Topic : The Stolen Child

Main text

Where dips the rocky highland Of Sleuth Wood in the lake, There lies a leafy island Where flapping herons wake The drowsy water rats; There we've hid our faery vats, Full of berrys And of reddest stolen cherries. Come away, O human child! To the waters and the wild With a faery, hand in hand, For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand. Where the wave of moonlight glosses The dim gray sands with light, Far off by furthest Rosses We foot it all the night, Weaving olden dances Mingling hands and mingling glances Till the moon [...]

Key info

“The Stolen Child” is a famous poem by William Butler Yeats. Look at the key facts of the novel to get a quick conception.

Writer: William Butler Yeats
Title of the Author: Irish poet, dramatist, writer, and politician
Full Title:  The Stolen Child
Original Title: The Stolen Child
Published Date:  1886.

Summary

"The Stolen Child" is a poem by W.B. Yeats  (1885-1939) that was published in 1889 as part of his collection "The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems." The poem is written in the form of a lyrical narrative and explores themes of escapism, the allure of the natural world, and the loss of innocence. Here's a summary of the poem:

The poem begins with a portrayal of a group of fairies. They live in a world of enchantment by the sea. These fairies are inviting a human child to come and join them in their mystical realm. They sing a beautiful and seductive song, luring the child away from the human world.

Themes

The theme is an essential part of the Literary work. "The Stolen Child" by W.B. Yeats surveys several themes which are the most important for clearing conception. Look at the main themes of the poem to get a quick conception.

Escapism: The poem illustrates a longing for escape from the troubles and complexities of the human world. The child is attracted by the faeries' promise of a carefree and enchanted existence. It reflects a universal desire to escape from the burdens of adulthood.

Literary devices

W.B. Yeats utilizes several literary devices in "The Stolen Child" to create a rich and captivating poem. Some of the notable literary devices used in the poem include:

Imagery: Yeats uses vivid and evocative imagery to describe the natural world and the faeries' realm. The images of clear waters, moonlight, and dancing faeries help create a fantastical and enchanting atmosphere.

Repetition: The poem uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas and images, such as the repeated use of "Come away" in the faeries' invitation, which reinforces their seductive call.

Quotations

"The Stolen Child" is a famous poem by the Irish poet William Butler Yeats. Here are some favorite quotations from the poetry, along with explanations:

Where dips the rocky highland
Of Sleuth Wood in the lake,

Explanation: In these opening lines, the poem mentions the scene in a mystical and enchanting location. "Sleuth Wood" is a rocky highland that extends into a lake. This explanation immediately conjures an image of a wild, untamed, and natural setting. It's a place that feels remote and unaffected by human civilization, emphasizing the allure of nature and the supernatural that will be central to the poem.