Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Frederick Louis MacNeice’s poem "Their Last Will and Testament" is a satirical and wide-ranging reflection on the political, social, and intellectual landscape of 1937. Co-written with W.H. Auden, the poem uses the form of a mock will to distribute legacies and final wishes to various public figures, institutions, and movements of their time. Through sharp wit, irony, and a blend of humor and seriousness, the poem comments on the absurdities and contradictions of the era, touching on themes such as war, politics, cultural heritage, and human imperfection.

The poem opens with a somber acknowledgment of the political climate in Europe, particularly as it was poised on the brink of war. The reference to "the eighteenth year of the Western Peace" highlights the fragile interwar period, during which Europe was grappling with the aftermath of World War I and the rising tensions that would lead to World War II. MacNeice and Auden situate themselves in this moment of impending crisis, reflecting on "the autumns, personal and public," which symbolize both the decay of individual ideals and the larger societal collapse on the horizon. The acknowledgment that "man [is] responsible for what he does" underscores a belief in human agency, and the duty of individuals to "learn, to make his choice," despite the bleak prospects ahead.

The poem’s structure, as a will, allows MacNeice and Auden to dispense a series of "bequests" to various public figures and institutions, often using these bequests to critique their actions, ideologies, or cultural significance. The will is filled with literary and political references, often delivered with a biting irony. For example, Stanley Baldwin, the Prime Minister, is left "the false front of Lincoln Cathedral" and "a school of Empire poets," a clear jab at the superficiality of his leadership and the hollow rhetoric of British imperialism. Similarly, Winston Churchill is bequeathed "Ballinrobe’s dry harbour," mocking his outsize presence in politics with an empty gesture.

The poem also critiques intellectual figures of the time, as seen in the playful bequests to philosophers like Bertrand Russell ("we leave belief in God (D.V.)") and Wittgenstein ("we leave all readers who can spare the wits"). These legacies reflect both a respect for these thinkers' influence and an awareness of their limitations, especially as intellectuals tried to grapple with the profound social and political upheavals of the time. In another instance, they gift J.A. Smith to the Surrealists as an "Objet Trouvé," poking fun at the avant-garde movement and its penchant for incorporating found objects into art.

One of the key strengths of the poem is its ability to move between moments of absurdity and moments of genuine moral reflection. While much of the poem is playful and irreverent, there are also passages that express a deep concern for the state of the world. The poets reflect on the legacies of war and dictatorship, leaving "the midnight hours, the soft wind from the sweeping wing / Of madness" to the dictators who "look so bold and fresh." This image of madness descending on dictators suggests the inevitable downfall that comes from their oppressive regimes. The poets express a hope that England, often the subject of critique throughout the poem, will one day "add at last an honest foreign policy," reflecting their dissatisfaction with British diplomacy and the moral compromises that had been made.

The poem closes with a more earnest and heartfelt bequest to future generations. MacNeice and Auden leave to "the unconceived and unborn lives / A closer approximation to real happiness," a poignant reminder of the poets' desire for a better future, one free from the mistakes and suffering of their generation. This final wish for happiness and human goodness stands in contrast to the satirical tone that dominates much of the poem, suggesting that despite their disillusionment, the poets still believe in the potential for progress and moral improvement.

 The poem’s rhyme scheme is irregular and free-flowing, which complements its satirical and conversational tone. The rhyme, when it appears, often serves to punctuate or emphasize key ideas, adding a musical quality to certain lines. However, the poem's primary focus is not on adhering to a rigid rhyme structure but rather on its satirical content, which moves fluidly between humor, critique, and reflection. The irregular rhyme mirrors the poem's shifting tone and varied subject matter, making it a fitting choice for a piece that ranges widely in style and theme

Overall, "Their Last Will and Testament" is a rich and complex poem that combines biting satire with moments of genuine moral reflection. Through its playful use of the will format, MacNeice and Auden comment on the failures of political, intellectual, and cultural leaders of their time while also expressing a deep concern for the future of humanity. The poem captures the tensions of the 1930s—a period marked by political instability, cultural transformation, and the looming threat of war—while also offering a vision of individual responsibility and the hope for a better world.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...