Sailing to Byzantium : Literary devices
Sailing to Byzantium 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 Sailing to Byzantium.
Literary devices
Figures of Speech
- Metaphor: The old man is compared to a torn coat on a stick. It shows that he is weak and useless. This is not a real coat—it’s a metaphor for an old body.
- Personification: The soul is given human actions like clapping and singing. But souls don’t really do this. So, this is personification.
- Imagery: The poet uses visual imagery to show a golden bird made by art. We can picture the bright, shining bird in our minds.
- Symbols:
- Byzantium: Byzantium is an old, holy city. It is a symbol of the spiritual world, art, and eternity. The poet wants to go there to escape death and become eternal.
- The Sailing (Journey): The journey to Byzantium means a journey of the soul. It is not real sailing. It is a symbol of leaving the body and going to a world of art and spirit.
- The Golden Bird: The golden bird is made by art. It is a symbol of immortality and perfect beauty. It does not die or grow old. It sings forever in the holy city.
- The Aged Man: The old man is weak and useless. He is a symbol of mortal life and decay. His body is like a torn coat on a stick.
- The Holy Fire: The holy fire in Byzantium means spiritual wisdom. It burns away the body and gives pure life to the soul.