How Does Yeats Estimate Maud Gonne in ‘No Second Troy’?

Answer

How does Yeats estimate Maud Gonne in ‘No Second Troy’? 

In “No Second Troy” (1916), W.B. Yeats (1865-1939) gives a complex and thoughtful estimate of Maud Gonne. Yeats deeply loved and admired Maud Gonne. This poem reflects the poet’s mixed feelings towards Maud Gonne. This poem depicts the poet’s love for his loved ones with sadness and despair. Here is Yeats’s view of Maud Gonne:

This poem reflects his mixed feelings towards her. Also, it depicts the poet’s admiration for his loved ones with sadness and despair.

Admiration for Her Beauty and Grace: Yeats acknowledges Maud Gonne’s extraordinary beauty and grace. He describes her as “high and solitary,” which signifies her remarkable and almost unattainable presence. This admiration is tinged with a sense of her being too perfect for the world around her. Yeats believes that her inherent nature is beyond the ordinary. He writes, 

Why, what could she have done, being what she is? 

Was there another Troy for her to burn?

Recognition of Her Courage and Noble Spirit: Yeats admires Gonne’s bravery and noble spirit. He respects her for her passionate involvement in political causes, even if he sometimes disagrees with her methods. He says, 

With beauty like a tightened bow,

The poet compares her to a perfect bow for her beauty and action. It symbolizes his readiness to fight for his beliefs.

Frustration with Her Influence on Violence: Despite his admiration, Yeats also expresses frustration with how Gonne’s passion leads to violence and unrest. Yeats expresses frustration and disillusionment with Gonne’s actions and choices. He criticized her emotional activities and political instability. He feels that her actions have ruinous consequences.

Unrequited Love: Throughout the poem, Yeats expresses a deep sense of unrequited love for Gonne. Yeats expresses his deep feelings of unrequited love for Maud Gone throughout the poem discussion. Her high aspirations and indifference to love deprive the poet of his love.  This highlights the emotional tempest Yeats experienced due to his unfulfilled romantic feelings towards Gonne. He writes, 

What could have made her peaceful with a mind 

That nobleness made simple as a fire.

In termination, W.B. Yeats portrays Maud Gonne in “No Second Troy” as a figure of both admiration and frustration. He idealizes her beauty and charisma while expressing disillusionment with her actions and political involvement. Through this portrayal, yeats explores themes of unrequited love and the complexities of romantic and political idealism.