Analyze the Symbols Used by W.B. Yeats in His Poems.
The Second Coming 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 The Second Coming.
Answer
Analyze the symbols used by W.B. Yeats in his poems.
Comment on symbolism in W.B. Yeats’s poems you have read.
Symbolism is the study of the targeted meaning of the words. W.B. Yeats (1865-1939) is known for his vast use of symbolism in his poetry. His symbols are unique and also aristocratic. His use of artistic symbols makes his poetry authentic and iconic. Let us discuss this with references to Yeats’ famous poems and aspects.
Definition: According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a symbol means “A sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else:” For example, white is a colour that symbolically indicates purity; likewise, the dove is a bird but symbolizes peace.
Byzantium: Byzantium is another powerful symbol in Yeats’s poetry. It represents a place of artistic and spiritual perfection. In his poems “Sailing to Byzantium” and “Byzantium,” Yeats describes Byzantium as an idealized city where art, culture, and spirituality converge. For Yeats, Byzantium symbolizes an escape from the physical world and a move towards eternal beauty.
The Falcon and the Falconer: In “The Second Coming,” the falcon and the falconer symbolize the breakdown of societal order and the loss of control. The falcon represents chaos and destruction. He says-
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
It has lost contact with the falconer, who represents order and civilization.
The Tower: The tower is a powerful and complex symbol in Yeats’ poetry. It can represent many things, such as a place of retreat, a symbol of strength and stability, or a representation of spiritual growth. In his poem “The Tower,” the tower represents the poet’s mind and quest for spiritual enlightenment.
The Ledaean Body: The “Ledaean Body” symbolises Yeats used to explore themes of transformation, violence, and the interplay between the mortal and the divine. This symbol originates from the myth of Leda and the Swan. Zeus seduces Leda in the form of a swan. In “Leda and the Swan”, Yeats says-
He holds her helpless breast upon his breast.
This mythological event led to the birth of Helen of Troy and the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux. We get the reference of “Ledaean Body” to the poem “Among School Children.”
Helen and Troy: In the poem, ‘No Second Troy, ‘ Yeats uses the symbol of Helen of Troy to represent Maud Gonne. He compares Gonne to Helen. She was the cause of the Trojan War. It suggests that, like Helen, Maud Gonne caused a war within him. He says about Gonne-
Have taught to ignorant men most violent ways,
He also uses the symbol of a broken tower. It represents the destruction of Yeats’ hopes and dreams for a relationship with Gonne.
Supernatural Prospect: As we know, Yeats’ symbols have versatile aspects. His creative faculty cannot be satisfied with only ritual and hypnotic symbols. His famous poems “The Second Coming, “A Prayer for My Daughter,” “No Second Troy,” etc., are packed with the supernatural aspect of symbols.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi.
Spiritus Mundi is the best symbol and mysterious prospect of symbol. It stands to reform the world with a civilized governing system, defeating anarchy and autocracy.
Thus, Yeats’ use of symbols adds depth and complexity to his poetry. He is able to bring out the real content through the use of symbols and imagery in his poetry. So, he becomes a successful poet in terms of symbolism.