'What Then?' by William Butler Yeats
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His chosen comrades thought at school
He must grow a famous man;
He thought the same and lived by rule,
All his twenties crammed with toil;
'What then?' sang Plato's ghost. 'What then?'
Everything he wrote was read,
After certain years he won
Sufficient money for his need,
Friends that have been friends indeed;
'What then?' sang Plato's ghost. ' What then?'
All his happier dreams came true -
A small old house, wife, daughter, son,
Grounds where plum and cabbage grew,
poets and Wits about him drew;
'What then.?' sang Plato's ghost. 'What then?'
The work is done,' grown old he thought,
'According to my boyish plan;
Let the fools rage, I swerved in naught,
Something to perfection brought';
But louder sang that ghost, 'What then?'
Editor 1 Interpretation
What Then? by William Butler Yeats: A Deep Dive into the Poem
If you are a poetry enthusiast, it is impossible not to hear about William Butler Yeats. He is one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, and his works are still relevant today. Among his famous works is a poem titled "What Then?" published in 1893 in his first collection of poems, "The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems."
This poem has been analyzed, interpreted, and criticized by many literary scholars over the years. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem and try to unearth the hidden meanings and messages that Yeats intended to convey in this work of art.
Summary of What Then?
Before we dive deeper, let's have a quick summary of the poem. "What Then?" is a six-stanza poem, each consisting of four lines. The poem is written in a conversational tone, with the speaker asking a series of questions about the purpose of life and death.
In the first stanza, the speaker asks, "His chosen comrades thought at school/ He must grow a famous man;/ He thought the same and lived by rule,/ All his twenties crammed with toil." The speaker is talking about a man who followed the rules and worked hard to become successful, just like his friends thought he would.
In the second stanza, the speaker asks, "What then?" The question is repeated in every stanza, emphasizing the central theme of the poem, which is the search for purpose.
In the third stanza, the speaker asks, "What then became of all his care/ And earned academical praise?" The speaker is questioning the worthiness of academic praise and the value of hard work.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker asks, "What then? Isolated in stern/ Austerities of the soul,/ He forgot the joy that belongs to tern,/ That harbingers spring to the owl." The speaker is questioning the value of leading an isolated life, devoid of joy.
In the fifth stanza, the speaker asks, "What then? Became of so huge a plight/ Madman on a pillar high;/ His fierce eye sought the West afar/ For the prison ships of the sky." The speaker is referring to the story of the "Mad Sweeney" from Irish mythology, who stood on a pillar for years, looking to the west for a glimpse of paradise.
In the final stanza, the speaker asks, "What then? That all his fame and tidy,/ His mental strength and his good looks;/ Vanity dusted and his memory faded,/ Outlive a life in the thoughts of fools." The speaker is questioning the value of fame and worldly success and suggests that they are meaningless in the grand scheme of things.
Analysis of What Then?
Now that we have a basic understanding of the poem, let's dive deeper into the various aspects of the poem.
The Central Theme: The Search for Purpose
As mentioned earlier, the central theme of the poem is the search for purpose. The speaker is questioning the worthiness of academic praise, the value of hard work, the importance of leading an isolated life, and the meaning of fame and success. The repeated question, "What then?" emphasizes the futility of life if one's efforts do not have a greater purpose.
Yeats was a deeply spiritual person, and his poems often reflect his spiritual beliefs. In this poem, he seems to be questioning the materialistic values of society and emphasizing the importance of finding a deeper purpose in life.
The Use of Mythology
Yeats was deeply influenced by Irish mythology, and he often used mythological characters in his poems. In this poem, he refers to the story of "Mad Sweeney," a character from Irish mythology who was cursed to live as a bird for years.
By referring to this story, Yeats is highlighting the importance of spiritual pursuits over materialistic pursuits. He suggests that the pursuit of worldly success and fame will ultimately lead to nothing and that one should instead focus on the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
The Use of Imagery
Yeats was a master of imagery, and his poems often contain vivid and powerful images. In this poem, he uses imagery to highlight the futility of life without a greater purpose. In the fourth stanza, he writes, "He forgot the joy that belongs to tern,/ That harbingers spring to the owl." The speaker is referring to the joy of nature, the joy of living in the moment, which the man in the poem has forgotten due to his pursuit of success.
In the fifth stanza, he writes, "His fierce eye sought the West afar/ For the prison ships of the sky." The image of the "prison ships of the sky" highlights the man's isolation and his longing for something greater than the material world.
The Use of Repetition
The repeated question, "What then?" emphasizes the central theme of the poem and highlights the futility of life without a greater purpose. The repetition also gives the poem a conversational tone, as if the speaker is asking the reader directly about the purpose of life.
The Tone of the Poem
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its tone. The speaker is not angry or bitter, but rather questioning and contemplative. The tone suggests that the speaker is genuinely seeking answers to the questions he is posing, and that he is inviting the reader to join him in his search for meaning.
Interpretation of What Then?
Now that we have analyzed the various aspects of the poem, let's try to interpret what Yeats intended to convey through this poem.
The Importance of Spiritual Pursuits
Yeats was a deeply spiritual person, and his poems often reflect his spiritual beliefs. In this poem, he seems to be emphasizing the importance of spiritual pursuits over materialistic pursuits. He suggests that the pursuit of worldly success and fame will ultimately lead to nothing and that one should instead focus on the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
The Futility of Life Without a Greater Purpose
The repeated question, "What then?" emphasizes the futility of life without a greater purpose. Yeats seems to suggest that a life spent pursuing materialistic goals is ultimately meaningless and that one should strive for a greater purpose.
The Importance of Finding Joy in Everyday Life
In the fourth stanza, the speaker refers to the joy of nature and the joy of living in the moment. Yeats seems to suggest that finding joy in everyday life is essential to finding a greater purpose in life.
The Vanity of Fame and Worldly Success
In the final stanza, the speaker questions the value of fame and worldly success. Yeats seems to suggest that these things are ultimately meaningless and that they will not outlive a life in the thoughts of fools.
Conclusion
"What Then?" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that highlights the importance of finding a greater purpose in life. Yeats uses vivid imagery, repetition, and a conversational tone to emphasize the central theme of the poem: the search for purpose.
Through this poem, Yeats seems to suggest that a life spent pursuing materialistic goals is ultimately meaningless and that one should instead focus on the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy in everyday life and questions the value of fame and worldly success.
"What Then?" is a timeless poem that still resonates with readers today, and will continue to do so for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Then? by William Butler Yeats is a classic poem that has been studied and analyzed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts for decades. This poem is a perfect example of Yeats' ability to use language to convey complex emotions and ideas. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of What Then? and how it relates to Yeats' life and work.
The poem begins with a question: "What then?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Yeats explores the idea of what happens after death. He wonders if there is an afterlife, and if so, what it might be like. He also considers the possibility that death is simply the end, and there is nothing beyond it.
Yeats' exploration of death and the afterlife is not surprising, given his interest in mysticism and the occult. Throughout his life, Yeats was fascinated by the idea of the supernatural and the unknown. He was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society that practiced ritual magic and studied the occult. This interest in the supernatural is evident in many of his poems, including What Then?
The first stanza of the poem sets the stage for Yeats' exploration of death and the afterlife. He describes a "great company" of people who have died and are now "gone beyond the door." This image of a door is significant, as it suggests that there is a barrier between the living and the dead. Yeats wonders what lies beyond this door, and if those who have passed through it are happy or sad.
In the second stanza, Yeats considers the possibility that death is simply the end. He asks if those who have died are "asleep" or if they are "dead." This distinction is important, as it suggests that there may be a difference between being dead and being asleep. Yeats wonders if those who have died are aware of their surroundings, or if they are simply unconscious.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most significant, as it suggests that there may be an afterlife. Yeats describes a "great company" of people who have died and are now "gathered round" a "brightening flame." This image suggests that there is a sense of community and warmth in the afterlife. Yeats wonders if those who have passed through the door are happy and content, or if they are still searching for something.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic. Yeats asks if those who have died are "contented with their lot." This question is significant, as it suggests that there may be a sense of resignation or acceptance in the afterlife. Yeats wonders if those who have passed through the door are content with their fate, or if they are still searching for something more.
Overall, What Then? is a powerful exploration of death and the afterlife. Yeats' use of language is masterful, as he creates vivid images and evokes complex emotions. The poem is also significant in the context of Yeats' life and work, as it reflects his interest in the supernatural and the unknown.
In conclusion, What Then? is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Yeats' exploration of death and the afterlife is both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful. This poem is a testament to Yeats' skill as a poet, and his ability to use language to convey complex ideas and emotions.
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