W.B. Yeast poem

 Thinking Activity : W.B. Yeats's Poems 

Hello readers,

This blog is based on Thinking activity. Assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir.

About W.B Yeats:

William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) stood as an illustrious Irish poet, playwright, and a prominent figure in the realm of 20th-century literature. Recognized for his literary prowess, he was honored with the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923. Yeats co-founded the Abbey Theatre and played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Irish literature. His poetic oeuvre, characterized by intricate symbolism and mysticism, boasts timeless works such as "The Second Coming" and "The Lake Isle of Innisfree." Rooted in his deep-seated fascination with Irish folklore, Celtic mythology, and the intricate tapestry of human experience, Yeats' writing resonates as a profound exploration of the complexities that define our existence.

Poems :

 The second coming : 

Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the center 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 the sands of the desert

A shape with a lion's body and the head of a man,

A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,

Is moving its slow thighs, while all around 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.

Analysis of the Poem:

"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats describes a frightening vision of the world going through a big change. It was written after World War I and uses powerful images to show a breakdown in society and a crisis of faith. The main idea is about the return of a special figure, but not a good one like Christ. Instead, it's a scary beast from the desert, representing the violence and chaos Yeats saw in the world. The poem ends with a spooky question about what kind of creature is heading towards Bethlehem. This makes readers wonder if it's a destructive force or a painful change needed for something new.

Archetype in this poem:

In W.B. Yeats's "The Second Coming," he uses strong symbols and figures that everyone can relate to, to talk about an upcoming chaos and a potential change. The poem has important pictures that stand for ideas everyone can understand, making it easier to convey the message about a big upheaval and an opportunity for something new.

1).The gyre:

The gyre in the poem is like a circle that represents a repeating pattern in history. When the gyre widens, it means things are getting more chaotic and unstable, possibly leading to a moment where there's a big problem but also a chance for a new beginning.

2).The falcon and falconer:

The falcon and falconer in the poem illustrate how people connect with their guiding principles or institutions. When the falcon is lost and can't be controlled by the falconer, it suggests that in the modern world, there's a sense of losing faith or direction.

3).The Second Coming:

The poem refers to the Christian archetype of the anticipated return of Jesus Christ. In the poem, however, this concept takes on a more ambiguous and potentially ominous meaning. It suggests the arrival of a powerful but potentially destructive force, deviating from the traditional positive connotations associated with the Second Coming in Christian theology.

4).The Sphinx:

4) The Sphinx in the poem is a creature at the end with a lion's body and a human head, like the Egyptian Sphinx. It symbolizes mystery and wisdom that we can't fully understand. The "pitiless gaze" and slow approach suggest a very powerful force beyond what humans can grasp.

Critical Analysis:

In the first part of the poem, the world is described as chaotic, similar to a lost falcon. Everything is falling apart, leading to widespread anarchy. Good people lack conviction, and the worst are destructive.

The second part talks about a major change coming, not a positive "Second Coming" like Jesus, but a monstrous creature with a lion-like body. This creature is born in the desert, not a manger, and disrupts Bethlehem, challenging centuries of Christian history.

The third part intensifies the chaos, with the world spiraling into more disorder. Ravens, symbols of death, add to the gloomy atmosphere.

In the final part, the poem questions the identity of the beast. Is it a dark version of Christ's rebirth, or something else? It moves towards Bethlehem with chilling inevitability, leaving the poem with the haunting question: "What rough beast is heading towards Bethlehem to be born?"

Overall, "The Second Coming" portrays a world in decline, marked by disorder, violence, and a loss of faith. Rich imagery creates a feeling of impending doom, and the identity of the "rough beast" is left open to interpretation, leaving readers uneasy.

 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.

About the poem :

"On Being Asked for a War Poem" by W.B. Yeats is a strong poem where the poet hesitates to write a typical war poem that praises war. Instead, he suggests that real humanity can be found in simple, personal moments, steering away from glorifying conflict.

Archetypes in this poem:

Yeats describes himself as a reluctant poet questioning the purpose of poetry during war, portraying the poet as an outsider who observes and critiques society without conforming to expectations. He contrasts himself with powerful figures like statesmen and naive youths.

The young girl and old man symbolize innocence and resignation, with the girl seeking comfort in art while the old man finds solace in memories. They contrast with the poet's serious concerns about the harsh realities of war.

The crowd of young poets and the indolent represent a mass that indulges in poetry for entertainment, lacking a deep understanding of the complexities of war. The poet distances himself, emphasizing that true art requires a more profound connection with the world's suffering.

Nature elements like the sea, stars, and winter's night symbolize a timeless realm beyond immediate conflict, hinting at broader questions about human existence. Memory, represented by the old man's recollections, offers a contrast to the present violence.

Critical Analysis:

Yeats' "On Being Asked for a War Poem" goes against traditional war poetry by refusing to glorify conflict. Instead of following the expected path, Yeats rejects using poetry as a political tool and believes personal stories, like those of a young girl or an old man, are more important. He questions poetry's ability to fix mistakes made by leaders, showing the limits of art during crises. The poem's ironic self-awareness and focus on personal experiences make its stance complex. While it's often viewed as anti-war, it could also defend artistic independence or offer a nuanced perspective on conflict. The poem's strength lies in its refusal to conform, allowing readers to grapple with the tension between aesthetics and politics, individual and collective experiences, and finding beauty amidst harsh realities.

Conclusion:

In "The Second Coming," there's a feeling of expecting something important or a big change. In "On Being Asked for a War Poem," the poet struggles with how words can't fully express the complicated and horrifying aspects of war, stressing that the experience is hard to put into words.

Thank you...