Final answer:
Auden's poems indeed experienced noticeable shifts in content and tone, a phenomenon common in poetry that reflects a poet's evolving perspective over time. These shifts and changes in tone are important to understand the intricacies and intended messaging of poetry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The declaration that Auden's poems went through noticeable phases in content and tone is true. Poetry often reflects the evolution of a poet's thoughts and feelings over time, influenced by personal experiences and the socio-political context of the era. This is seen in the works of many poets, including W. H. Auden, whose poems have exhibited significant shifts in tone, style, and theme across different periods of his career. The tone, as explained by Billy Collins, plays a critical role in the reader's connection to the poem and can fluctuate even within a few lines, adding to the complexity of poems and their analysis.
When analyzing poetry, it is crucial to pay attention to shifts in a poem's mode or voice and changes in tone. These elements are fundamental in understanding the nuances of a poem and the poet's intent. For instance, a poem can begin on a personal note, with a confessional style, and then shift to a more inquisitive mode, asking questions and challenging the reader. Analyzing such shifts provides deeper insight into the structure and emotional cadence of the work.