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, to various questions 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 with vivid descriptions of the natural world. In the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree,” Yeats expresses his desire to escape the city and find peace in nature.
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Spirituality and Mysticism: Yeats was deeply interested in spirituality and mysticism. His poems often reflect this interest. His poem “The Second Coming” is a prime example of this. The poem explores the idea of spiritual renewal and transformation.
Love for Irish Folklore: Yeats loves his country and Irish people. He shows it in his famous poem, Easter 1916. The Irish revolution against British imperialistic rule is portrayed here. He tributes those heroes who died for the liberation of Ireland.
Yeats’ poetry is characterized by its rich and complex symbolism, its deep sense of desire, and its romantic and mystical themes. These elements have made his poetry popular and continue to inspire readers.