On Suffering: Musee des Beaux Arts

The video tutorial explores WH Auden's poem 'Musee De Bois', focusing on its themes of suffering and human indifference. It analyzes the poem's structure, use of juxtaposition, and references to Bruegel's painting 'Landscape with the Fall of Icarus'. The tutorial highlights how Auden emphasizes suffering by placing it at the forefront and discusses the poem's lasting influence on art and literature.

What is the central theme introduced in the poem 'Musee De Bois' by WH Auden?

• Suffering and human indifference

• The power of imagination

• Love and romance

• Nature and its beauty

What is the role of the old Masters in the poem?

• They are irrelevant to the theme

• They understand human suffering

• They are indifferent to suffering

• They are depicted as villains

In the first stanza, what poetic technique is used to contrast suffering with everyday activities?

• Juxtaposition

• Alliteration

• Metaphor

• Personification

What myth is introduced in the second stanza of the poem?

• The myth of Hercules

• The myth of Icarus

• The myth of Pandora

• The myth of Prometheus

What does the myth of Icarus symbolize in the context of the poem?

• The power of love

• The beauty of nature

• The danger of ambition

• The joy of freedom

What is the significance of Bruegel's painting in relation to the poem?

• It depicts a scene of celebration

• It represents a dream

• It highlights unnoticed suffering

• It shows a historical event

What is the painting 'Landscape with the Fall of Icarus' primarily about?

• A peaceful village scene

• A landscape with a sunset

• Icarus falling from the sky

• A ship sailing in the ocean

How does the poem suggest people often react to suffering?

• They are always empathetic

• They often ignore it

• They are confused by it

• They celebrate it

What does the poem encourage readers to do in relation to art?

• Ignore it

• Destroy it

• Create poetry inspired by it

• Criticize it

What lasting influence does Auden's work have according to the conclusion?

• It inspires students to write poems about paintings

• It is only relevant to historians

• It discourages artistic expression

• It has no influence