When conducting an interdisciplinary analysis of a poem such as "Refugee Blues', by W.H. Auden (this is a poem about the plight of those seeking asylum before and during WW2) we should
A) Use only English Literature as the chosen disciplinary perspective.
B) Consider reading a biography of W.H. Auden to give us some ideas.
C) Consider English Literature combined with perspectives from History, Geography, Political Science, and Psychology.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"Refugee Blues" is a poem about a historical and political event, the asylum seekers during WW2. Therefore, to critically analyze this poem, we need to consider not only English Literature but also historical and political perspectives. Moreover, geography can be helpful to understand the setting and conditions of the refugees seeking asylum. Additionally, as the poem deals with emotions and psychological struggles, a psychological perspective would be useful. Therefore, combining perspectives from history, geography, political science, and psychology with English Literature would provide a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the poem. Reading a biography of Auden may give some ideas about his intentions while writing the poem, but it would not be enough to comprehend the significance of the poem as an interdisciplinary piece of writing.

When Conducting an Interdisciplinary Analysis of a Poem Such as "Refugee