Comment on the tone of the Poem “When You Are Old”?

Comment on the tone of the poem “When You Are Old”?

The tone of the poem “When You Are Old” (1893) by W.B. Yeats (1865-1939) is soft, sad, and full of memories. In this poem, the poet imagines the woman he loves when she gets old. He speaks to her in a calm and loving way, asking her to think about the past and remember their time together.

The tone is soft because Yeats talks gently to the woman. He tells her to read the book slowly and think about the way her eyes looked when she was young. His words are kind and peaceful, showing his love for her.

The tone is also sad because Yeats talks about how things have changed. He says that many people loved her for her beauty, but only one person loved her true self, her “pilgrim soul.” He is sad because time has passed, and things are different now.

Finally, the tone is full of memories. Yeats remembers the love they shared, but also how that love has gone. He says that love has “fled” and hidden among the stars, which shows that love is now lost.

In conclusion, the tone of the poem is gentle and sad. Yeats expresses love, but also the pain of time and change. It reminds us that love can be beautiful, but also fleeting.