Poems by W. B. Yeats

Hello,

This blog is based upon thinking activity of W.B. Yeats poems The Second Coming and On Being Asked for a War Poem.

 William Butler Yeats (13 June 1865 – 28 January 1939) was an Irish poet, dramatist and writer, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature.

                                       The Second Coming

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

            

"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats is a poem that reflects the poet's deep concern about the state of the world in the aftermath of World War I. The title itself suggests a return of a significant force, possibly echoing biblical themes of apocalypse and the second coming of Christ. However, Yeats takes this idea and transforms it into a broader, more ominous vision.

One of the key symbols in the poem is the "gyre," which represents historical and spiritual cycles. The widening gyre suggests a world spiraling out of control as it moves further away from a center of order and stability. This concept reflects Yeats's belief in the cyclical nature of history and his fear that the world is entering a period of unprecedented chaos.

The imagery in the poem is vivid and often disturbing, contributing to the overall sense of impending doom. Phrases like "blood-dimmed tide" evoke a world caught in violence and upheaval, while the mention of a "rough beast" hints at the emergence of a destructive force. This imagery serves to paint a stark picture of a world in disarray.

The relationship between the falcon and the falconer is another powerful symbol. The falcon, detached from its master, symbolizes a world detached from the guiding principles of order and control. The breakdown of this relationship suggests a loss of societal cohesion and a descent into anarchy.

The poem also contains historical allusions, such as "twenty centuries of stony sleep," referencing the 2,000 years since the birth of Christ. These allusions place the poem in a specific historical context, allowing readers to interpret it as a commentary on the challenges faced by post-war societies.

Yeats's disillusionment with the political events of his time is evident in the poem. The breakdown of social order and the rise of anarchy can be seen as a metaphor for the consequences of political unrest and revolution. The irregular rhyme and meter contribute to the poem's sense of unpredictability, mirroring the chaotic atmosphere it describes.

In summary, "The Second Coming" is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes of historical cycles, chaos, and the uncertainty of the future. Through vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and historical allusions, Yeats captures the essence of a world in turmoil and reflects his profound philosophical views on the human condition in times of upheaval.

                                            

                      On Being Asked for a War Poem

I think it better that in times like these

A poet's mouth be silent, for in truth

We have no gift to set a statesman right;

He has had enough of meddling who can please

A young girl in the indolence of her youth,

Or an old man upon a winter’s night.

  "On Being Asked for a War Poem" is a poem by William Butler Yeats, written in response to a request for a poem addressing the theme of war. The poem, rather than directly glorifying war or expressing patriotic fervor, takes a reflective and contemplative stance. In simple terms, it explores the challenges faced by a poet when trying to capture the complexities of war in verse.

   Yeats begins by acknowledging the difficulty of writing a war poem that meets the expectations of the audience. He recognizes the expectation for a poem that speaks to the heroism and glory of war but expresses reservations about glorifying such a brutal and destructive phenomenon. Instead, he suggests that the task of writing a war poem is made even more challenging by the fact that true poets seek a deeper understanding of life, which includes the harsh realities and consequences of war.

    The poet expresses a reluctance to create a conventional war poem, one that might be expected during times of conflict. Instead, Yeats chooses to emphasize the importance of truth and artistic integrity. He implies that a poet's duty is not just to celebrate the heroic aspects of war but to delve into the underlying truths, the complexities, and the often tragic realities that may not align with conventional notions of glory.

    In essence, "On Being Asked for a War Poem" reflects Yeats's commitment to a deeper, more nuanced exploration of human experiences, even in the face of societal expectations for a more traditional and potentially jingoistic war poem. The poem serves as a commentary on the challenges faced by artists when grappling with the subject of war, and it underscores the poet's responsibility to convey a more authentic and truthful representation of the human condition, even in times of conflict.

                 

 Thank You