The Theme of Rejection in The Poetry of Wilfred Owen and W.h. Auden

In the realm of poetry, the theme of rejection emerges as a poignant reflection of the human experience, particularly in the works of Wilfred Owen and W.H. Auden. Both poets grapple with the tumultuous consequences of war, delving deep into the psychological ramifications faced by individuals who are marginalized due to their physical attributes or religious affiliations. A critical analysis of their language, literary devices, and thematic concerns reveals a profound humanistic message that resonates across time and culture.

The Impact of Physical Disability in Owen's "Disabled"

In "Disabled," Owen portrays a World War I soldier who faces rejection due to his physical disability. The poem opens with a stark image: the soldier's “legless” body and a suit “sewn short at elbow.” This striking imagery not only highlights the soldier's loss of limbs but also establishes a somber tone that permeates the poem. The use of caesura, particularly in the phrase “legless,” interrupts the flow of the lines, forcing the reader to confront the harsh reality of the soldier's condition.

The sense of isolation is palpable as the soldier sits alone in a “wheeled chair,” “shiver[ing],” evoking deep sympathy from the reader. His longing for connection is intensified by the rejection he faces from women, who perceive him as “some queer disease.” This dehumanization underscores the societal stigma attached to physical disabilities, illustrating how they can distort human relationships. As the soldier laments, “the eyes / Passed from him to the strong men that were whole,” it becomes clear that societal cruelty and a lack of compassion contribute significantly to his despair.

Owen’s choice to leave the soldier unnamed serves to universalize his experience, representing the countless veterans who returned from war forever changed. The disfigured soldiers, often referred to as “gueules cassées” in France, were not only physically wounded but also faced severe psychological trauma stemming from their exclusion. The poem encapsulates the soldier's profound sense of betrayal and loneliness, echoing Mother Teresa's sentiment that “the most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.”

Religious Persecution in Auden's "Refugee Blues"

Similarly, in “Refugee Blues,” W.H. Auden addresses the theme of rejection through the lens of Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in the 1930s. Amidst the rise of anti-Semitism and the implementation of oppressive laws, the poem reflects the harrowing experiences of those seeking sanctuary. The couple in the poem becomes emblematic of the broader Jewish community, illustrating their desperate search for acceptance in an unwelcoming world.

Each stanza introduces new locations—“city,” “country,” “village”—to emphasize the relentless journey of the refugees. However, their efforts are met with futility, as they discover that “there’s no place for [them]” in a city filled with “ten million souls.” This hyperbole highlights the staggering isolation faced by the couple, reinforcing the idea that even amidst a vast population, they are utterly alone. The hypocrisy of the societal response is further illustrated when the “committee” dismisses them with hollow politeness, offering a chair while simultaneously denying them refuge.

Auden employs direct speech to convey the brutal reality faced by the refugees, as exemplified when the consul declares, “If you’ve got no passport you’re officially dead.” This stark statement emphasizes the dehumanization of the refugees, who are reduced to mere statistics, stripped of their rights and identities. In contrast, the imagery of a “poodle in a jacket” being welcomed while the “German Jews” are turned away starkly illustrates society's distorted values, where human lives are deemed less valuable than pets.

Contrasting Lives: The Soldier and the Refugees

Both poems highlight the profound effects of rejection on individual lives. In “Disabled,” the soldier reflects on the stark contrast between his past and present. The “voices of boys” evoke memories of a time filled with joy, while the present is characterized by desolation—“dark,” “grey,” and “cold.” The imagery here encapsulates the soldier's emotional state, with the external environment mirroring his internal despair. The use of time connectives, such as “About this time” and “In the old times,” underscores the permanence of his loss.

In “Refugee Blues,” the melancholic tone is reminiscent of the musical genre from which it draws its name. Auden's use of a three-line stanza structure and AAB rhyme scheme mirrors the blues' themes of longing and injustice. The poignant imagery of the yew tree, which symbolizes renewal, contrasts sharply with the refugees’ situation, emphasizing their inability to start anew. Unlike nature, which can flourish and regenerate, the refugees remain trapped in a cycle of despair.

Conclusion: The Lasting Relevance of Rejection

Ultimately, both Owen and Auden illuminate the devastating consequences of rejection, whether born from physical disability or societal prejudice. Their poetry serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of social exclusion, a theme that remains relevant in contemporary society. As we navigate a world that continues to grapple with issues of identity, culture, and acceptance, the lessons embedded in these poems urge us to confront our biases and extend compassion to those who are marginalized.