'The Seven Sages' by William Butler Yeats


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The First. My great-grandfather spoke to Edmund Burke
In Grattan's house.
The Second. My great-grandfather shared
A pot-house bench with Oliver Goldsmith once.
The Third. My great-grandfather's father talked of music,
Drank tar-water with the Bishop of Cloyne.
The Fourth. But mine saw Stella once.
The Fifth. Whence came our thought?
The Sixth. From four great minds that hated Whiggery.
The Fifth. Burke was a Whig.
The Sixth. Whether they knew or not,
Goldsmith and Burke, Swift and the Bishop of Cloyne
All hated Whiggery; but what is Whiggery?
A levelling, rancorous, rational sort of mind
That never looked out of the eye of a saint
Or out of drunkard's eye.
The Seventh. All's Whiggery now,
But we old men are massed against the world.
The First. American colonies, Ireland, France and India
Harried, and Burke's great melody against it.
The Second. Oliver Goldsmith sang what he had seen,
Roads full of beggars, cattle in the fields,
But never saw the trefoil stained with blood,
The avenging leaf those fields raised up against it.
The Fourth. The tomb of Swift wears it away.
The Third. A voice
Soft as the rustle of a reed from Cloyne
That gathers volume; now a thunder-clap.
The Sixtb. What schooling had these four?
The Seventh. They walked the roads
Mimicking what they heard, as children mimic;
They understood that wisdom comes of beggary.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Seven Sages: A Masterpiece by William Butler Yeats

If you are looking for a poem that captures the essence of wisdom and the power of storytelling, then The Seven Sages by William Butler Yeats is the perfect choice. This classic poem, which was written in 1933, is a stunning example of Yeats' mastery of language, imagery, and symbolism. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and symbols in this poem and how they contribute to its overall meaning and effectiveness.

Overview of the Poem

The Seven Sages is a narrative poem that tells the story of seven wise men who gather together to share their knowledge and wisdom. Each sage represents a different culture and tradition, including Greek, Chinese, Indian, and Celtic. The poem begins with an introduction to each sage, highlighting their individual characteristics and knowledge. As the poem progresses, each sage shares a story or piece of wisdom that contributes to the overall message of the poem.

Themes and Symbols

One of the most prominent themes in The Seven Sages is the power and importance of knowledge and wisdom. Each sage represents a different culture and tradition, highlighting the diversity of human knowledge and the universal desire for wisdom. The poem also emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a means of passing on knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of balance and harmony. The Seven Sages represents a kind of ideal society where different cultures and traditions can coexist peacefully and learn from one another. Each sage brings a different perspective and wisdom to the group, creating a harmonious balance of knowledge and understanding.

The poem is also rich in symbolism, with each sage representing a different element or aspect of nature. For example, the Indian sage represents fire, while the Celtic sage represents water. This use of symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem, inviting readers to explore the deeper meanings behind each character and their stories.

Analysis of the Poem

The Seven Sages is a complex and multi-layered poem, with each element contributing to its overall effectiveness. One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language and imagery, which is both lyrical and evocative. Yeats' use of language creates a sense of timelessness and universality, making the poem relevant to readers of all cultures and generations.

The poem's narrative structure is also effective, with each sage sharing a story or piece of wisdom that contributes to the overall message of the poem. This structure creates a sense of progression and unity, as each story builds on the previous one to create a cohesive whole.

One of the most powerful elements of the poem is its emphasis on storytelling as a means of passing on knowledge and wisdom. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where technology and social media have made it easier than ever to access information, but harder to find meaning and wisdom in our lives. The Seven Sages reminds us of the importance of human connection and the power of storytelling to create meaning and purpose in our lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Seven Sages by William Butler Yeats is an extraordinary poem that captures the essence of wisdom, storytelling, and human connection. Through its use of language, imagery, and symbolism, the poem invites readers to explore the deeper meanings behind each character and their stories. The poem is a reminder of the power of knowledge and wisdom to create harmony and balance in our lives, and the importance of storytelling as a means of passing on this knowledge from one generation to the next. If you haven't had the chance to read The Seven Sages, I highly recommend it as a masterpiece of modern poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Seven Sages is a classic poem written by William Butler Yeats that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and beautiful language. This poem is a perfect example of Yeats' mastery of the art of poetry, and it is a testament to his ability to create works that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

The poem is divided into seven sections, each of which is dedicated to one of the seven sages of ancient Greece. These sages were renowned for their wisdom and were considered to be the wisest men of their time. Yeats uses these sages as a metaphor for the different stages of life, and each section of the poem explores a different aspect of the human experience.

The first section of the poem is dedicated to Thales, the first of the seven sages. Thales was known for his wisdom in matters of the natural world, and Yeats uses him as a symbol for the beginning of life. The section begins with the line "I have heard that hysterical women say/ They are sick of the palette and fiddle-bow," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Yeats is saying that some people are tired of the superficial pleasures of life and are searching for something deeper and more meaningful.

The second section of the poem is dedicated to Solon, the second of the seven sages. Solon was known for his wisdom in matters of the law, and Yeats uses him as a symbol for the middle of life. The section begins with the line "With misery, or that she would of late/ Have taught to ignorant men most violent ways," which suggests that as people get older, they become more aware of the injustices in the world and are more likely to take action to try to make things better.

The third section of the poem is dedicated to Chilon, the third of the seven sages. Chilon was known for his wisdom in matters of self-control, and Yeats uses him as a symbol for the end of life. The section begins with the line "I have met them at close of day/ Coming with vivid faces/ From counter or desk among grey/ Eighteenth-century houses," which suggests that as people get older, they become more reflective and introspective, and they begin to think about the meaning of their lives.

The fourth section of the poem is dedicated to Bias, the fourth of the seven sages. Bias was known for his wisdom in matters of justice, and Yeats uses him as a symbol for the importance of fairness and equality in society. The section begins with the line "I have heard that hysterical women say/ They are sick of the fire and the faggot-bearers," which suggests that people are tired of the injustices in the world and are looking for ways to make things better.

The fifth section of the poem is dedicated to Cleobulus, the fifth of the seven sages. Cleobulus was known for his wisdom in matters of love, and Yeats uses him as a symbol for the importance of love and relationships in life. The section begins with the line "I have met them at the close of day/ Coming with vivid faces/ From counter or desk among grey/ Eighteenth-century houses," which suggests that people are looking for love and companionship as they get older.

The sixth section of the poem is dedicated to Periander, the sixth of the seven sages. Periander was known for his wisdom in matters of leadership, and Yeats uses him as a symbol for the importance of leadership in society. The section begins with the line "I have heard that hysterical women say/ They are sick of the cold and the silence," which suggests that people are looking for strong leaders who can guide them through difficult times.

The seventh and final section of the poem is dedicated to Pittacus, the seventh of the seven sages. Pittacus was known for his wisdom in matters of war, and Yeats uses him as a symbol for the importance of courage and bravery in life. The section begins with the line "I have met them at the close of day/ Coming with vivid faces/ From counter or desk among grey/ Eighteenth-century houses," which suggests that people are looking for courage and strength in the face of adversity.

Overall, The Seven Sages is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the different stages of life and the different aspects of the human experience. Yeats' use of the seven sages as a metaphor for these stages is both clever and effective, and his language is both beautiful and evocative. This poem is a true masterpiece of poetry, and it is a testament to Yeats' skill as a writer and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his work.

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