About the Lesson
W.H. Auden's "Refugee Blues" is a poignant poem that captures the despair and alienation experienced by refugees who are forced to flee their homeland. Written in 1939, during the rise of Nazi Germany, the poem focuses on Jewish refugees who faced discrimination and persecution. Its haunting blues rhythm and simple language convey the emotional depth of their plight, while its universal themes resonate even today, reflecting the ongoing struggles of displaced people worldwide.
Text/Analysis/ Summary/ Theme
Refugee Blues by W.H. Auden
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Refugee Blues
By W.H. Auden
Say this city has ten million souls,
Some are living in mansions, some are living in holes:
Yet there's no place for us, my dear, yet there's no place for us.
Once we had a country and we thought it fair,
Look in the atlas and you'll find it there:
We cannot go there now, my dear, we cannot go there now.
In the village churchyard there grows an old yew,
Every spring it blossoms anew:
Old passports can't do that, my dear, old passports can't do that.
The consul banged the table and said,
"If you've got no passport, you're officially dead":
But we are still alive, my dear, but we are still alive.
Went to a committee; they offered me a chair;
Asked me politely to return next year:
But where shall we go today, my dear, but where shall we go today?
Came to a public meeting; the speaker got up and said;
"If we let them in, they will steal our daily bread":
He was talking of you and me, my dear, he was talking of you and me.
Thought I heard the thunder rumbling in the sky;
It was Hitler over Europe, saying, "They must die":
O we were in his mind, my dear, O we were in his mind.
Saw a poodle in a jacket fastened with a pin,
Saw a door opened and a cat let in:
But they weren't German Jews, my dear, but they weren't German Jews.
Went down the harbour and stood upon the quay,
Saw the fish swimming as if they were free:
Only ten feet away, my dear, only ten feet away.
Walked through a wood, saw the birds in the trees;
They had no politicians and sang at their ease:
They weren't the human race, my dear, they weren't the human race.
Dreamed I saw a building with a thousand floors,
A thousand windows and a thousand doors:
Not one of them was ours, my dear, not one of them was ours.
Stood on a great plain in the falling snow;
Ten thousand soldiers marched to and fro:
Looking for you and me, my dear, looking for you and me.
Here is a line-by-line explanation of W.H. Auden's "Refugee Blues."
Stanza 1
"Say this city has ten million souls,
Some are living in mansions, some are living in holes:
Yet there's no place for us, my dear, yet there's no place for us."
The speaker describes a large, bustling city with a population of ten million.
Some people enjoy wealth and luxury ("mansions"), while others live in extreme poverty ("holes").
Despite the city's vastness, the refugees cannot find a place for themselves, symbolizing their exclusion and alienation.
Stanza 2
"Once we had a country and we thought it fair,
Look in the atlas and you'll find it there:
We cannot go there now, my dear, we cannot go there now."
The speaker reflects on their homeland, which they once considered just and beautiful.
Although it still exists on a map ("in the atlas"), it is no longer accessible to them because they are exiled.
This highlights the loss of their home and identity due to political persecution.
Stanza 3
"In the village churchyard there grows an old yew,
Every spring it blossoms anew:
Old passports can't do that, my dear, old passports can't do that."
The "old yew" tree in the churchyard represents renewal and continuity in nature.
Unlike the yew tree, a passport (symbolizing human identity) cannot renew itself; it becomes invalid with time, leaving the refugees in a state of limbo.
This shows the rigid bureaucracy that controls their existence.
Stanza 4
"The consul banged the table and said,
'If you've got no passport you're officially dead':
But we are still alive, my dear, but we are still alive."
The consul, representing authority, harshly declares that without a passport, a person has no official existence ("officially dead").
Despite being alive, the refugees are denied recognition, identity, and basic rights due to the lack of documentation.
Stanza 5
"Went to a committee; they offered me a chair;
Asked me politely to return next year:
But where shall we go today, my dear, but where shall we go today?"
The refugees seek help from a committee, but their pleas are met with bureaucratic delays and indifference.
Being asked to "return next year" emphasizes the lack of urgency or compassion in addressing their plight.
The repeated question underscores the immediate need for refuge.
Stanza 6
"Came to a public meeting; the speaker got up and said:
'If we let them in, they will steal our daily bread':
He was talking of you and me, my dear, he was talking of you and me."
At a public meeting, a speaker voices a common prejudice, claiming that refugees are a threat to local resources ("steal our daily bread").
This reflects societal fear and hostility toward outsiders, making the refugees feel even more unwanted and dehumanized.
Stanza 7
"Thought I heard the thunder rumbling in the sky;
It was Hitler over Europe, saying, 'They must die':
O we were in his mind, my dear, O we were in his mind."
The "thunder rumbling" symbolizes the looming danger of war and persecution.
Hitler's command "They must die" directly references the genocide of Jews during the Holocaust.
The refugees are haunted by the knowledge that they are the targets of this persecution.
Stanza 8
"Saw a poodle in a jacket fastened with a pin,
Saw a door opened and a cat let in:
But they weren't German Jews, my dear, but they weren't German Jews."
The speaker observes the care given to animals like poodles and cats, contrasting it with the neglect faced by Jewish refugees.
This stark juxtaposition highlights society’s misplaced priorities, where even animals receive more compassion than persecuted humans.
Stanza 9
"Went down the harbour and stood upon the quay,
Saw the fish swimming as if they were free:
Only ten feet away, my dear, only ten feet away."
Standing by the harbor, the refugees see fish swimming freely, representing the liberty they lack.
Despite being physically close to freedom ("ten feet away"), they are trapped by political and societal barriers.
Stanza 10
"Walked through a wood, saw the birds in the trees;
They had no politicians and sang at their ease:
They weren't the human race, my dear, they weren't the human race."
The birds symbolize freedom and harmony, as they live without the constraints of human politics and prejudice.
The line "they weren't the human race" emphasizes the destructive nature of human systems, contrasting it with the peacefulness of nature.
Stanza 11
"Dreamed I saw a building with a thousand floors,
A thousand windows and a thousand doors:
Not one of them was ours, my dear, not one of them was ours."
The speaker dreams of a vast building symbolizing the abundance of resources and opportunities in the world.
Despite this abundance, the refugees are excluded, showing the stark reality of their rejection and marginalization.
Stanza 12
"Stood on a great plain in the falling snow;
Ten thousand soldiers marched to and fro:
Looking for you and me, my dear, looking for you and me."
The "great plain" covered in snow symbolizes desolation and cold indifference.
The marching soldiers represent the relentless persecution of refugees, who are being hunted even in this barren landscape.
This final image underscores the inescapable danger and hopelessness of their plight.
Conclusion
The poem uses vivid imagery, contrasts, and repetition to portray the refugees' struggles. Through its stark and poignant lines, "Refugee Blues" exposes the cruelty of prejudice, the indifference of bureaucracy, and the universal longing for freedom and belonging.
Critical Analysis of "Refugee Blues" by W.H. Auden
W.H. Auden's poem "Refugee Blues" is a haunting elegy that reflects the plight of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe during the 1930s. The poem, written in the form of a blues song, combines simple yet profound language to evoke a sense of loss, despair, and alienation. Below is a detailed critical analysis:
Theme
Displacement and Loss:
The poem's central theme revolves around the experience of displacement. The refugees have lost their homeland, identity, and a sense of belonging, symbolized in the repeated refrain, "Yet there's no place for us, my dear." The speaker's lament conveys the universal agony of being uprooted and cast aside.
Prejudice and Injustice:
The poem highlights the systemic prejudice faced by refugees, as seen in lines where officials dismiss their humanity, stating, "If you've got no passport you're officially dead." This illustrates the bureaucratic indifference and societal exclusion that refugees encounter.
Freedom and Nature's Indifference:
Auden contrasts human suffering with the freedom of nature. The fish and birds symbolize the liberty that refugees long for but cannot attain. Nature, unaffected by human conflicts, becomes a poignant reminder of their entrapment.
Hopelessness and Despair:
The speaker's dreams and experiences reflect a profound sense of despair. Even in their dreams, represented by "a building with a thousand floors," there is "not one of them" they can claim. This illustrates the unrelenting hopelessness of their situation.
Structure and Form
Blues Style:
The poem follows the blues tradition, characterized by a mournful tone, repetition, and a musical rhythm. The refrain "my dear" adds intimacy and emotional depth, while the repeated lines emphasize the cyclical nature of their suffering.
Simple Language and Accessibility:
Auden employs plain and unadorned language, making the poem accessible while amplifying its emotional resonance. This simplicity reflects the raw, unembellished reality of the refugees’ plight.
Three-line Stanzas:
The poem's tercet structure mirrors the rhythm of a blues song, with the first two lines establishing a thought and the third providing commentary or emotional weight. This rhythm creates a lyrical quality while reinforcing the theme of sorrow.
Imagery and Symbolism
The Yew Tree:
The "old yew" tree, which blossoms anew each spring, symbolizes renewal and continuity in nature. In contrast, the refugees, stripped of their identity and homes, lack such renewal.
The Passport:
The passport serves as a powerful symbol of identity and survival. Without one, refugees are rendered invisible and powerless, underscoring their vulnerability.
The Animals (Poodle, Cat, Fish, Birds):
These animals symbolize the irony of care and freedom afforded to creatures over human beings. The poodle in a jacket and the cat let inside contrast starkly with the refugees’ suffering and exclusion.
The Thousand-floor Building:
This dream image represents an overwhelming abundance of resources and opportunities, yet none of them are accessible to the refugees. It is a metaphor for exclusion and denial.
The Soldiers and Snow:
The soldiers marching in the snow symbolize persecution and relentless pursuit. The cold, unfeeling snow reflects the emotional desolation of the refugees.
Tone and Mood
Tone:
The tone is mournful and reflective, capturing the voice of someone who has endured unimaginable suffering and loss. Auden’s choice of conversational language ("my dear") gives the poem a personal and intimate tone.
Mood:
The mood is sombre and melancholic, evoking empathy and sadness in the reader. The imagery and repetition emphasize the pervasive hopelessness of the refugees' lives.
Context and Relevance
Historical Context:
Written in 1939, on the brink of World War II, "Refugee Blues" reflects the specific experiences of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. The poem critiques the global apathy and bureaucratic indifference to their plight.
Contemporary Relevance:
The themes of displacement, exclusion, and identity resonate with modern-day refugee crises. The poem challenges readers to reflect on the moral and ethical responsibilities of nations and individuals toward displaced populations.
Juxtaposition and Contrast
Auden uses juxtaposition to highlight the stark differences between the refugees’ plight and the indifference of others:
The contrast between the natural world (free fish and singing birds) and human oppression.
The care given to animals versus the neglect of refugees.
The abundance represented by the thousand-floor building versus the refugees' exclusion.
Message and Moral
Auden’s "Refugee Blues" is a powerful critique of societal apathy toward human suffering. The poem underscores the urgent need for compassion, solidarity, and action to address the plight of refugees. It serves as a timeless reminder of the devastating consequences of indifference and prejudice.
Conclusion
"Refugee Blues" is a masterful blend of poetic simplicity and emotional depth. W.H. Auden's poignant portrayal of the refugees’ plight invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths about displacement, identity, and humanity's moral obligations. The poem remains a profound commentary on the human condition and a call to action for a more compassionate world.
Questions &Answrs/ MCQs/Reference/ Assessment
Comprehension
A. Identify the lines from the poem that convey these meanings.
1. Our country is not what it used to be.
2. Animals are treated with more respect.
3. We are hunted down and tormented.
4. We have no identity.
5. Even in my dreams, I see no hope for us.
Answers
Here are the lines from the poem "Refugee Blues" that correspond to the given meanings:
Our country is not what it used to be.
"Once we had a country and we thought it fair,
Look in the atlas and you'll find it there:
We cannot go there now, my dear, we cannot go there now."
Animals are treated with more respect.
"Saw a poodle in a jacket fastened with a pin,
But they weren't German Jews, my dear, but they weren't German Jews."
We are hunted down and tormented.
"Ten thousand soldiers marched to and fro:
Looking for you and me, my dear, looking for you and me."
We have no identity.
"If you've got no passport you're officially dead:
But we are still alive, my dear, but we are still alive."
Even in my dreams, I see no hope for us.
"Dreamed I saw a building with a thousand floors,
A thousand windows and a thousand doors:
Not one of them was ours, my dear, not one of them was ours."
Comprehension: Part B
What do you understand by thunder rumbling in the sky?
The "thunder rumbling in the sky" refers to the ominous and threatening atmosphere created by the rise of Hitler and Nazi power in Europe. It symbolizes impending danger and doom for the refugees.
Why does the persona mention that his country is no longer what it used to be? What has brought about the change?
The persona laments that his country is no longer welcoming or safe, as it once seemed fair and just. The rise of authoritarianism, war, and discrimination have made it uninhabitable for him and others like him.
Do you think the persona is jealous of the fish and the birds?
Yes, the persona envies the freedom of the fish and birds, as they symbolize beings unburdened by politics, war, or discrimination. They are free to live peacefully, unlike the refugees who are constantly persecuted.
Comprehension: Part C
"We cannot go there now, my dear, we cannot go there now."
Who cannot go and where can they not go?
The refugees cannot return to their home country.
Why can they not go there?
They are no longer welcome, as their country has been overtaken by hostile forces.
What else do we learn about this place?
It was once a fair and just place but has now become dangerous and uninhabitable for the refugees.
"Went to a committee; they offered me a chair;"
Who went to the committee?
The speaker, a refugee, went to the committee seeking help.
Why did he go to the committee?
To find a solution or a place to stay, as they are homeless.
What happened there?
The committee postponed their decision, showing indifference to the refugees’ plight.
"If we let them in, they will steal our daily bread."
Who is the speaker of these words?
A speaker at a public meeting.
Who is the speaker referring to?
The speaker refers to refugees, labelling them as a threat to the resources of the local people.
What is the significance of this sentence?
It highlights the prejudice and selfishness of the locals who fear competition for resources instead of showing compassion to those in need.
Comprehension: Part D
Why do you think the persona says he thought his country was fair?
The persona believed his country was fair because it once stood for justice, equality, and a sense of belonging. However, these values have deteriorated due to political and social changes.
What mood and emotions pervade in the poem?
The mood of the poem is melancholic and despairing, filled with a sense of loss, helplessness, and longing for refuge. Examples include:
"Yet there's no place for us, my dear, yet there's no place for us."
"Dreamed I saw a building with a thousand floors... Not one of them was ours."
These lines reflect the sorrow and hopelessness of the refugees.
In your opinion, should governments today take on the sole responsibility to look after the refugees in their countries?
No, governments should not bear the sole responsibility. It should be a collective effort involving international organizations, local communities, and individuals to ensure refugees are treated with dignity and provided with necessary resources and opportunities.
Appreciation
Name a few key images, symbols, and metaphors used in this poem.
Images: The ten million souls in the city, the yew tree, and the thousand-floor building.
Symbols:
The yew tree symbolizes renewal and resilience.
The poodle in a jacket contrasts the care given to pets versus refugees.
The fish and birds represent freedom.
Metaphors: "Old passports can't do that" symbolizes the rigid bureaucratic systems compared to nature's ability to renew itself.
What roles do you think the yew, the poodle, the cat, the fish, and the birds play in the poem?
These elements contrast the refugees' plight with the natural world and animals:
The yew tree renews itself every spring, unlike the refugees who are trapped in despair.
The poodle and cat receive care, unlike human refugees.
The fish and birds are free, symbolizing what the refugees long for.
How does the poet use the technique of juxtaposition to highlight the plight of the refugees?
The poet juxtaposes the refugees’ suffering with the freedom of nature and the care animals receive. For example:
The poodle in a jacket contrasts the neglect of refugees.
Birds singing "at their ease" contrasts the refugees’ persecution.
This technique emphasizes the inhumanity of society’s treatment of refugees.
Writing
We should help those who seek asylum in our country.
Argumentative Essay
In today’s interconnected world, refugees seeking asylum are a global reality, and providing them support is not just a humanitarian responsibility but also an ethical imperative.
Firstly, history is a testament to the importance of extending help to the displaced. Countries that embraced refugees have benefitted culturally and economically. Albert Einstein, a refugee himself, significantly contributed to humanity’s progress. Ignoring refugees would be a betrayal of the moral values upon which modern societies are built.
Economically, refugees can contribute to their host nations. When provided with resources, they join the workforce, pay taxes, and enrich the economy. They bring diverse skills and cultural perspectives, fostering innovation and social growth.
Opponents may argue about resource scarcity, but this concern can be addressed through international cooperation. Wealthier nations and global organizations like the UN can assist host countries. Denying asylum would result in global instability and human rights violations.
In conclusion, helping asylum seekers is a collective responsibility. By integrating refugees, we uphold humanity’s fundamental values and strengthen societies. Refugees should not be seen as a burden but as contributors to our shared future.
Project
Read The Diary of a Young Girl written by Anne Frank. Find out more about the place and the period in which it was written. Prepare a book report on a slide show. You may consider the following to structure your report: information about the author, period of writing, historical background, relevant pictures and videos, central characters, parts of the book that affected you the most, the relevance of the book today.
Project Work
The project work for “Refugee Blues” can focus on the themes, context, and poetic devices of the poem. Below is a detailed outline:
Objective
To deepen understanding of the poem "Refugee Blues" by exploring its themes, historical background, and literary techniques.
Topics for the Project
Historical Context:
Research the plight of Jewish refugees during World War II and the role of authoritarian regimes in their persecution.
Explore the rise of Adolf Hitler and its impact on refugees, as referenced in the poem.
Themes in the Poem:
Displacement and loss of homeland.
Prejudice and discrimination faced by refugees.
The contrast between human suffering and nature’s indifference.
Poetic Devices and Style:
Analyse the use of imagery, symbols, and metaphors (e.g., yew tree, poodle, fish, and birds).
Study the rhyme scheme and repetitive structure that emphasize the hopelessness of refugees.
Comparison with Modern Refugee Issues:
Compare the experiences of refugees in the poem with those of present-day refugees fleeing war or persecution.
Include case studies or recent news articles to highlight similarities and differences.
Ethical Responsibilities Towards Refugees:
Discuss the moral and ethical obligations of governments, organizations, and individuals toward displaced people.
Suggested Activities
Create a Visual Presentation:
Design a PowerPoint or poster summarizing the key themes and historical context.
Include images of refugee camps, historical documents, and quotes from the poem.
Dramatic Recitation:
Perform a dramatic recitation of the poem, highlighting the tone and emotions.
Interview or Survey:
Conduct a mock interview or create a survey to gather opinions on how refugees are perceived in society today.
Collage or Artwork:
Create a collage or drawing inspired by the imagery in the poem, such as the thousand-floor building, the yew tree, or the refugees' struggles.
Expected Outcome
By completing this project, students will:
Gain insights into the historical and social relevance of "Refugee Blues."
Develop empathy for displaced people and a greater understanding of refugee issues.
Enhance their skills in literary analysis, research, and creative expression.
Meaning of "Refugee Blues"
The title "Refugee Blues" encapsulates the central themes of W.H. Auden's poem and reflects the plight of displaced individuals through its poetic style and emotional resonance.
Meaning of "Refugee"
The term "refugee" refers to individuals who have been forced to flee their home country due to war, persecution, or political instability. In the context of the poem, the refugees are likely Jewish people escaping the Nazi regime during the 1930s, facing homelessness, rejection, and discrimination wherever they go. The word symbolizes their lack of a homeland, identity, or belonging, emphasizing their vulnerability and exclusion.
Meaning of "Blues"
The term "blues" originates from a musical tradition that expresses sorrow, despair, and emotional pain. Blues music often reflects the struggles of marginalized and oppressed communities, combining melancholic lyrics with a repetitive structure to evoke feelings of hopelessness and longing. In the poem:
The "blues" represents the refugees' sorrowful and tragic experiences as they are denied refuge and recognition.
The repetitive refrain "my dear" mimics the rhythm of a blues song, adding to the emotional weight of the narrative.
Combined Significance
The phrase "Refugee Blues" combines these two ideas to highlight the emotional and physical suffering of refugees:
Displacement and Exclusion:
The refugees’ experiences are filled with rejection and indifference, symbolizing the broader challenges faced by displaced people globally.
Hopelessness and Despair:
Like blues music, the poem captures the pain and longing of refugees who are trapped in a cycle of suffering, unable to find a place to call home.
Universal Human Struggle:
By using the term "blues," Auden connects the refugees’ plight to the broader human condition of loss, despair, and the search for belonging.
Broader Implications
The title also serves as a critique of societal apathy and the systems that perpetuate inequality and prejudice. The "blues" is not just a personal lament but a collective cry for compassion and justice in the face of global crises.
In essence, "Refugee Blues" is both a sorrowful elegy for those suffering displacement and a timeless call to recognize and address the injustices faced by refugees.
Here are some blues songs that resonate with the themes of loss, displacement, and longing, much like W.H. Auden’s “Refugee Blues”:
Classic Blues Songs
"Cross Road Blues" by Robert Johnson
This song reflects a feeling of being at a crossroads, both literally and metaphorically, which resonates with the uncertainty faced by refugees in Auden’s poem.
"Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out" by Bessie Smith
A poignant expression of rejection and loss, similar to the plight of the refugees in the poem, who are ignored and excluded by society.
"Trouble in Mind" by Big Bill Broonzy
A melancholic blues song that captures despair and longing for better days, echoing the emotional tone of the poem.
"Good Morning, School Girl" by Sonny Boy Williamson I
While this song is more upbeat musically, its undertone of yearning aligns with the refugees’ longing for a safe haven.
"Born Under a Bad Sign" by Albert King
This song reflects the struggles of those who feel cursed by fate, much like the refugees who feel trapped in an unchanging cycle of suffering.
Modern Blues/Blues-inspired Songs
"A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke
Though not strictly blues, this soulful anthem reflects themes of hope amid despair, paralleling the refugees’ unfulfilled longing for justice and a better life.
"The Thrill is Gone" by B.B. King
This classic blues song about loss and emptiness mirrors the refugees' feelings of despair and the loss of their homeland.
"Walking Blues" by Muddy Waters
A song about traveling aimlessly and feeling lost, much like the refugees who wander without a place to call home.
"House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals
This folk-blues ballad of regret and misfortune resonates with the emotional and narrative undertones of “Refugee Blues.”
Folk Songs with Similar Themes
While not strictly blues, these folk songs evoke similar emotions of exile and displacement:
"This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie
A song about belonging and exclusion, which can be seen as a hopeful counterpoint to the themes of “Refugee Blues.”
"The Times They Are a-Changin’" by Bob Dylan
A protest song calling for change and justice, echoing the underlying critique of societal indifference in the poem.
"Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)" by Woody Guthrie
A song about the mistreatment of migrant workers, thematically similar to the refugees’ rejection in Auden’s poem.
These songs, like “Refugee Blues,” explore themes of suffering, exclusion, and resilience, making them a fitting complement to the poem's message.
