Meaning: This quote is from the poem "Sob, heavy world" by W. H. Auden, a renowned English-American poet known for his distinctive voice and thought-provoking verse. The quote encapsulates a sense of sorrow and lamentation for the world, expressing a deep emotional response to the heaviness and remoteness experienced within it.

In this brief yet poignant verse, Auden employs evocative language to convey a profound sense of sadness and despair. The repetition of the word "Sob" serves as a powerful and emotive expression of grief, reflecting the weight of the world and the overwhelming emotions that accompany it. By addressing the world directly, Auden personifies it as a heavy, mist-shrouded entity, seemingly distant from happiness and light.

The imagery of the world "mantled in mist" evokes a sense of obscurity and detachment, emphasizing the isolation and enigmatic nature of the world's troubles. This portrayal of the world as remote from the happy suggests a pervasive sense of desolation and disconnection, as if joy and contentment exist beyond the reach of the mournful speaker.

Auden's choice of words and phrasing in this quote conveys a deep sense of empathy and introspection, inviting readers to contemplate the profound complexities and sorrows of human existence. Through his poetic expression, Auden encourages a contemplation of the world's burdens and the emotional weight that accompanies them, prompting a reflection on the universal experiences of sorrow and longing.

The poem "Sob, heavy world" exemplifies Auden's ability to capture the essence of human emotion and existential contemplation through his lyrical and impactful verse. With its evocative imagery and poignant portrayal of sorrow, the quote resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level, inviting them to engage with the profound themes of sorrow, isolation, and the inherent heaviness of the world.

In conclusion, W. H. Auden's quote "Sob, heavy world Sob as you spin, Mantled in mist Remote from the happy" encapsulates a sense of profound sorrow and lamentation for the world, inviting readers to contemplate the weight of human existence and the emotional burdens it entails. Through evocative language and introspective imagery, Auden's verse resonates with a universal sense of longing and despair, prompting a deep emotional response and a contemplation of the complexities of the human experience.

I hope this information helps to shed light on the significance of the quote and its broader context within the body of Auden's work.