Final answer:
The poem title "September 1, 1939" refers to the start of World War II, invoking a frame of mind filled with anxiety and despair. It connects readers to the historical context and the emotional state associated with that time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem title "September 1, 1939" by W.H. Auden refers to the date when World War II began with Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland. This event marked a significant turning point in history and has been a subject of reflection and discourse in literature and arts. Auden's poem captures the anxiety and despair of the era, providing insights into the societal and individual psychological states during the time of war.
The mention of September 1 connects with the historical significance of the invasion, which plunged Europe into a devastating conflict. It sets a grim frame of mind for the reader, as it evokes memories of violence, fear, and the onset of global turmoil. The comparison to Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" speech and other wartime literary works, such as Siegfried Sassoon's poetry, underscores the emotional and psychological impact significant historical events have on individuals and society as a whole.