Lapis Lazuli : Themes

Themes

Themes

• The Eternal Cycle of Destruction and Creation: The central theme of the poem is the eternal process of the fall and rebirth of civilizations. Yeats shows how human civilization has been destroyed again and again — through war, greed, and death — yet mankind always rises to create anew. As he writes, “All things fall and are built again, / And those that build them again are gay.” These lines suggest that destruction is not the end of life; it is the beginning of a new creation. Yeats believed that, like nature and history, art too moves in an endless cycle of renewal. Thus, even within destruction, he finds creative joy and an inner life-force that continually inspires humanity to rebuild.
• The Serene Beauty of Art and Wisdom: The second major theme of the poem is the eternal power of art, wisdom, and inner peace. Yeats shows that even amid war and ruin, the true artist or sage remains calm and unshaken. Their eyes shine with serenity — “Their ancient, glittering eyes are gay.” This image symbolizes the transforming power of art and knowledge, which turns human sorrow into tranquil beauty. Just as Hamlet or King Lear does not cry while performing tragedy, but turns it into art, Yeats suggests that true art rises above pain, death, and destruction — transforming them into symbols of joy, peace, and spiritual endurance.