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W. H. Auden’s article presented some very interesting information. He claims that many young people in today’s society do not know what to do with their lives so they decide that they will writers even though they lack any literary gift. If someone is untalented they tend to fall back on the profession of writing. He feels that this may be the result of industrialization and its harmful effects. Industries replace independent artisans while mass production alienates labor so that individual contributions can no longer be recognized. Therefore, Auden argues that young people do not want to be just a number, and so they cling to writing because it one of the only professions left where “the artist remains personally responsible for what he makes.” Of course everyone wants to be in control of themselves and what they do.

I felt rather conflicted about this article. On the one hand I can see how Auden wants to distinguish good writers from bad writers. It is true that not everyone can become a great writer. I can also buy his argument that writing is an appealing vocation because the artist has the freedom to create. He seems to say that writing requires a certain gift and that many would-be writers are just untalented and should not attempt to be writers. I feel that he is being a little harsh and elitist toward aspiring writers. To some degree he is correct, but I do not think that writing necessarily requires someone to have a gift. I believe if someone has an inclination and interest toward literature and writing that it is possible for them to work hard and develop their abilities. There are those writers who are just naturally gifted, but for the most part writers have to work hard to write well. I’m not completely sure of what to make of Auden’s argument.