“The Ascent of F6” is a play written by W.H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood, first published in 1936. The play centers around the character of Michael Ransom, a scholar and man of action, who leads an expedition up F6, a mountain peak on the border between Britain and a fictitious nation of Ostnia. The play is widely regarded as an allegory of Auden’s own temptation to be a public figure, with some critics interpreting it as an exploration of his ambivalent feelings about literary fame.
The play has been the subject of much critical analysis, with some scholars suggesting that it is a commentary on the political situation in Europe at the time of its publication. Others have focused on the play’s use of allegory and symbolism, exploring the various themes and motifs that run throughout the text. Despite its complex themes and layered symbolism, “The Ascent of F6” remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature that continues to captivate readers and audiences alike.
Background of ‘The Ascent of F6’
‘The Ascent of F6’ is a two-act poetic drama written by W. H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood, published in 1936. The play is an allegory that explores themes of power, leadership, and the will to succeed. It is set in the fictional country of Ostnia, which is located in the Himalayan mountain range. The play revolves around an expedition led by Michael Ransom, a renowned climber, to conquer the unconquered mountain of F6.
The play’s background is rooted in the political and social climate of Europe during the 1930s, a time of rising tensions and the looming threat of war. The play’s themes of leadership, power, and the will to succeed reflect the concerns of the time. The play’s title, ‘The Ascent of F6,’ is a reference to the British obsession with conquering the world’s highest peaks, which was seen as a symbol of national pride and strength.
The play was well-received and considered a major contribution to English poetic drama in the 1930s. It has been interpreted in various ways, with some critics seeing it as a commentary on the rise of fascism and the dangers of totalitarianism. Others see it as a reflection on the human condition and the struggle for power and control.
Main Themes and Allegories
Imperialism and Power
In “The Ascent of F6,” Auden and Isherwood explore the theme of imperialism and power. The play revolves around the fictitious nation of Ostnia, which is a thinly veiled representation of Nazi Germany. The character of Michael Ransom represents the British imperialist mindset, which is focused on maintaining power and control over other nations. The mountain F6 symbolizes the power and control that Ostnia seeks to obtain, and the play ultimately suggests that such ambitions are destructive and ultimately futile.
Personal Ambition and Sacrifice
Another key theme in “The Ascent of F6” is personal ambition and sacrifice. Michael Ransom’s decision to lead the expedition up F6 is driven by a desire for personal glory and recognition. However, as the expedition progresses, Ransom begins to realize the toll that his ambition is taking on himself and those around him. Ultimately, Ransom sacrifices himself in order to save his team, suggesting that personal ambition must be tempered by a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good.
Mysticism and Spiritual Quest
Finally, “The Ascent of F6” also explores the theme of mysticism and spiritual quest. The character of Mrs. A, who serves as a kind of spiritual guide throughout the play, represents the mystical and spiritual aspects of life. The mountain F6, meanwhile, represents the ultimate spiritual goal that Ransom and his team are striving to reach. The play ultimately suggests that the spiritual quest is a difficult and dangerous one, but one that is ultimately worth pursuing.
Character Analysis
James Ransom
James Ransom is the brother of Michael Ransom, the main character of The Ascent of F6. James is a minor character in the play but his role is significant in that he is one of the people who convinces Michael to lead an expedition up F6. James is portrayed as a persuasive character who is able to convince Michael to do things that he might not otherwise do.
Mrs. Ransom
Mrs. Ransom is the mother of Michael and James Ransom. She is also a minor character in the play but her role is significant in that she is the one who initially persuades Michael to lead the expedition up F6. Mrs. Ransom is portrayed as a manipulative character who is able to get her way by using emotional blackmail.
Michael Ransom
Michael Ransom is the main character of The Ascent of F6. He is a scholar and man of action who is persuaded by his mother and brother to lead an expedition up F6, a mountain peak on the border between Britain and a fictitious nation of Ostnia. Michael is portrayed as a conflicted character who is torn between his duty to his country and his desire to do what is right. He is also portrayed as a tragic character who ultimately perishes at the end of the play.
Symbolism in the Play
The Mountain F6
The mountain F6 in “The Ascent of F6” is a symbol of power, ambition, and challenge. It represents the desire to conquer and achieve greatness, but also the dangers and risks that come with it. The mountain is a physical manifestation of the characters’ inner struggles and conflicts, and their attempt to overcome them through the climb.
The Supernatural Elements
The supernatural elements in the play, such as the ghostly voices and the mysterious presence on the mountain, symbolize the unknown and the mysterious. They represent the characters’ fears and uncertainties, and the forces that are beyond their control. They also add a layer of complexity and depth to the play, and highlight the themes of mortality and the afterlife.
The Climbing Expedition
The climbing expedition in “The Ascent of F6” is a symbol of the characters’ journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment. It represents their attempt to overcome their personal demons and limitations, and to reach a higher level of consciousness and understanding. The expedition also serves as a metaphor for the human condition, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life.
Literary Devices Used
Imagery and Metaphors
The Ascent of F6 is a play that uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey its message. The mountain F6, which serves as the play’s central symbol, represents the human desire for power and the struggle to attain it. The mountain is described as a massive, imposing force that looms over the characters, and its ascent is portrayed as a Herculean task that requires immense strength and perseverance. This metaphorical use of the mountain creates a sense of tension and suspense that drives the play forward.
Irony and Satire
The play also employs irony and satire to critique the political and social climate of its time. The characters are portrayed as flawed and fallible, and their actions are often driven by selfish motives rather than a desire to do good. For example, Michael Ransom, the play’s protagonist, is a flawed hero who is manipulated by his mother and brother into leading the ascent of F6. This use of irony and satire creates a sense of disillusionment and cynicism that reflects the play’s overall message about the corrupting influence of power.
Dramatic Structure
The Ascent of F6 also uses a unique dramatic structure that enhances its allegorical meaning. The play is divided into two acts, each of which is composed of a series of short scenes that alternate between the ascent of F6 and the political turmoil that is unfolding in the characters’ home country. This structure creates a sense of parallelism and reinforces the play’s central themes of power, leadership, and the struggle for control.
Critical Reception and Interpretations
The Ascent of F6 has been widely recognized as an allegory of Auden’s own temptation to be a public figure. This interpretation was first offered by R. G. Collingwood in The Principles of Art (1938). The play was published in three slightly different versions: the first English edition in 1936, the American edition in 1937, and the final version in 1950.
Some critics have interpreted the play as a critique of British imperialism, while others have seen it as a commentary on the political climate of the 1930s. The play’s portrayal of the relationship between Britain and Ostnia, a fictitious nation, has been interpreted as a metaphor for the political tensions between the United Kingdom and Nazi Germany.
Edward Mendelson has suggested that the play is at root a self-exploration on the part of Auden, an allegory for his ambivalent feelings about literary fame. Contemporary appraisals were written in the lee of E. M. Forster’s review of the 1936 version of the play, which praised its “wit, its passion, and its intelligence”.
Relevance to Contemporary Issues
The Ascent of F6 is a play that explores themes of power, leadership, and the will to succeed. These themes are still relevant to contemporary issues, particularly in the political sphere. The play’s exploration of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power is particularly relevant in today’s world, where leaders are often criticized for their lack of ethics and morality.
The play’s portrayal of the dangers of nationalism and the dangers of unchecked aggression is also relevant to contemporary issues. The play’s fictional nation of Ostnia, which is portrayed as a violent and aggressive nation, can be seen as a warning against the dangers of nationalism and the dangers of unchecked aggression. In today’s world, where nationalism is on the rise and countries are increasingly turning towards aggressive foreign policies, the play’s message is more relevant than ever.
Finally, the play’s exploration of the relationship between the individual and society is also relevant to contemporary issues. The play’s protagonist, Michael Ransom, is torn between his own desires and the needs of society. In today’s world, where individuals are often pitted against society, the play’s exploration of this relationship is particularly relevant.