What Romantic Elements Do You Find in the Poems of W.B. Yeats?
When You Are Old 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 When You Are Old.
Answer
What romantic elements do you find in the poems of W.B. Yeats?
W.B. Yeats (1865-1939) is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. His poetry is known for its rich and complex symbolism and romantic and mystical themes. Yeats’ love for Maud Gonne, an Irish revolutionary, greatly influenced his poetry and contributed to the romantic elements present in his work.
Romantic Use of Language: W.B. Yeats, at the very beginning of his poetic career, uses romantic language in his poetry. He is greatly influenced by John Keats. Irish nationality, humanism, and spirituality are seen in the later phase of his poetry.
Subjectivity: Subjectivity is the most remarkable romantic element. Subjectivity means personal appearance. ‘A Prayer for My Daughter’ and ‘Among School Children’ exemplify Yeats’s subjectivity.
Enriched Symbols/ Symbolism: Enriched symbols are the most important feature of romanticism. W.B. Yeats uses enriched symbols throughout his poetry. His poems contain enriched symbols like The Ledaean Body, gyres, golden bird, moon, and The Phoenix.
Love and Desire: Yeats’ poems often express a deep philosophy and feelings for love. It connects and explores the power of desire. His poems, such as “When You Are Old” and ‘A Prayer for My Daughter’ are a great example of this. In “When You Are Old,” the speaker remembers the passionate love they once shared:
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep.
Myth and Legend: Yeats drew heavily on Irish folklore and mythology. It’s added a romantic and mystical quality to his work. His poetry often uses legendary figures, such as Helen, Paris, Leda, Swan, and Troy. The myth that Yeats used extensively in his poems is directly derived from the source of the legend of Irish heroism.
Nature: Yeats often used nature to symbolize the beauty and mystery of the world around us. His poems, such as “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” and “The Song of Wandering Aengus,” are filled withUnlock this study guide now