Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune.

Academic Year 2023-24

The Department of English

Literature of the Modern Period - Semester VI

Topic: Comparing two Modernist texts

Professor In Charge: Miss Anusmita Bagchi

Ummehaani Fahim (3419) - TYBA

Date of Submission: 27th January 2024.
 Revisiting Modernism: Exploring Themes of Alienation
and Meaning in Auden's and Hughes' Poems

Modernism was a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and
revolutionized the way writers approached themes, language, and form. While its epicenter was in
Europe, particularly in countries like England, France, and Germany, its influence spread globally,
shaping literature across cultures. When we think of modernism, we often consider it as a thing of
the past – a period of art and literature that happened a long time ago. But strangely, in today's
world, where we are more disconnected and isolated than ever before, the ideas of modernism
seem to make more sense now than they did back then. Even though modernism was all about
pushing boundaries and challenging norms, its themes of feeling lost, disillusioned, and searching
for meaning still feel very relevant today.

Despite all our fancy technology and progress, many of us feel a deep sense of unease and
disconnection from the world and ourselves. And that's where the writers of the modernist era, like
T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf, come in. They were onto something when they wrote about the
confusion and alienation of modern life.

In this essay, we'll dig into the enduring relevance of modernism by looking at two poems: W.H.
Auden's "Stop all the Clocks" and Langston Hughes' "Harlem." These poems capture the spirit of
modernism, with its focus on questioning traditional ideas and exploring the complexities of
existence. By comparing these poems, we'll see how the themes and techniques of modernism
shed light on the challenges we face in our world today. So, let's dive in and see what these old
poems can teach us about our modern lives.
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead

Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,

My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

W H Auden
Harlem

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore—

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over—

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Langston Hughes
Thematic Analysis:

Auden's "Stop all the Clocks" and Hughes' "Harlem" grapple with themes of disillusionment, loss,
and the fragmentation of identity, which are central concerns of modernist literature.

In "Stop all the Clocks," Auden mourns the death of a loved one through vivid imagery and
exaggerated language, conveying an intense sense of grief. The poem's despondent tone reflects the
shattered worldview typical of modernist literature, where established certainties give way to
existential uncertainty. This poem explores several themes that align with modernist sensibilities:

Death and Loss: The poem is rich with the theme of death and the profound sense of loss that
accompanies it. The speaker's instructions to "stop all the clocks" and "cut off the telephone" reflect
a desire to halt the passage of time and suspend the ordinary routines of life in response to the
death of a loved one.

Grief and Mourning: Auden portrays the intense emotions of grief and mourning experienced by
the speaker in the aftermath of loss. The exaggerated language and imagery used throughout the
poem convey the speaker's overwhelming sense of despair and emotional turmoil.

Fragmentation and Disillusionment: The poem captures a sense of fragmentation and

disillusionment, which are the hallmark themes of modernist literature. The speaker's plea to
"silence the pianos" and "muffle the drums" reflects a desire to retreat from the noise and chaos of
the world in the face of personal tragedy.

Existential Uncertainty: Through its stark imagery and desolate tone, the poem confronts
existential uncertainty and the fragility of human existence. The speaker's assertion that "the stars
are not wanted now: put out every one" underscores a sense of existential despair and a loss of faith
in the order and meaning of the universe.

In terms of modernist themes, "Stop all the Clocks" embodies the modernist impulse to challenge
conventional forms and explore the complexities of human experience. Auden's use of innovative
language and imagery, as well as his engagement with themes of loss, grief, and existential
uncertainty, reflects the modernist preoccupation with the breakdown of traditional values and the
search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The poem's introspective and subjective portrayal
of the speaker's emotional state also aligns with modernist concerns regarding the fragmentation of
identity and the subjective nature of reality.

Similarly, Hughes' "Harlem" explores the deferred dreams of African Americans in the face of
racial oppression. The poem's opening line, "What happens to a dream deferred?" encapsulates
the theme of frustration and stagnation. Through metaphorical language and vivid imagery,
Hughes portrays the psychological toll of systemic racism, highlighting the dissonance between the
American Dream and the harsh realities faced by black communities. This thematic exploration of
societal disillusionment resonates with the broader modernist concern with the breakdown of
traditional values and the quest for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Let us look at the themes
that highlight modernism:

Deferred Dreams: The central theme of "Harlem" revolves around the idea of dreams being
deferred or postponed. Hughes poses a series of questions about the fate of these deferred
dreams, suggesting that they might dry up, fester, sag, or explode. This theme reflects the
modernist disillusionment with the promise of progress and prosperity, as dreams are thwarted or
delayed by societal barriers and systemic injustice.

Racial Oppression: Hughes vividly portrays the experiences of African Americans facing racial
oppression and discrimination. The poem captures the frustration and resentment felt by
individuals whose aspirations are stifled by racism and prejudice. This theme reflects the modernist
era's engagement with social and political issues, challenging the prevailing narratives of progress
and equality.

Identity and Cultural Expression: Through its exploration of the African American experience,
"Harlem" addresses questions of identity and cultural expression. Hughes highlights the
complexities of navigating racial identity in a society that marginalizes and devalues black voices.
This theme resonates with the modernist interest in individual subjectivity and the search for
authentic self-expression amidst societal constraints.

Existential Angst: The poem's evocative imagery and rhetorical questions evoke a sense of
existential angst and uncertainty. Hughes captures the dissonance between the idealized vision of
the American Dream and the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities. This theme
reflects the modernist preoccupation with the fragmentation of identity and the search for meaning
in an increasingly alienating world.

The themes of "Harlem" by Langston Hughes align with modernist concerns such as
disillusionment, social injustice, identity fragmentation, and existential uncertainty. The poem's
exploration of deferred dreams and racial oppression resonates with the broader modernist
impulse to interrogate the complexities of the human condition and confront the contradictions of
modern society. Through its vivid imagery and poignant questions, "Harlem" offers a powerful
critique of systemic inequality and challenges readers to confront the enduring legacy of racial
injustice in America.

In today's world, these themes remain as pertinent as ever. Despite technological and societal
advancements, many individuals still struggle with feelings of disillusionment and identity
fragmentation. Issues of racial inequality and social injustice persist, echoing the concerns
expressed by Auden and Hughes decades ago. Their ability to anticipate and articulate these
challenges underscores their status as forward-thinking intellectuals. By engaging with their works,
we gain insight into the enduring struggles of the human condition and are reminded of the
importance of addressing these issues in our contemporary context.

Formal Analysis:

Auden's "Stop All the Clocks" demonstrates modernist formal techniques by using free verse and
unconventional stanza structures. The poem doesn't follow traditional rhyme schemes or meter,
opting instead for a fragmented, stream-of-consciousness style. Auden also employs vivid imagery
and metaphors to convey the emotional depth of grief, challenging conventional poetic norms.

Similarly, Hughes' "Harlem" employs modernist techniques to convey its themes. The poem's
repetition and parallelism create a rhythmic intensity, emphasizing the urgency of the speaker's
message. Hughes' imagery prompts readers to consider the impact of deferred dreams on
individual and collective identity. The poem's concise structure and straightforward language reflect
modernist aesthetics, prioritizing emotional authenticity over ornate language.
Comparative Analysis:

Comparing Auden's "Stop All the Clocks" with Hughes' "Harlem," we see common themes and
formal innovations of modernist literature. While Auden focuses on personal grief, Hughes
addresses broader social and political issues. Despite their cultural differences, both poets use
modernist techniques to explore universal themes like alienation and the search for meaning.

Personally, I resonate with Auden's "Stop All the Clocks" for its emotional depth and exploration
of mortality. The fragmented structure and vivid imagery capture the essence of modernist
sensibilities, inviting readers to confront the inevitability of loss. On the hand, Hughes' "Harlem"
speaks to me on an innate level, reflecting the ongoing struggle for equality. The rhythmic
cadence – the rise and fall, and evocative imagery underscore the enduring relevance of African
American modernist literature.
Bibliography/Webliography:

Stop all the clocks - WH Auden

Harlem Langston Hughes

Introduction: What Modernism Was

Funeral Blues - LitCharts

Introduction: In Conversation: The Harlem Renaissance and the New Modernist Studies

Modernism in Langston Hughes