'Towards Break Of Day' by William Butler Yeats


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WAS it the double of my dream
The woman that by me lay
Dreamed, or did we halve a dream
Under the first cold gleam of day?
I thought:"There is a waterfall
Upon Ben Bulben side
That all my childhood counted dear;
Were I to travel far and wide
I could not find a thing so dear.'
My memories had magnified
So many times childish delight.
I would have touched it like a child
But knew my finger could but have touched
Cold stone and water.I grew wild.
Even accusing Heaven because
It had set down among its laws:
Nothing that we love over-much
Is ponderable to our touch.
I dreamed towards break of day,
The cold blown spray in my nostril.
But she that beside me lay
Had watched in bitterer sleep
The marvellous stag of Arthur,
That lofty white stag, leap
From mountain steep to steep.


Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into William Butler Yeats' "Towards Break Of Day"

Are you looking for a poem that will inspire you? Look no further than William Butler Yeats' "Towards Break Of Day".

In this classic work of poetry, Yeats takes us on a journey through the night, weaving together themes of mortality, love, and the beauty of nature. Let's dive deeper into this masterpiece and explore some of the ways Yeats uses language and imagery to create a truly breathtaking piece of literature.

The Night as a Metaphor for Life

One of the most striking aspects of "Towards Break Of Day" is the way in which Yeats uses the night as a metaphor for life. We see this right from the opening lines:

Was it the hand of the river dredged the shell,
And buried it, or does the wandering
Cold touch of the north star maintain the spell
That makes it ride the waves and hold to sing?

Here, Yeats is reflecting on the mysteries of life and death. The "hand of the river" could represent the natural forces that shape our lives, while the "wandering cold touch of the north star" could symbolize the harsh realities that we must face as we navigate through life.

As the poem progresses, we see this metaphor of life as a journey through the night continued:

The light spreads upwards from the horizon,
And the whole world is alive with colour.
Witches that rode the air are hushed and gone,
All but the moon, that pauses for a moment.

Here, Yeats is suggesting that just as the night eventually gives way to the dawn, so too do the challenges and struggles of life eventually come to an end. It's a powerful message of hope that is sure to resonate with readers.

The Beauty of Nature

Another key theme in "Towards Break Of Day" is the beauty of nature. Throughout the poem, Yeats uses rich, vivid imagery to describe the world around us:

The hedgehog passes through the crooked lanes;
The snail's slow caravan goes by;
And this grey country where the wandering pains
Find us out by the hedge and the high
Build me a silent altar, and there pray
For I would know

Here, Yeats is drawing our attention to the often-overlooked wonders of the natural world. He encourages us to take a moment to appreciate the creatures that inhabit the world around us, and to find beauty in unexpected places.

Love and Connection

Finally, "Towards Break Of Day" also touches on themes of love and connection. As Yeats reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death, he also reminds us of the importance of human connection:

They fade, and fade, the rosy memories,
Until the brightest are as grey as ghost,
And where are they who once were young and wise?
And when they fall to their long rest, what is it
That they can say they've done with all their days?

Here, Yeats is asking us to consider what truly matters in life. He suggests that while memories and accomplishments may fade over time, the connections we make with others can last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Overall, "Towards Break Of Day" is a powerful work of poetry that explores some of the most profound questions of the human experience. Whether you're looking for inspiration, comfort, or simply a beautiful piece of literature to enjoy, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Towards Break Of Day: A Masterpiece by William Butler Yeats

William Butler Yeats, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, is known for his profound and mystical poetry. His works are a reflection of his deep understanding of the human psyche and his spiritual beliefs. One of his most celebrated poems, "Poetry Towards Break Of Day," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his poetic genius.

The poem is a reflection of Yeats' thoughts on the nature of poetry and its role in human life. It is a contemplation on the power of poetry to transcend the mundane and connect us with the divine. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own unique theme and imagery.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and establishes the central theme of the power of poetry. Yeats begins by describing the beauty of the night sky and the stars that shine in it. He then goes on to say that poetry is like a star that shines in the darkness and illuminates our path. He says that poetry is a "momentary stay against confusion" and that it has the power to bring order to our chaotic lives.

Yeats then goes on to describe the different forms that poetry can take. He says that poetry can be like a "singing-masters voice" that teaches us how to sing, or it can be like a "dancer's feet" that move us to dance. He also says that poetry can be like a "lover's kiss" that fills us with passion and desire.

The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of time and its relationship to poetry. Yeats begins by saying that time is like a "stream" that flows endlessly and that poetry is like a "fish" that swims in it. He says that poetry is timeless and that it can exist beyond the boundaries of time.

Yeats then goes on to describe the different ways in which poetry can transcend time. He says that poetry can be like a "bird" that sings in the morning and that its song can be heard for generations to come. He also says that poetry can be like a "rose" that blooms in the spring and that its beauty can be appreciated by people for centuries.

The third and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to connect us with the divine. Yeats begins by saying that poetry is like a "prayer" that reaches out to the heavens and that it has the power to connect us with the divine. He says that poetry is a way of communicating with the divine and that it can bring us closer to God.

Yeats then goes on to describe the different ways in which poetry can connect us with the divine. He says that poetry can be like a "pilgrim's staff" that guides us on our spiritual journey, or it can be like a "sacred book" that contains the wisdom of the ages. He also says that poetry can be like a "holy grail" that contains the essence of the divine.

In conclusion, "Poetry Towards Break Of Day" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Yeats' poetic genius. It is a contemplation on the power of poetry to transcend the mundane and connect us with the divine. The poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry and its role in human life. It is a celebration of the beauty and power of poetry and its ability to bring order to our chaotic lives. Yeats' words are a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to inspire and uplift us, even in the darkest of times.

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