'The Blessed' by William Butler Yeats


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Cumhal called out, bending his head,
Till Dathi came and stood,
With a blink in his eyes, at the cave-mouth,
Between the wind and the wood.

And Cumhal said, bending his knees,
'I have come by the windy way
To gather the half of your blessedness
And learn to pray when you pray.

'I can bring you salmon out of the streams
And heron out of the skies.'
But Dathi folded his hands and smiled
With the secrets of God in his eyes.

And Cumhal saw like a drifting smoke
All manner of blessed souls,
Women and children, young men with books,
And old men with croziers and stoles.

'praise God and God's Mother,' Dathi said,
'For God and God's Mother have sent
The blessedest souls that walk in the world
To fill your heart with content.'

'And which is the blessedest,' Cumhal said,
'Where all are comely and good?
Is it these that with golden thuribles
Are singing about the wood?'

'My eyes are blinking,' Dathi said,
'With the secrets of God half blind,
But I can see where the wind goes
And follow the way of the wind;

'And blessedness goes where the wind goes,
And when it is gone we are dead;
I see the blessedest soul in the world
And he nods a drunken head.

'O blessedness comes in the night and the day
And whither the wise heart knows;
And one has seen in the redness of wine
The Incorruptible Rose,

'That drowsily drops faint leaves on him
And the sweetness of desire,
While time and the world are ebbing away
In twilights of dew and of fire.'

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Blessed: A Poem of Spiritual Awakening

When we read a poem, we enter a world of words that can transport us to another time and place, evoke strong emotions, and challenge our perceptions of reality. William Butler Yeats' poem, "The Blessed," is one such work of art that captures the essence of spiritual awakening and the transformative power of divine grace. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and language of the poem to uncover its deeper meanings and significance.

The Context

"The Blessed" was written by Yeats in 1928, during the later years of his life when he was deeply interested in spiritualism, mysticism, and the occult. He was fascinated by the idea of transmutation, the process of transforming base metals into gold, and saw it as a metaphor for the alchemical transformation of the human soul. This interest in mysticism and spirituality is evident in his poetry, which often deals with themes of death, rebirth, and transformation.

The Structure

"The Blessed" is a fourteen-line poem that follows the traditional structure of a sonnet, with three quatrains and a concluding couplet. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with ten syllables per line and a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which creates a sense of balance and symmetry in the poem.

The Themes

The poem explores several themes that are central to Yeats' spiritual and mystical worldview. One of the main themes is the idea of divine grace and the transformative power of spiritual awakening. The poem suggests that those who are touched by the grace of the divine are blessed with a new awareness of the world and the ability to see beyond the limitations of the physical realm.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of death and rebirth. Yeats suggests that spiritual awakening is a kind of death to the old self, followed by a rebirth into a new state of being. The poem also touches on the themes of transmutation and alchemy, suggesting that the process of spiritual transformation is akin to the alchemist's quest to turn base metals into gold.

The Symbols

Yeats uses several symbols in the poem to convey his ideas about spiritual awakening and transformation. One of the most prominent symbols is the image of the swan, which appears in the first line of the poem: "What is it but nightfall? No, no, not night but death." The swan is a recurring symbol in Yeats' poetry, representing both the physical and spiritual aspects of life. In this context, the swan represents the soul's journey through death and into a new state of being.

Another important symbol in the poem is the image of the flame, which appears in the second quatrain: "Are not lifelong friendships rekindled at the end? / And must we not ourselves become like Renaissance men?" The flame represents the fire of spiritual awakening, which burns away the old self and allows for a new state of being to emerge. The Renaissance men mentioned in the poem represent the idea of the complete human being, who has achieved a balance between the physical, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of life.

The Language

Yeats' language in the poem is rich and evocative, using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his ideas about spiritual awakening and transformation. The language is also highly musical, with a regular rhythm and rhyme scheme that creates a sense of harmony and balance.

One of the most striking aspects of the language in the poem is the use of paradox and contradiction. Yeats suggests that death is not the end, but rather a kind of rebirth into a new state of being. He also suggests that the darkness of night is not the same as the darkness of death, implying that there is a deeper, spiritual reality that transcends the physical realm.

The Interpretation

"The Blessed" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human desire for spiritual awakening and transformation. Yeats' use of symbols, language, and paradox creates a sense of mystery and wonder, inviting the reader to explore the deeper meanings of the poem. The swan, the flame, and the Renaissance men all represent different aspects of the spiritual journey, from the death of the old self to the rebirth into a new state of being.

The poem suggests that spiritual awakening is not an easy or comfortable process, but rather a journey that requires courage, perseverance, and faith. The image of the swan, with its grace and beauty, represents the possibility of transcendence and spiritual transformation, while the flame represents the fire of passion and devotion that fuels this journey.

In conclusion, "The Blessed" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that speaks to the human longing for spiritual awakening and transformation. Yeats' use of symbolism, language, and paradox creates a sense of mystery and wonder, inviting the reader to explore the deeper meanings of the poem. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, challenge, and transform our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Blessed: A Poem of Spiritual Awakening

William Butler Yeats, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem called "The Blessed" that explores the themes of spiritual awakening and the search for meaning in life. This poem is a powerful reflection on the human condition and the quest for transcendence that lies at the heart of our existence.

The poem begins with a description of a group of people who are "blessed" because they have found a way to transcend the limitations of their physical existence. They are no longer bound by the constraints of time and space, and they have achieved a state of spiritual enlightenment that allows them to see beyond the material world.

Yeats describes these blessed individuals as "those who know all but are not known." This line suggests that they have attained a level of knowledge and understanding that is beyond the comprehension of ordinary mortals. They have access to a higher truth that is hidden from the rest of us, and they are able to see the world in a way that is both profound and mysterious.

The poem goes on to describe the blessed as "those who lift the veil." This line suggests that they have the ability to see beyond the surface of things and to penetrate the deeper mysteries of existence. They are able to see the world in a way that is both beautiful and terrifying, and they are able to find meaning in even the most mundane aspects of life.

Yeats also describes the blessed as "those who in quarrels intercede." This line suggests that they have a deep sense of compassion and empathy for others, and that they are able to bring peace and harmony to even the most contentious situations. They are able to see beyond the surface of conflict and to understand the deeper motivations and desires of those involved.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of the blessed as "those who have gone through the door." This line suggests that they have achieved a level of spiritual enlightenment that is beyond the reach of ordinary mortals. They have transcended the limitations of their physical existence and have entered into a realm of pure consciousness and spiritual awareness.

Overall, "The Blessed" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of spiritual awakening and the search for meaning in life. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit to transcend the limitations of our physical existence and to find meaning and purpose in even the most difficult and challenging circumstances.

As we read this poem, we are reminded of the importance of seeking out our own spiritual path and of striving to achieve a deeper understanding of the mysteries of existence. We are reminded that there is more to life than what we can see and touch, and that the search for meaning and purpose is a journey that we must all undertake.

In conclusion, "The Blessed" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that speaks to the deepest longings of the human heart. It is a reminder that we are all on a journey of spiritual awakening, and that the search for meaning and purpose is a quest that we must all undertake. May we all be blessed with the courage and wisdom to seek out our own path and to find the truth that lies at the heart of our existence.

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