'Under Ben Bulben' by William Butler Yeats
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I
SWEAR by what the sages spoke
Round the Mareotic Lake
That the Witch of Atlas knew,
Spoke and set the cocks a-crow.
Swear by those horsemen, by those women
Complexion and form prove superhuman,
That pale, long-visaged company
That air in immortality
Completeness of their passions won;
Now they ride the wintry dawn
Where Ben Bulben sets the scene.
Here s the gist of what they mean.
II
Many times man lives and dies
Between his two eternities,
That of race and that of soul,
And ancient Ireland knew it all.
Whether man die in his bed
Or the rifle knocks him dead,
A brief parting from those dear
Is the worst man has to fear.
Though grave-diggers' toil is long,
Sharp their spades, their muscles strong.
They but thrust their buried men
Back in the human mind again.
III
You that Mitchel's prayer have heard,
"Send war in our time, O Lord!'
Know that when all words are said
And a man is fighting mad,
Something drops from eyes long blind,
He completes his partial mind,
For an instant stands at ease,
Laughs aloud, his heart at peace.
Even the wisest man grows tense
With some sort of violence
Before he can accomplish fate,
Know his work or choose his mate.
IV
Poet and sculptor, do the work,
Nor let the modish painter shirk
What his great forefathers did.
Bring the soul of man to God,
Make him fill the cradles right.
Measurement began our might:
Forms a stark Egyptian thought,
Forms that gentler phidias wrought.
Michael Angelo left a proof
On the Sistine Chapel roof,
Where but half-awakened Adam
Can disturb globe-trotting Madam
Till her bowels are in heat,
proof that there's a purpose set
Before the secret working mind:
Profane perfection of mankind.
Quattrocento put in paint
On backgrounds for a God or Saint
Gardens where a soul's at ease;
Where everything that meets the eye,
Flowers and grass and cloudless sky,
Resemble forms that are or seem
When sleepers wake and yet still dream.
And when it's vanished still declare,
With only bed and bedstead there,
That heavens had opened.
Gyres run on;
When that greater dream had gone
Calvert and Wilson, Blake and Claude,
Prepared a rest for the people of God,
Palmer's phrase, but after that
Confusion fell upon our thought.
V
Irish poets, earn your trade,
Sing whatever is well made,
Scorn the sort now growing up
All out of shape from toe to top,
Their unremembering hearts and heads
Base-born products of base beds.
Sing the peasantry, and then
Hard-riding country gentlemen,
The holiness of monks, and after
Porter-drinkers' randy laughter;
Sing the lords and ladies gay
That were beaten into the clay
Through seven heroic centuries;
Cast your mind on other days
That we in coming days may be
Still the indomitable Irishry.
VI
Under bare Ben Bulben's head
In Drumcliff churchyard Yeats is laid.
An ancestor was rector there
Long years ago, a church stands near,
By the road an ancient cross.
No marble, no conventional phrase;
On limestone quarried near the spot
By his command these words are cut:
i{Cast a cold eye}
i{On life, on death.}
i{Horseman, pass by!}
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Under Ben Bulben" by William Butler Yeats: A Masterpiece of Irish Poetry
If you're a fan of Irish literature, then you've probably heard of William Butler Yeats. His works are some of the most revered and cherished pieces of literature in the world, and for good reason. Yeats was a master of poetry, and his works often dealt with the themes of mysticism, mythology, and the supernatural. Among the many poems that Yeats has written, one of the most famous is "Under Ben Bulben".
"Under Ben Bulben" is a poem that is deeply rooted in Irish mythology and history. The poem is Yeats' tribute to the great Irish hero, Red Hugh O'Donnell, who fought against the English during the Elizabethan era. The poem is set in the beautiful landscape of Sligo, which was Yeats' home county. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll be taking a closer look at this masterpiece of Irish poetry and exploring the themes, symbolism, and literary devices that make "Under Ben Bulben" such a timeless work of art.
Themes
At its core, "Under Ben Bulben" is a poem about Irish nationalism and the struggle for independence. Yeats was a staunch supporter of Irish nationalism, and his poetry often reflected his political beliefs. In "Under Ben Bulben", Yeats celebrates the life of Red Hugh O'Donnell, who was one of the most famous Irish heroes of the Elizabethan era. O'Donnell fought against the English in the Nine Years' War and was known for his bravery and leadership.
The poem is also about Irish mythology and the connection between the past and the present. Yeats draws heavily on Irish mythology in this poem, referencing figures such as Queen Maeve, Cuchulain, and Fionn mac Cumhaill. Through these references, Yeats is trying to show how the past is still very much alive in the present and how the Irish people are connected to their history and mythology.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of death and rebirth. Yeats uses imagery of death and decay to show that everything eventually comes to an end. However, he also shows that from death comes new life, and that there is always the possibility of rebirth and renewal.
Symbolism
"Under Ben Bulben" is a poem that is rich in symbolism. One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the mountain of Ben Bulben itself. Ben Bulben is a mountain in Sligo that is known for its distinctive shape and its prominence in Irish mythology. In the poem, Ben Bulben represents the past and the connection between the present and the past. Yeats describes the mountain as "the last hill / That looks on Tara", showing how it is a symbol of Ireland's ancient past.
Another symbol in the poem is the figure of Red Hugh O'Donnell. O'Donnell represents the struggle for Irish independence and the bravery and determination of the Irish people. Yeats describes him as "the great O'Donnell / Had driven Brian from the County of the Ford / And silence descended on the roads of Mayo". Through this description, Yeats is trying to show how O'Donnell was a hero who fought for the Irish people and their freedom.
The figure of Queen Maeve is also a symbol in the poem. Maeve represents the power and strength of the Irish people. Yeats describes her as "a great queen in a distant land", showing how she is a symbol of Ireland's ancient past and its connection to its mythology.
Literary Devices
"Under Ben Bulben" is a poem that is full of literary devices. One of the most significant devices that Yeats uses is imagery. Throughout the poem, Yeats uses vivid imagery to transport the reader to the landscape of Sligo. He describes the "purple glow of noon", the "blackened slope", and the "whitehorn bushes" in intricate detail, creating a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
Another literary device that Yeats uses is allusion. He references figures from Irish mythology such as Queen Maeve, Cuchulain, and Fionn mac Cumhaill. Through these allusions, Yeats is trying to show how the past is still present in the present and how the Irish people are connected to their history and mythology.
Yeats also uses repetition in the poem. He repeats the phrase "Under Ben Bulben" throughout the poem, creating a sense of familiarity and continuity. This repetition also serves to reinforce the idea that Ben Bulben is a symbol of Ireland's past and its connection to its mythology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Under Ben Bulben" is a masterpiece of Irish poetry. Through its themes of Irish nationalism, mythology, death and rebirth, and its rich symbolism and literary devices, Yeats creates a work of art that is both beautiful and profound. The poem is a tribute to the great Irish hero Red Hugh O'Donnell and a celebration of the connection between the past and the present. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be Irish and to be connected to Ireland's history and mythology. If you haven't read "Under Ben Bulben" yet, then I highly recommend that you do. It is a work of art that is sure to inspire and move you.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Under Ben Bulben: A Masterpiece of William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, wrote a masterpiece called "Poetry Under Ben Bulben." This poem is a tribute to the Irish poets who have passed away and a call to the new generation of poets to continue the legacy of Irish poetry. The poem is a reflection of Yeats' love for Ireland and its rich cultural heritage.
The poem is set under the shadow of Ben Bulben, a mountain in County Sligo, Ireland. The mountain is a symbol of Ireland's rugged beauty and its rich cultural heritage. Yeats uses the mountain as a metaphor for the Irish poets who have passed away. He sees the mountain as a guardian of their legacy and a reminder of their greatness.
The poem begins with a description of the mountain and its surroundings. Yeats describes the mountain as "a great peak in the heart of Ireland" and "a place of many legends." He also describes the surrounding landscape as "a land of faery, where no mortal goes." This description sets the tone for the poem and establishes the importance of the mountain and its surroundings.
Yeats then goes on to pay tribute to the Irish poets who have passed away. He mentions several poets by name, including W.B. Yeats himself, who passed away in 1939, just a few years before the poem was written. He also mentions other poets such as John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and William Blake. Yeats sees these poets as the guardians of Irish poetry and the inspiration for the new generation of poets.
Yeats then calls on the new generation of poets to continue the legacy of Irish poetry. He sees poetry as a way to connect with the past and to create a better future. He writes, "Let the living keep alive our heritage, / So that the future may learn from the past." This line is a call to action for the new generation of poets to take up the mantle of Irish poetry and to continue the tradition of greatness.
Yeats also sees poetry as a way to connect with the divine. He writes, "For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives / In the valley of its making where executives / Would never want to tamper." This line is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a way to make money. It is a way to connect with something greater than ourselves and to create something that will last beyond our lifetimes.
The poem ends with a call to action for the new generation of poets. Yeats writes, "Irish poets, learn your trade, / Sing whatever is well made, / Scorn the sort now growing up / All out of shape from toe to top." This line is a call to the new generation of poets to take their craft seriously and to create poetry that is well-crafted and meaningful. It is also a warning against the current trend of poetry that is shallow and lacking in substance.
In conclusion, "Poetry Under Ben Bulben" is a masterpiece of William Butler Yeats. It is a tribute to the Irish poets who have passed away and a call to the new generation of poets to continue the legacy of Irish poetry. The poem is a reflection of Yeats' love for Ireland and its rich cultural heritage. It is also a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a way to make money. It is a way to connect with something greater than ourselves and to create something that will last beyond our lifetimes.
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