Degradation of Critics
Degradation of literary criticism and critics as a whole is a motif in Auden's popular essay, "Making, Knowing and Judging". Auden says, "...the duties of the Professor of Poetry were to produce, as occasion should demand, an epithalamium for the nuptials of a Reader in Romance Languages, an elegy on a deceased Canon of Christ Church, a May-day Masque for Somerville or an election ballad for his successor. I should at least be working in the medium to which I am accustomed." Through this statement Auden makes his stand clear to the readers that he is not like those critics. His role is to cherish the advancement of a valuable artistic work not to undermine it.
Barbarian
Auden uses the symbol of barbarian in his essay, "Making, Knowing and Judging". It is used in an ironic way and the writer uses this symbol to emphasize his importance in the literary circle. Amongst the hegemony of the degraded critics, his role as a professor of poetry may seem to the reading public barbaric and unconventional. His words may sound incorrect to the derailed audience but he knows what he is doing. He holds his stand firmly and he will be professing the real value of literary works without being the puppet of those in power.
Youth
The condition of youth at his time is another motif found in his essay, "The Poet and the City". According to Auden, the younger generation of his time is romantic, unrealistic and irrational. Their vision of life is illusive and their pursuit of happiness is also diminutive. They don't understand the value of literature and other art forms. They take writing as a means of acquiring wealth and fame. As a critic Auden feels that for this attitude of the youth, only the contemporary writers are responsible.
Art
Auden writes about art in an symbolic way. Art is something which is durable and instructive. It can change human beings and direct the society. The value taught by various literary works, is always with the generation. For the essayist, art is like a lamp which shows the way. While in the case of popular literature, it only gives temporary entertainment and has no ability to transform readers.
Detective Stories
Auden uses the motif of detective stories in his essay, "The Guilty Vicarage". Detective fiction gained popularity in his time and the writer also read such works. He shares his feelings to the readers regarding those works. While comparing the value of detective stories and art, he says that detective stories aren't genuine art forms. Those writing are meant for entertainment not for rectifying the society. Detective fiction doesn't contain any such points to be remembered again and again. A true literary work lasts for ages but detective fiction loses the spark as soon as the readers lack the enthusiasm to read them.
