'The Ghost Of Roger Casement' by William Butler Yeats
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O WHAT has made that sudden noise?
What on the threshold stands?
It never crossed the sea because
John Bull and the sea are friends;
But this is not the old sea
Nor this the old seashore.
What gave that roar of mockery,
That roar in the sea's roar?
i{The ghost of Roger Casement}
i{Is beating on the door.}
John Bull has stood for Parliament,
A dog must have his day,
The country thinks no end of him,
For he knows how to say,
At a beanfeast or a banquet,
That all must hang their trust
Upon the British Empire,
Upon the Church of Christ.
i{The ghost of Roger Casement}
i{Is beating on the door.}
John Bull has gone to India
And all must pay him heed,
For histories are there to prove
That none of another breed
Has had a like inheritance,
Or sucked such milk as he,
And there's no luck about a house
If it lack honesty.
i{The ghost of Roger Casement}
i{Is beating on the door.}
I poked about a village church
And found his family tomb
And copied out what I could read
In that religious gloom;
Found many a famous man there;
But fame and virtue rot.
Draw round, beloved and bitter men,
Draw round and raise a shout;
i{The ghost of Roger Casement}
i{Is beating on the door.}
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Ghost of Roger Casement: A Masterpiece of Yeatsian Poetry
William Butler Yeats is undoubtedly one of the greatest poets in the English language, and his body of work is a testament to his prowess as a wordsmith. Among his many poems, "The Ghost of Roger Casement" stands out as a profound meditation on life, death, and the role of a hero in society.
At the core of the poem is the story of Roger Casement, an Irish nationalist and human rights activist who was executed for his involvement in the Easter Rising of 1916. Yeats, who was a close friend of Casement's, was deeply affected by his death and wrote several poems about him, including this one.
The Poem in Context
The poem was written in 1936, twenty years after Casement's execution, and it reflects Yeats's belief that a hero's legacy lives on long after their death. It is also a reflection on the cyclical nature of history, as Yeats believed that history repeats itself, and the same themes and struggles are played out again and again.
The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no set rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and urgency, as if the words are pouring out of Yeats in a rush of inspiration.
The Ghost of Roger Casement: A Close Reading
The poem opens with the lines:
O what has made that sudden noise? What on the threshold stands?
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Yeats invites the reader to join him in his contemplation of the mysterious figure that has appeared before him. The use of the word "threshold" suggests that something significant is about to happen, and the reader is immediately drawn into the poem's world.
The next few lines describe the appearance of the ghost:
It never crossed the sea, And yet, methinks, its standing there Hath meaning more than me.
This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the ghost is not bound by the laws of physics or geography, but exists outside of time and space. The fact that it "never crossed the sea" suggests that it is not bound by national boundaries or political affiliations, but is a universal figure that transcends such earthly concerns.
The next few stanzas describe the ghost in more detail, as Yeats tries to make sense of its presence:
It has climbed out of its rose-thorn bed, By the castle wall. Canna's red bell hath dimmed the light, The Suir's white waters swirled, From the roadway, crossing grass aglow, Tall branches caught the moon.
These lines are rich in imagery, as Yeats describes the ghost's surroundings in vivid detail. The use of the rose-thorn bed is particularly striking, as it suggests that the ghost is emerging from a place of pain and suffering. The fact that it is by a castle wall suggests that it is a figure from the past, a reminder of a time when castles and kingdoms were the norm.
The mention of Canna's red bell and the Suir's white waters adds to the sense of timelessness and universality, as these are natural phenomena that have existed for centuries. The moon and the tall branches add to the mystical atmosphere of the poem, as if the ghost is part of a larger, more mysterious world.
The next few lines describe the ghost's appearance:
But the whole crowd, it seemed, bowed low. They had driven out the Cold. Marey came and Philostratus, Built up a sacred fire, And three lean hounds crouched low.
These lines are rich in symbolism, as they suggest that the ghost is a figure of great significance. The fact that the crowd bows low suggests that the ghost is a figure of authority or power, while the mention of the Cold being driven out suggests that it is a figure of warmth and comfort.
The presence of Marey and Philostratus adds to the sense of mystery, as they were both ancient Greek philosophers who wrote about the supernatural. The fact that they are building a sacred fire suggests that the ghost is a figure of great spiritual significance.
The mention of the three lean hounds crouching low is particularly striking, as it suggests that the ghost is not alone, but is accompanied by three loyal companions. This adds to the sense of the ghost as a heroic figure, who has inspired great loyalty and devotion in others.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Yeats reveals the identity of the ghost:
The master of the household slept; The shutters were all up. He was out with horse and dog to hunt The otter from the lake. Came a rider through the dark, And a bird lit on his hand; He had whistled out our guiding star, And he rode from land to land.
These lines reveal that the ghost is none other than Roger Casement himself, riding through the darkness and visiting Yeats in a supernatural form. The fact that he is out hunting the otter suggests that he is still engaged in the struggle for Irish independence, even after his death.
The mention of the bird lighting on his hand and the guiding star being whistled out adds to the sense of the ghost as a figure of great power and authority. The fact that he is able to travel from land to land suggests that he is not bound by national boundaries or political affiliations, but is a universal figure who transcends such earthly concerns.
Conclusion
In "The Ghost of Roger Casement," Yeats has created a masterful meditation on the themes of life, death, heroism, and the cyclical nature of history. Through his use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and free verse, he has created a powerful and haunting portrait of a heroic figure who continues to inspire and captivate us long after his death.
As we read and re-read this poem, we are reminded of the enduring power of great art to touch our hearts and minds, and to inspire us to strive for something greater than ourselves. Yeats has created a masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come, and it is a testament to his greatness as a poet and a visionary.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Ghost of Roger Casement: A Haunting Poem by William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his haunting and mystical poetry that often delves into the supernatural and the occult. One of his most intriguing poems is "The Ghost of Roger Casement," a haunting piece that explores the life and legacy of the Irish nationalist and human rights activist, Roger Casement.
In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the themes, symbolism, and historical context of this classic poem, and explore how Yeats uses the ghost of Casement to comment on the political and social issues of his time.
The Historical Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, it is important to understand the historical context in which it was written. Roger Casement was an Irish nationalist and human rights activist who was executed for treason by the British government in 1916. Casement had been a prominent figure in the Irish independence movement, and had also exposed the atrocities committed by the Belgian government in the Congo and the exploitation of indigenous people in South America.
Casement's execution was a controversial and divisive event, with many in Ireland and around the world protesting against it. Yeats himself was a supporter of Irish independence, and had been involved in the Easter Rising of 1916, which was a failed attempt to overthrow British rule in Ireland.
It is against this backdrop of political turmoil and social unrest that Yeats wrote "The Ghost of Roger Casement," a poem that explores the legacy of Casement and the impact of his death on the Irish people.
The Themes
At its core, "The Ghost of Roger Casement" is a poem about memory, legacy, and the power of the past to shape the present. Yeats uses the ghost of Casement as a symbol of the past, a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us.
The poem is also about the power of myth and legend, and how these stories can shape our understanding of history and our place in the world. Yeats draws on the ancient Irish myth of the Banshee, a female spirit who wails to warn of impending death, to create a haunting and eerie atmosphere that underscores the tragic nature of Casement's story.
Finally, the poem is about the struggle for freedom and justice, and the sacrifices that are often required to achieve these goals. Yeats uses Casement's story to comment on the political and social issues of his time, and to inspire his readers to continue the fight for a better world.
The Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of "The Ghost of Roger Casement" is its use of symbolism to convey its themes and ideas. Yeats draws on a variety of symbols and images to create a rich and complex tapestry of meaning.
The most obvious symbol in the poem is the ghost of Roger Casement himself. As a ghost, Casement represents the past, and the legacy of those who have come before us. He is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of the Irish people, and a symbol of the ongoing fight for freedom and justice.
Another important symbol in the poem is the Banshee. The Banshee is an ancient Irish myth that is often associated with death and mourning. In "The Ghost of Roger Casement," the Banshee represents the tragic nature of Casement's story, and the sense of loss and grief that his death caused.
The poem also makes use of a number of other symbols, including the sea, which represents the vastness and mystery of the universe, and the moon, which symbolizes the cyclical nature of time and the passage of the seasons.
The Structure
"The Ghost of Roger Casement" is a complex and multi-layered poem that is structured in a way that reflects its themes and ideas. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of Casement's story.
The first section of the poem sets the scene, describing the eerie and haunting atmosphere of the Irish coast. Yeats uses vivid and evocative language to create a sense of foreboding and unease, drawing on the myth of the Banshee to create a sense of impending doom.
The second section of the poem focuses on the ghost of Roger Casement himself. Yeats describes the ghost in vivid detail, using powerful and evocative language to convey the sense of loss and tragedy that surrounds his story.
The final section of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Yeats uses Casement's story to comment on the political and social issues of his time. He urges his readers to continue the fight for freedom and justice, and to never forget the sacrifices that have been made in the name of these ideals.
The Language
One of the most striking aspects of "The Ghost of Roger Casement" is its use of language. Yeats is a master of poetic language, and he uses a variety of techniques to create a rich and evocative atmosphere.
One of the most powerful techniques that Yeats uses is repetition. Throughout the poem, he repeats certain phrases and images, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.
Another important technique that Yeats uses is imagery. He uses vivid and evocative language to create a sense of place and atmosphere, drawing on the natural world to create a sense of mystery and wonder.
Finally, Yeats uses symbolism to great effect in the poem. He draws on a variety of symbols and images to create a rich and complex tapestry of meaning, using these symbols to convey his themes and ideas in a way that is both powerful and evocative.
Conclusion
"The Ghost of Roger Casement" is a haunting and powerful poem that explores the legacy of one of Ireland's most controversial and divisive figures. Through the use of vivid language, powerful imagery, and complex symbolism, Yeats creates a rich and evocative atmosphere that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.
At its core, the poem is about memory, legacy, and the power of the past to shape the present. It is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who have come before us, and a call to continue the fight for freedom and justice.
As we continue to grapple with the political and social issues of our time, "The Ghost of Roger Casement" remains a powerful and relevant reminder of the importance of never forgetting the sacrifices that have been made in the name of a better world.
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