W. H. Auden's poem 'Law Like Love' examines the subjective nature of law and its comparison to love. Through the perspectives of gardeners, the elderly, clergy, and judges, Auden portrays law as a concept shaped by cultural and personal experiences. The poem's form reflects its content, with a structure symbolizing the spectrum of interpretations. Auden's work suggests that law, like love, requires a compassionate and flexible approach, accommodating the diversity of human experiences.
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The poem was written in 1939 during World War II
Reflection on Love
The poem reflects the poet's personal experiences with love
Reflection on Law
The poem reflects the poet's evolving understanding of law
The poem explores the similarities and differences between law and love
Law and love are both abstract concepts that are fundamental to human existence
The poem challenges the reader to consider the subjective nature of law
The poem presents various societal perspectives on law and love
The poem suggests that law and love are constantly evolving and open to interpretation
The poem uses metaphors and similes to convey the mutable and complex nature of law and love
The repetition of phrases at the beginning of lines emphasizes the intertwined nature of law and love
Alliteration adds to the poem's rhythm and highlights the intricacy of defining law and love
The poem's free verse form reflects the elusive and subjective nature of law and love
The varying lengths of lines and stanzas symbolize the spectrum of interpretations of law and love
The poem's content shifts between discussing law and love, mirroring their interconnectedness and complexity
The poem illustrates how personal experiences shape one's understanding of law and love
The poem suggests that subjectivity can limit one's ability to grasp a universal concept of law and love
The poem advocates for a compassionate and flexible approach to law and love, acknowledging the diversity of human experiences
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Year & context of 'Law Like Love' creation
Written in 1939, during WWII; reflects Auden's evolving personal views.
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Poetic devices in 'Law Like Love'
Employs free verse, irregular rhyme; underscores subjectivity theme.
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Interpretation diversity in 'Law Like Love'
Poem suggests law's meaning varies by age, job, belief.
