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