Consider the Poem “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” As An Elegy.

Answer

Consider the poem “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” as an elegy.

“In Memory of W.B. Yeats7” is out and out a modern elegy composed by W.H. Auden (1907-73). Auden mourns the death of the Irish poet, W.B. Yeats. The poem is written in a conversational tone and addresses the reader directly. So, it seems that the poet is speaking to a close friend. It breaks the traditional rules of elegy and forms it as a modern elegy.

Tribute to W.B. Yeats: Auden begins by directly addressing Yeats. He honors his memory and acknowledges his significance as a poet. He describes Yeats as a “mad Ireland hurt” and “sensitive, handsome and disappointed.” He captures both his passion for his homeland and the complexities of his personal life. This tribute sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing Yeats as its central focus.

Realistic Representation of Death: One of the main features of this modern elegy is the realistic representation of death. Auden uses Yeats’ death as a starting point for a larger meditation. It crosses the nature of human existence. Auden notes that death is an inevitable part of life. It is something that all of us must face. He suggests that death can be seen as a natural process. It can also be seen as a kind of violence, an abrupt end to the life of the artist. He clarifies that W.B. Yeats has died, but his artistic creation will remain forever. His creation will make him immortal. Auden says,

The words of a dead man

Are modified in the guts of the living.

Language and Structure: Auden’s language is often complex, allusive, and deeply emotional. He uses various poetic techniques, such as repetition, alliteration, and rhyme, to create a musical and memorable effect. The poem is written in a formal structure. It consists of four stanzas of equal length and a consistent rhyme scheme. This formal structure departs from traditional elegies, often with irregular stanzas and varied rhyme schemes.

Symbolism: Auden employs rich symbolism and imagery to evoke the emotions associated with grief and loss. He describes Yeats’s death as “the death of the poet,” symbolizing not only the loss of an individual but also the end of an era. Additionally, Auden uses vivid imagery, such as “the words of the dead” and “the sea of faith,” to create a sense of depth and complexity within the poem.

Personal Reflection: The poem is written in a personal, conversational tone. It allows the poet to reflect on his own feelings of loss and grief. This is a departure from traditional elegies. Traditional elegies often focus on the deceased and their accomplishments. He speaks of Yeats’s death as a “sad time,” conveying his emotional response to the news. This personal element adds depth to the poem. It allows readers to connect with Auden on a more intimate level.

Themes and Tone: The poem mixes mourning, loss, and remembrance themes with political and social commentary. This is a hallmark of modern elegies. It often addresses social issues and the impact of the deceased on society. That remains absent in a traditional elegy. The tone of the poem is mournful and reflective. However, it also has a sense of urgency as Auden laments the loss of Yeats. It describes the loss of Yeats as the decline of civilization. Here, Auden’s mournful tone is revealed,

He disappeared in the dead of winter:

The brooks were frozen, the airports almost deserted.

Allusions and References: The poem contains allusions and references to other literature and historical events. This reflects the idea that the memory of the deceased is part of a larger cultural and historical context.

“In Memory of W.B. Yeats” is a modern elegy that blends personal reflection with social commentary and cultural references. The poem is a tribute to the life and legacy of William Butler Yeats, written by a fellow poet. Auden recognized Yeats’s profound impact on the world of literature and beyond.