| Chapter 2: | The Quest Perilous |
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Chapter 2
The Quest Perilous
Composed in April 1969, “Epistle to a Godson” treats the subject of what the experienced can say or do to be helpful to the young in a world threatened by material havoc and spiritual confusion. Addressing “DEAR PHILIP,” Stephen Spender's son (and, through him, other young people), Auden wonders whether Philip's
… generation
may be called to opt for a discipline
may be called to opt for a discipline
that out-peers the monks, a way of obedience,
poverty and—good grief!—perhaps chastity,
yet in this world's ill-weathered open,
a stern venture pre-figured in folk-tales
poverty and—good grief!—perhaps chastity,
yet in this world's ill-weathered open,
a stern venture pre-figured in folk-tales
as the Quest Perilous.