O What is that Sound

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The man in the poem must be a traitor or rebel of the army. They have come to get him. His wife is concerned by their approach and asks him what the soldiers are doing. He tries to reassure her but there is evidence that he is lying to her and hiding from them. He betrays his wife by running away at the last minute and leaving his wife to face the soldiers.

O what is that sound which so thrills the earDown in the valley drumming, drumming?Only the scarlet soldiers, dear,The soldiers coming.

O what is that light I see flashing so clearOver the distance brightly, brightly?Only the sun on their weapons, dear,As they step lightly.

Appeals to the sensesRepetition adds to rhythm – like

marching

Questions show her confusion and fear

O what are they doing with all that gear,What are they doing this morning, morning?Only their usual manoeuvres, dear,Or perhaps a warning.

O why have they left the road down there,Why are they suddenly wheeling, wheeling?Perhaps a change in their orders, dear,Why are you kneeling?

Soldiers are armed and organised

turning

Is she trying to hide from them?

O haven't they stopped for the doctor's care,Haven't they reined their horses, horses?Why, they are none of them wounded, dear,None of these forces.

O is it the parson they want, with white hair,Is it the parson, is it, is it?No, they are passing his gateway, dear,Without a visit.

First 2 lines of each verse = wife

Second two lines of each verse = husband

O it must be the farmer that lives so near.It must be the farmer so cunning, so cunning?They have passed the farmyard already, dear,And now they are running.

O where are you going? Stay with me here!Were the vows you swore deceiving, deceiving?No, I promised to love you, dear,But I must be leaving.

Increases tension – they are getting closer

He seems happy to betray her love and try to escape

O it's broken the lock and splintered the door,O it's the gate where they're turning, turning;Their boots are heavy on the floorAnd their eyes are burning.

Shows the violence of the soldiers – what will they do to her?

Seems threateningSuggests she faces a violent ordeal

Links to other poems?

• Violent conflict: Belfast Confetti, Our Sharpeville, Exposure• War: Exposure, The Drum, Belfast Confetti• Betrayal: Cousin Kate• Fear: Exposure, Parade’s End, Belfast Confetti

Exam style Questions…

1. Explore how Auden builds tension, explores repercussions and expresses emotions connected with war. Use examples from the texts to support your ideas.

2. Compare how the writers of “O What is that Sound” and “The Drum” reflect on attitudes towards war. Use evidence from the poems to support your answer.

1. Explore how Auden builds tension, explores repercussions and expresses emotions connected with war. Use examples from the

texts to support your ideas.

• Builds tension:Repetition, use of dialogue, regular rhyme and rhythm

• Explores repercussions:Explain what is happening and why, use of ballad form to tell a story

• Expresses emotions:Use of questions, repetition of “dear”, use of different senses