WH Auden's universal and timeless poetry transcends the barriers of the modernist period. O' What is that Sound, written in October 1932, and Spain, written in March 1937, both explore the effects of war and the loss of love. Although both of these poems differ greatly in tone and technique, Auden succeeds in conveying the universal themes to the modern reader. O' What is that Sound is a heartbreaking poem that recalls the suffering that many individuals endure during times of war. Spain is Auden's account of the ferocity of civil conflict as he served in the Spanish Civil War of the late 1930s as a stretcher bearer. Both poems explore Auden's disillusionment with this context and seek to comment on the insight into what it means to be a human being in the modern age. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. Both O' What is that Sound and Spain describe the negative impacts of war on "modern man" and the fears associated with the outbreak of the global crisis. conflict. O' What is that Sound captivates the reader with style through the use of rhyme schemes and imagery, it creates a frightening atmosphere, allowing the reader to step into the shoes of those at war. In the opening stanza, we are introduced to the dialogue “Only the sun on their weapons, dear, as they walk lightly.” Auden is deliberately vague about the weapons used by the soldiers, allowing the reader to interpret the time and place. Openly referring to the effects of war and how the human condition has manipulated our situations. Auden considers the effects of war as a physically and emotionally frightening experience in the passage “And their eyes burn” which refers to the indication that their lack of humanity has been lost due to political oppression. Using this metaphor, he paints a picture in the reader's mind of bloodshot eyes red from crying, causing mass destruction to themselves by having false hopes that have been imposed on these families. Spain similarly examines the effects of war on both veterans and family members of their wartime loved ones. The poem talks about the past, present and future and how they affect us during times of war. Auden explores the idea of ​​the effects of war through the phrase, “Raise the vast military empires of the shark and the tiger, establish the brave canton of the robin?” It sounds like a cry coming from the country itself. The shark and tiger represent the fiercest military forces on land and sea, while the brave canton of the robin gives a sense of honor. He also comments: “Descend like a dove… or like a meek engineer, but descend” this is where Spain calls for someone to save her from her misery by any means. The image of a pleasant future is quickly swallowed up in today's ferocious present. Today, death and murder are a reality, and there are very limited things that make life worth living. Even a hug must be condensed before it can hurt the person receiving it. This is supported by Critic Bone when he says "No one knows the controlling forces and there seems to be no one willing to accept responsibility for controlling these forces, which constitute the true dynamic of the story." Likewise Spagna and O' What is that Sound expose the idea of ​​the loss of love on the "modern man" and the effects of dehumanization on love. Spain enchants the reader through its dark visual images and metaphors, exploring ideas about how corruption has destroyed our sense of love for each other and the world we live in. Auden observes this loss.