking of Atlantis, according to the poem, was not simply a natural disaster but rather the result of the people's own hubris and arrogance. Their belief in their own invincibility led them to ignore the warnings of the gods and to pursue their quest for perfection at any cost.

Overall, "Atlantis" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions about human nature and the nature of utopia. Through its exploration of the Atlantis myth, the poem invites us to consider the dangers of pursuing perfection and the importance of accepting our own limitations as human beings.

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