What do tragedy and responses to it represent in Mus eacutee des Beaux Arts?

In W.H. Auden's poem, "Musée des Beaux Arts", tragedy and responses to it are represented through various scenes depicted in a museum. Through these scenes, Auden explores the tension between human suffering and the indifference of the natural world, as well as the ways in which art provides a means to contemplate and process tragedy.

1. Icarus' Fall:

The first scene presented is the fall of Icarus, a mythological figure who attempted to fly too close to the sun and fell to his death. This tragedy is depicted as a small, insignificant detail in a larger landscape, symbolizing how human suffering often goes unnoticed or is overshadowed by the vastness of the world.

2. Landscape with the Fall of Icarus:

In this painting, the ploughman continues his work, seemingly unmoved by the tragic event taking place in the background. This indifference reflects the way in which nature and the cycles of life continue unaffected by human suffering, emphasizing the contrast between the individual's struggles and the larger, impersonal forces at play.

3. Old Masters:

The poem mentions "Old Masters" who observe the scene from a distance, suggesting a historical perspective on tragedy. They provide a sense of continuity, as if tragedy is a recurring theme in human history, yet they remain detached from the immediate suffering depicted.

4. Brueghel's Peasant Scene:

The poem focuses on a painting by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, where a peasant scene unfolds alongside Icarus' fall. The peasants carry on with their daily activities, oblivious to the tragedy above them. This highlights the disparity between the private, individual experience of suffering and the public, communal aspects of daily life.

5. Art as a Means of Contemplation:

The poem concludes with the speaker reflecting on how art, particularly the paintings in the museum, allow us to contemplate tragedy and make sense of the chaos of life. By depicting suffering and indifference side by side, art provides a space for reflection, empathy, and understanding, despite the relentless nature of tragedy.

In summary, "Musée des Beaux Arts" uses the scenes portrayed in a museum to represent tragedy and responses to it. Auden explores the contrast between human suffering and the indifference of the natural world, while also highlighting the role of art in allowing us to process and contemplate these tragedies, offering a sense of perspective and understanding amidst the chaos of life.