Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Wystan Hugh Auden's "His Excellency" presents a poignant critique of materialism, success, and the societal pressures that shape individual perception and values. Through a blend of irony and sincerity, Auden sketches the portrait of a man whose life is outwardly marked by all the trappings of success, yet internally, he may grapple with the emptiness and superficiality of his achievements.

The poem begins with a reflection on abundance—"As it is, plenty"—setting the stage for an exploration of the protagonist's life, which is filled with symbols of conventional success: happiness, a devoted family, a reliable car, and financial stability. The repetition of "As it is" suggests a resignation or acceptance of the situation at face value, without delving into its deeper significance or the costs at which it comes.

Auden cleverly juxtaposes the external markers of success with the internal landscape of the character. The mention of "his thinning hair" and "his hauteur" hints at the personal sacrifices and the transformation of self that accompany the pursuit of societal approval and material wealth. The call to "give thanks, give thanks" for the work and the banks underscores the societal expectation to be grateful for material success, even if it may come at the expense of personal fulfillment or integrity.

The line "All that was thought / As like as not is not" reflects on the unreliability of human aspirations and expectations. What was once deemed essential for happiness—presumably love and a sense of purpose—has been overshadowed by the pursuit of material success. Auden hints at a profound sense of loss, where the true essence of life, "but love, but love," has been forgotten in the rush towards achieving societal markers of success.

The "rough future / Of an intransigeant nature" and the "betraying smile" reveal the internal conflicts and compromises that the protagonist faces. The future is uncertain and challenging, and the smile, while betraying, is nonetheless a smile—suggesting a facade of contentment that masks underlying discontent or disillusionment.

Auden's admonition to "Forget, forget" speaks to the human tendency to suppress or ignore the deeper existential dissatisfactions in favor of celebrating superficial achievements. The encouragement to praise the "spacious days" and the "success" reflects a societal pressure to focus on the positive, to "bless" the outward signs of prosperity, even if they come at a significant personal or spiritual cost.

The poem concludes with a stark warning: the protagonist is urged to view his profit as "larger" and his sins as "venial" to avoid confronting the reality of his situation—as it truly is, with its "major / And final, final" loss. This loss is not just material but existential, a loss of self, purpose, and genuine connection.

The poem showcases instances of exact rhymes ("not" with "not", "forget" with "forget", "bless" with "bless", "final" with "final") and slant rhymes (e.g., "hauteur" with "nature", "days" with "praise", "this" with "is"), but these do not form a consistent pattern throughout the poem. Instead, Auden seems to prefer a free verse approach, punctuated by moments of rhyme to draw attention to certain ideas or to create a lyrical flow. This approach allows the thematic content and emotional resonance to drive the poem's structure rather than conforming to a strict metrical or rhyming pattern.

"His Excellency" is a powerful meditation on the values and choices that define a life. Auden crafts a narrative that challenges the reader to question the true nature of success and the sacrifices made in its pursuit. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of introspection and the dangers of succumbing to societal pressures that prioritize material wealth over genuine human connection and fulfillment

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