When You Are Old : Themes
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, and various study materials of When You Are Old.
Themes
Themes
The Power of True Love: The poem contrasts superficial love for beauty with deep spiritual love. Yeats shows that true love values the soul, not appearance, and remains constant even when youth and beauty fade with time.
The Passage of Time and Regret: Yeats reflects on aging and lost opportunities in love. The poem suggests that physical beauty and human life are temporary. One may regret not valuing true love when youth and time are gone.