September 1st 1939

This is my analysis and response to stanza seven of  "September 1, 1939."

From the conservative dark
Into dense commuters come,
Repeating their moaning view
I will be true to the wife
I’ll concentrate more on my work’,
And helpless governors wake
To resume their compulsory game:
Who can release them now,
Who can reach the deaf,
Who can speak for the dumb?

The seventh stanza of Auden’s poem takes on a philosophical tone that works to critique not just his life but more so the political injustices of the time period. In the first line he draws a mark between liberal and conservative, assuming political parties; then takes it a step further referring to the dark as conservative implying that conservative beliefs would be dark or unenlightened, unknowing. T second line beings into mention “ethical life” drawing implications back to the word dark and its meaning toward corruption in the political context and the morals and ethics that are neglected in political roles.