Petition
Poetry
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W. H. Auden
Petition Summary
Background
The poem "Petition" by W. H. Auden is about asking for help to fix people's problems. Auden wants people to heal from pain, fear, and lies. He asks for people to become brave and honest. He hopes for change in the world so people can live better lives. The poem shows Auden's wish for everyone to be happier and kinder.
Summary:
Request for Healing and Forgiveness: The speaker begi...
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Petition Theme
Themes:
Healing and Renewal: The poem asks for physical and emotional healing from various troubles.
Forgiveness and Change: It focuses on forgiving others and seeking personal growth.
Courage and Transformation: The poem encourages bravery and turning away from fear. It aims for a change of heart and mind.
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Petition Character
Characters:
The Speaker: The person asking for healing and help. They seem concerned about humanity's problems and ask for a change.
The People in Pain: These include those suffering from mental and emotional issues like lies, fear, and confusion. They need healing.
The Healers: These are doctors or people who can bring help and cure. The speaker wants them to be recognized.
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Petition Literary Device
Figures of Speech:
Metaphor: The poem uses metaphors to describe abstract ideas, like "neural itch" (representing mental distress) and "ingrown virginity" (possibly symbolizing repression or purity turned inward).
Personification: Emotions and conditions like fear and lies are treated as if they can be cured or corrected. It gives them human-like qualities.
Imagery: Vivid images like "The H...
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Petition Key Facts
Key Facts
Writer: W. H. Auden (1907-73)
Original Title: Petition
Source: Included in Auden's collection Poems
Written Time: Likely during the late 1920s or early 1930s
Published Date: 1930 (in Auden's Poems)
Form: Free verse
Genre: Lyric poem
Tone: Reflective
Point of View: First person
Total Lines: 14
Total Part: 1 (single stanza)
Setting:
Time Setting: The early 20t...
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