9. Refugee Blues - Poetry - Class 11 - Woven Words

BhashaLab
Jul 1
5 min read

Poet: Wystan Hugh Auden

Textbook: Woven Words

Genre: Poem (Modern Ballad / Political Poem)

Summary

W.H. Auden’s poem Refugee Blues portrays the suffering and displacement of Jewish refugees during Nazi rule in Germany. The poem is written as a modern ballad, with each stanza ending in a repeating refrain — “my dear” — adding a haunting, personal tone. The speaker laments how, despite the vastness of the world, there is no place for them. They once had a homeland but can no longer return to it. Authorities dismiss them because they lack valid passports, reducing them to “officially dead.” Even animals, such as cats and dogs, receive more kindness than they do. Bureaucratic committees offer no real help, and public opinion is filled with fear and prejudice. Nature continues undisturbed — birds sing and fish swim freely — highlighting the refugees’ lack of freedom. The poem ends on a chilling note: soldiers are searching for them, echoing the constant threat to their lives. Through its musical rhythm, irony, and emotional depth, the poem highlights the cruelty of human-made systems and the helplessness of the displaced.

Character Sketch

The Refugee (Speaker):

The speaker is a Jewish refugee, powerless and deeply disillusioned by the world’s indifference. He expresses sorrow, fear, and frustration. His words show a love for freedom, a longing for safety, and compassion for his companion. Despite constant rejection, he remains aware and observant of both humanity and nature.

Themes

Theme	Description
Displacement and Alienation	The refugees have no country, no shelter, and no acceptance, symbolizing their isolation.
Bureaucratic Indifference	Authorities and officials are cold and dismissive, showing no compassion.
Contrast Between Humans and Nature	Animals and birds enjoy freedom and dignity, while humans suffer due to politics.
Persecution and Fear	The poem captures the fear of constant surveillance, rejection, and death.

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Device	Example / Explanation
Refrain	“my dear” at the end of each stanza creates rhythm and emotional emphasis.
Irony	Animals are allowed in, but humans are denied shelter — highlighting injustice.
Pathos	The poet evokes deep sympathy for the refugees’ suffering and helplessness.
Symbolism	“Old passports,” “ten thousand soldiers,” and “tickets to Happiness” symbolize loss, danger, and broken dreams.
Juxtaposition	Birds and animals are shown as free, while refugees are imprisoned by human systems.
Imagery	Vivid visuals of cats being let in, soldiers marching, snow falling — all paint a bleak, emotional picture.

Title Justification

The title Refugee Blues effectively captures the essence of the poem. The word “Refugee” highlights the identity of the speaker as someone without a home or country. “Blues” refers to a style of music that expresses sorrow, hardship, and longing — fitting for the melancholic tone of the poem. Together, the title conveys both the personal grief of the speaker and the larger political tragedy of refugees everywhere. It is emotional, musical, and meaningful, preparing the reader for the lament that follows.

One-Mark Questions

Why does the speaker say “there’s no place for us”?
Despite millions of people in the city, the refugees are not accepted anywhere. They face rejection and exclusion from every system.
What is the role of the refrain “my dear” in the poem?
It adds a personal, emotional tone and emphasizes the closeness between the speaker and the person addressed. It also gives the poem a musical, ballad-like rhythm.
What does the line “Old passports can’t do that” mean?
While the yew tree blossoms every spring, the refugees’ passports have no renewal. It reflects the lost identity and denied humanity of the refugees.
How do animals contrast with humans in the poem?
Animals like cats and dogs are welcomed and cared for, while human refugees are denied basic compassion. This contrast shows society’s cruel priorities.
Why do the soldiers appear in the final stanza?
They symbolize the danger and violence that constantly follow the refugees. The poem ends with fear and the threat of capture or death.

Three-Mark Questions

How does the poet use irony to highlight the refugees’ suffering?
The poet uses irony to show how pets are treated better than human beings. While a dog in a jacket and a cat are allowed inside homes, the refugees are denied entry. Officials say they are “officially dead” without a passport, though they are alive. Public speakers warn others against helping them, blaming them for stealing jobs and food. This cruel indifference is highlighted through bitter irony.
What is the significance of nature in the poem?
Nature, represented by birds, fish, and trees, is shown as free and flourishing. Birds sing without fear, fish swim freely, and the tree renews itself every spring. In contrast, humans create systems that reject and punish others. The poet uses nature to highlight the artificial cruelty of human society. Nature becomes a symbol of what the refugees have lost — peace, freedom, and dignity.
Explain the symbolism of “two tickets to Happiness.”
The phrase suggests a longing for a better life and peace. The speaker and his companion desire to escape their sorrow and find a place where they can live freely. But the coaches are full — a metaphor for rejection and lack of options. Their dream remains unfulfilled. It captures the refugees’ despair and the impossibility of finding happiness.

Value-Based Question

What message does the poem Refugee Blues convey about humanity and society?The poem reminds us that despite living in a large, advanced world, people still suffer due to discrimination, fear, and politics. It shows how refugees — innocent victims of war or oppression — are denied safety, identity, and basic dignity. The poem urges us to show empathy and take moral responsibility for those in need. By contrasting nature’s acceptance with human cruelty, the poet highlights the need for compassion, justice, and shared humanity.

End

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