The Fear by Wilfrid Wilson Gibson

 

The Fear by Wilfrid Wilson Gibson

I do not fear to die

'Neath the open sky,

To meet death in the fight

Face to face, upright.

But when at last we creep

Into a hole to sleep,

I tremble, cold with dread,

Lest I wake up dead.

Introduction to Wilfrid Wilson Gibson

Wilfrid Wilson Gibson (1878–1962) was an English poet and playwright, best known for his work in the early 20th century. He was associated with the Georgian poets, a group of writers who sought to portray simple, direct experiences of life, often focusing on rural themes, human struggles, and natural beauty.

Gibson’s poetry is marked by its concern for the working class and its portrayal of the emotional and physical hardships they faced. His early works, like The Blackbird (1915), often celebrated the dignity and heroism of ordinary people. However, after World War I, his work evolved to reflect the disillusionment and existential anxiety that permeated post-war society. Poems such as The Fear are a departure from his earlier romanticism, as they confront the universal human fear of death and the harsh realities of life.

Gibson's style is noted for its simplicity, clarity, and emotional directness. While he was not as widely celebrated as some of his contemporaries, his work remains significant for its focus on themes of human vulnerability, social concerns, and the exploration of the darker aspects of life.

Analysis: 

The poem presents the fear of death not in its dramatic or heroic moments, but in the quiet, solitary act of dying alone. Unlike the fear of dying in battle, which can be met with courage and resolve, the fear of dying unnoticed and forgotten is a much more personal and intimate one. The speaker's fear is not of the physical act of dying, but of the complete and irreversible oblivion that follows.

This poem is a departure from Gibson's earlier works, which often celebrated the heroism and nobility of the working class. Instead, "The Fear" explores a more existential theme, delving into the universal human fear of death and the desire to be remembered. It reflects the disillusionment and uncertainty that characterized the post-World War I era, when many people were questioning traditional values and beliefs.

The poem's simple, yet effective language and imagery create a sense of starkness and inevitability. The contrast between the speaker's initial bravado and the creeping terror that follows highlights the fragility of human life and the futility of trying to escape the ultimate fate that awaits us all.

Themes:

1. Existential Fear of Death 

Existential Fear of Death explores the deep, universal anxiety about the nature of death, particularly the fear of dying alone and unnoticed. The speaker contrasts the courage often tied to dying heroically in battle with the more personal dread of losing individuality and facing complete oblivion. This fear highlights a fundamental human concern—the desire to be remembered and recognized, even after death. The poem captures this existential struggle, emphasizing the psychological weight of mortality and the longing for a lasting legacy amidst the inevitability of oblivion.

2. Isolation and Loneliness
   Isolation and Loneliness is a central theme in the poem, conveyed through the imagery of "creeping into a hole." This image evokes a sense of solitude, emphasizing the speaker's fear of dying alone and unnoticed. It reflects the universal human fear of facing death without acknowledgment or recognition. The theme underscores the emotional need for connection and significance, as the speaker dreads the idea of being forgotten after death, highlighting the deep loneliness that comes with the absence of human interaction and remembrance in the face of mortality.

3. Post-War Disillusionment
   Post-War Disillusionment refers to the sense of disappointment and loss of faith in traditional beliefs that arose after the devastation of World War I. The poem reflects this mood by rejecting the romanticized idea of death as heroic or noble, often glorified in pre-war literature. Instead, it focuses on the harsh realities of mortality, presenting death as inevitable, solitary, and devoid of grandeur. This shift mirrors the uncertainty and disillusionment of the post-war era, when people began questioning values like bravery, honor, and the meaning of sacrifice in the face of widespread suffering and loss. The poem captures this era's sense of skepticism and emotional exhaustion, offering a deeply personal and reflective response to a changing world.
   
   

4. Human Frailty and Vulnerability
   The poem contrasts the initial bravado of facing death in battle with the creeping terror of dying unnoticed. This shift emphasizes the fragility of human life and the futility of escaping death, challenging the notion of control over one's fate. The theme of Human Frailty and Vulnerability in the poem highlights the contrast between the speaker's outward confidence and inner fears about death. Initially, the speaker shows bravado, claiming to have no fear of dying in battle. This represents a sense of control, strength, and honor in facing a known and dramatic end. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker reveals a deeper, more personal fear of dying unnoticed and alone—something quiet and unremarkable.