Victor Poem Analysis

The poem is a murder ballad, with a song-like rhythm and feel. The passage that I have chosen is from the start of the poem Victor, and sets the background for the events that happen. It has an abcb rhyming theme, sounding much like a nursery rhyme, which gives the impression of mockery, and an almost comical juxtaposition. These rhymes in this passage are all full rhymes. All the stanzas in the passage consist of quatrain. The stanzas in the passage show a development in time, as each stanza shows a different part of Victor’s life. They also show a change in pace, as in the passage it suggests they show different months and years. This passage also suggests that the author had religious beliefs, and he grew up in an Anglo-Catholic household,

This rhythm is ruined however in the first and second stanzas when Victor’s father’s voice ruins the purity of the rhythm, the rhythm is broken on purpose and we can hear the father’s voice. This is “and said Don’t dishonour the family name”, Victor is told from a very young age to respect the bible, however his father uses violence to enforce this. Another way Victors father ruins the purity of the rhythm is “my only son, Don’t you ever ever tell lies” which again tells us he teaches the bible in an oppressive way. This is the first direct voice we hear and there is no love or affection, just controlled and religious. As Victors dads “only son”, it seems to be his duty to be, and must always satisfy him. Also the fact that Victors father “took a Bible” to a father and son trip shows that there is no fun or affection between them. It could be why Victor holds on to the Bible later in the poem. Linking to this, “Blessed are the pure in heart” is ironic as purity and a virtuous childhood/life has led to a murderous

This suggests to us that Victor is a very tidy person, and it could link back to his childhood as his father was strict. It could also link back to the start of the passage, when Victor’s father says “Don’t dishonour the family name”. It also foreshadows later events, as he is not defined by any qualities, just ones that people expect individuals to behave in a work place. His description is very vague. Also Auden needs to emphasise the fact that Victor turns eighteen, as this means he is an adult and he makes his own decisions, which are relevant later in the poem.
The simile in “Time watched Victor day after day As a cat will watch a mouse” could suggest that Victor is the prey and time is the predator. It introduces the idea of fate and predestination, and questions whether Victor has a choice in what happens. It could also suggest that time, and his past has caught up with him. The hunter imagery connotes time is counting down for victor. In the ninth stanza, “mousy” is repeated, this could suggest that Victor is weak, and also that he is being preyed upon by