How does the fairy tempt the human child to go with her into the fairyland
The Stolen Child is a notable literary work by William Butler Yeats. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Stolen Child.
Answer
How does the fairy tempt the human child to go with her into the fairyland?
In “The Stolen Child” (1889), the fairy tempts a human child to leave the real world and go to the fairyland. The fairy uses sweet and magical words to attract the child. She promises joy, beauty, and peace far away from human sorrow.
Beauty of the Fairyland: The fairy describes a magical island full of beauty and music. She says it is a place where “flapping herons wake the drowsy water rats.” There are “reddest stolen cherries” and “olden dances” under the soft moonlight. These charming images create a dreamlike world. The fairy paints the fairyland as peaceful and full of natural wonders. The child imagines this happy place and wishes to live there.
Escape from Sorrow: The fairy tells the child that the real world is filled with sadness and pain. She says,
“For the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand.”
The fairy repeats these lines like a soft song. She tempts him by showing that he can escape from all worries and tears.
Deceptive Charm of the Fairies: The fairy also uses soft music and dance to attract the child. They “mingle hands and mingling glances” and sing in the moonlight. Their voice sounds sweet and magical. But behind this beauty lies a trick. In the end, the fairies steal the child away from his home and family.
In short, Yeats (1865-1939) shows how the fairy tempts the human child with beauty, music, and false promises of peace. Her magical charm hides danger, and it shows the sad loss behind such a dreamlike escape.