"O What is That Sound" by W H Auden (poetry reading)

Note that this video is a reposting and it no longer contains the picture of W.H. Auden which caused it to be removed by YouTube a little earlier today.

The poem was written in 1936.

The following assumptions and speculations won't necessarily explain the poem correctly but they will explain the way I read it.

There are two speakers. There has been some argument about which speaker is male and which is female. My guess is that they're both male.

The first speaker is looking out of the window. He gets more and more agitated and fearful as the soldiers get nearer. The second remains calm. He shows no concern and seems to know more that he is telling.

In the forth stanza the first speaker kneels and it's likely that he doesn't want to be seen through the window.

In the eighth stanza the first speaker is forced to the conclusion that the soldiers are coming for him and the second speaker has betrayed him.

Some say that "red soldiers" has something to do with totalitarianism and the downfall of a free society. Perhaps Auden just visualised soldiers in red uniforms.

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• What
• is
• That
• Sound
• Auden
• poem
• poetry

[faraz1729]

Thanks for putting up this one. One of my favorites of Auden's.

They removed this video due to a picture of Auden? Was one of his pectorals showing?

[SpokenVerse]

Some eejit who claimed he was Auden's adopted son also claimed the picture belonged to him and it was an infringement of his copyright.

[TheWisemonkey8]

One of the best channels on YouTube... I must admit I feel a slight envious at you reading abilities. Kepp up this great work! I send my kind regards to you and yours!

[SpokenVerse]

Thank you. I'm never sure what it sounds like to others, so a little appreciation is always heartening.

[Coolinop]

Hello I'm french and I love English and American Poetry . Your reading is really helpfull and great. Thank you so much !

[imagine9384]

Wonderful.  I love Auden.

Thank you so much for posting his work.

[greyhoundfriend123]

Red uniforms, blue helmets, what does it matter? Your more info box is always excellent. Your readings are superb! I enjoy them so much!

[beholdmyswarthyface0]

I hear echoes of Eliot in this poem.

1. "What is that sound high in the air, murmur of maternal lamentation."

2. My nerves are bad to-night. Yes, bad. Stay with me. 'Speak to me. Why do you never speak? Speak. 'What are you thinking of? What thinking? What? I think we are in rat's alley where the dead men lost their bones.