'Alternative Song For The Severd head In "The King Of The Great Clock Tower"' by William Butler Yeats


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SADDLE and ride, I heard a man say,
Out of Ben Bulben and Knocknarea,
i{What says the Clock in the Great Clock Tower?}
All those tragic characters ride
But turn from Rosses' crawling tide,
The meet's upon the mountain-side.
i{A slow low note and an iron bell.}
What brought them there so far from their home.
Cuchulain that fought night long with the foam,
i{What says the Clock in the Great Clock Tower?}
Niamh that rode on it; lad and lass
That sat so still and played at the chess?
What but heroic wantonness?
i{A slow low note and an iron bell.}
Aleel, his Countess; Hanrahan
That seemed but a wild wenching man;
i{What says the Clock in the Great Clock Tower?}
And all alone comes riding there
The King that could make his people stare,
Because he had feathers instead of hair.
i{A slow low note and an iron bell.}


Editor 1 Interpretation

Alternative Song For The Severd head In "The King Of The Great Clock Tower" by William Butler Yeats

Have you ever been transported to another world by a piece of literature? Have you ever read a poem that made you pause and reflect on its meaning long after you've read it? If you haven't, then you need to read William Butler Yeats' "Alternative Song For The Severd head In The King Of The Great Clock Tower". This poem is an excellent representation of Yeats' genius, and it showcases his mastery of the art of poetry.

Background

"The King Of The Great Clock Tower" is a play that was written by Yeats in 1934. It is a mystical play that explores the theme of time, and it features a range of characters, including a king, a jester, and a severed head. The play was written during a period when Yeats was deeply interested in the occult, and it reflects his fascination with the supernatural.

Yeats' "Alternative Song For The Severd head In The King Of The Great Clock Tower" is a poem that is taken from the play. It is a haunting piece that delves into the mind of the severed head, as it contemplates its existence and its place in the world.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line, "I must lie down where all the ladders start". This line is a reference to the opening lines of Yeats' poem "The Circus Animal's Desertion", which reads, "I sought a theme and sought for it in vain, / I sought it daily for six weeks or so. / Maybe at last being but a broken man / I must be satisfied with my heart". This reference is significant because it suggests that the severed head is also searching for meaning and purpose in its life.

The poem then continues with the lines, "In the foul rag-and-bone shop of the heart / Where the worn-out clothing lies / And the dead lie together". These lines are a reference to the "foul rag-and-bone shop" mentioned in the play, which is a metaphor for the accumulation of life experiences. The image of "the dead lie together" is particularly powerful because it suggests that the severed head is among the dead, even though it is still alive.

The poem then moves on to the lines, "I have heard that in the United States / There is a new invention called poetry". These lines are a commentary on the state of poetry at the time Yeats was writing. Yeats was known for his disdain for modern poetry, and these lines suggest that he believed that poetry was no longer valued as it once was.

The poem then continues with the lines, "I have made my choice / Of the things that matter not, / A little bread, a little drink / For us that love the light". These lines reflect the severed head's acceptance of its fate. The head realizes that it can no longer pursue the things that once mattered to it, and it has to make the best of its situation.

The poem then moves on to the lines, "I have heard that on a lonely grave / A bird with silver feathers / Has perched". These lines are a reference to the mythological bird, the phoenix. The phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and renewal, and its appearance suggests that there is still hope for the severed head.

The poem then concludes with the lines, "They shall forgive you if you forget / The way of the world, and the way of heaven". These lines suggest that the severed head can find forgiveness and redemption, even though it has been severed from its body. The head can still find its place in the world, and it can still find its way to heaven.

Interpretation

Yeats' "Alternative Song For The Severd head In The King Of The Great Clock Tower" is a poem that explores the theme of acceptance and redemption. The severed head is a symbol of the human condition, and its journey is a metaphor for the human struggle to find meaning and purpose in life.

The poem suggests that even though we may be severed from our bodies, we can still find our place in the world. We may have to accept our fate and make the best of our situation, but there is still hope for us. The appearance of the phoenix in the poem is a reminder that we can always be reborn and renewed.

The poem also suggests that poetry is a powerful tool for finding meaning and purpose in life. Even though modern poetry may not be valued as it once was, it still has the power to inspire and uplift us.

Conclusion

Yeats' "Alternative Song For The Severd head In The King Of The Great Clock Tower" is a masterful piece of poetry that explores the human condition in a profound and moving way. The poem is a testament to Yeats' genius, and it showcases his mastery of the art of poetry. If you haven't read this poem, then you need to read it. It is a piece of literature that will transport you to another world, and it will leave you pondering its meaning long after you've read it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The King of the Great Clock Tower is a poem written by William Butler Yeats in 1934. The poem is a part of his collection, The Winding Stair and Other Poems. The poem is a classic example of Yeats' poetry, which is known for its complex symbolism and deep philosophical themes. The poem is a reflection on the nature of time and the human condition. The poem is divided into three parts, and each part explores a different aspect of time and its impact on human life.

The first part of the poem is titled "The Tower." The tower is a symbol of time, and it represents the relentless march of time that governs human life. The tower is described as "a monstrous thing" that "stands in the heart of the town." The tower is a reminder of the transience of human life, and it is a symbol of the inevitability of death. The tower is also a symbol of power, and it represents the power that time has over human life.

The second part of the poem is titled "The Cock." The cock is a symbol of time, and it represents the passage of time. The cock is described as "a golden bird" that "sings upon the wall." The cock is a reminder of the passing of time, and it is a symbol of the fleeting nature of human life. The cock is also a symbol of hope, and it represents the hope that human life can be meaningful despite its transience.

The third part of the poem is titled "The Soul." The soul is a symbol of human consciousness, and it represents the human capacity for self-awareness and reflection. The soul is described as "a severed head" that "lies forgotten in a corner." The soul is a reminder of the human condition, and it is a symbol of the human struggle to find meaning in a world that is governed by time. The soul is also a symbol of the human capacity for transcendence, and it represents the possibility of finding meaning and purpose beyond the constraints of time.

The poem is a meditation on the nature of time and its impact on human life. The poem is a reminder of the transience of human life, and it is a call to embrace the fleeting nature of human existence. The poem is also a reminder of the human capacity for self-awareness and reflection, and it is a call to find meaning and purpose in a world that is governed by time.

The poem is a classic example of Yeats' poetry, which is known for its complex symbolism and deep philosophical themes. The poem is a reflection on the human condition, and it is a call to embrace the fleeting nature of human existence. The poem is a reminder of the human capacity for self-awareness and reflection, and it is a call to find meaning and purpose in a world that is governed by time.

In conclusion, The King of the Great Clock Tower is a classic poem that explores the nature of time and its impact on human life. The poem is a meditation on the human condition, and it is a call to embrace the fleeting nature of human existence. The poem is a reminder of the human capacity for self-awareness and reflection, and it is a call to find meaning and purpose in a world that is governed by time. The poem is a testament to Yeats' poetic genius, and it is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and challenge readers today.

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