'From A Full Moon In March' by William Butler Yeats


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PARNELL'S FUNERAL

UNDER the Great Comedian's tomb the crowd.
A bundle of tempestuous cloud is blown
About the sky; where that is clear of cloud
Brightness remains; a brighter star shoots down;
What shudders run through all that animal blood?
What is this sacrifice? Can someone there
Recall the Cretan barb that pierced a star?
Rich foliage that the starlight glittered through,
A frenzied crowd, and where the branches sprang
A beautiful seated boy; a sacred bow;
A woman, and an arrow on a string;
A pierced boy, image of a star laid low.
That woman, the Great Mother imaging,
Cut out his heart.Some master of design
Stamped boy and tree upon Sicilian coin.
An age is the reversal of an age:
When strangers murdered Emmet, Fitzgerald, Tone,
We lived like men that watch a painted stage.
What matter for the scene, the scene once gone:
It had not touched our lives.But popular rage,
i{Hysterica passio} dragged this quarry down.
None shared our guilt; nor did we play a part
Upon a painted stage when we devoured his heart.
Come, fix upon me that accusing eye.
I thirst for accusation.All that was sung.
All that was said in Ireland is a lie
Bred out of the c-ontagion of the throng,
Saving the rhyme rats hear before they die.
Leave nothing but the nothingS that belong
To this bare soul, let all men judge that can
Whether it be an animal or a man.
The rest I pass, one sentence I unsay.
Had de Valera eaten parnell's heart
No loose-lipped demagogue had won the day.
No civil rancour torn the land apart.
Had Cosgrave eaten parnell's heart, the land's
Imagination had been satisfied,
Or lacking that, government in such hands.
O'Higgins its sole statesman had not died.
Had even O'Duffy -- but I name no more --
Their school a crowd, his master solitude;
Through Jonathan Swift's clark grove he passed, and there
plucked bitter wisdom that enriched his blood.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, From a Full Moon in March

Introduction

William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. His poetry is characterized by its mystical and symbolic elements, drawing on Irish folklore and mythology, as well as his own personal experiences. "From a Full Moon in March" is one of his most famous poems, and it captures the essence of his poetic style.

Analysis

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the rhythm is iambic tetrameter. The first stanza begins with the speaker describing the moon as "a kindred spirit" that "casts her cloak" over the earth. The moon is personified as a female figure, and her presence is described as comforting and protective.

In the second stanza, the speaker turns to the theme of poetry itself, declaring that "there is no solitude in the world," for "every poet is a ghost." Here, Yeats suggests that poets are not isolated individuals, but rather they are connected to a larger tradition of artistic expression. The image of the poet as a ghost is particularly striking, as it suggests that poetry is a form of communication that transcends time and space.

The third stanza returns to the image of the moon, describing it as a "silent sea" that reflects the mysteries of the world. The speaker suggests that the moon holds secrets and knowledge that cannot be expressed in words. This ties into the idea of poetry as a form of communication that goes beyond the limitations of language.

In the final stanza, the speaker describes the moon as a "white swan," suggesting that it is both beautiful and fragile. The image of the swan is a symbol of grace and elegance, but also of vulnerability. This ties into the idea of poetry as a form of expression that requires courage and vulnerability on the part of the poet.

Interpretation

"From a Full Moon in March" is a poem that explores the themes of poetry, communication, and the mysteries of the universe. The moon is used as a symbol to express these ideas, representing both the comfort and protection that poetry can offer, as well as the mysteries and secrets that it seeks to uncover.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of communication. Yeats suggests that poetry is a form of communication that goes beyond the limitations of language, allowing artists to connect with each other and with their audience in a profound way. The image of the poet as a ghost highlights this idea, suggesting that poetry is a form of communication that transcends time and space.

Another important theme is the idea of vulnerability. The image of the swan in the final stanza suggests that poetry is a form of expression that requires courage and vulnerability on the part of the poet. This ties into the idea of communication, as it suggests that in order to truly connect with others, we must be willing to open ourselves up and expose our innermost thoughts and feelings.

Finally, the poem explores the mysteries of the universe, suggesting that there are secrets and knowledge that cannot be expressed in words. This ties into the theme of communication, as it suggests that there are things that we can only understand through art and other forms of non-verbal communication.

Conclusion

"From a Full Moon in March" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of poetry, communication, and the mysteries of the universe. Through the use of striking imagery and powerful symbolism, Yeats conveys a sense of both comfort and vulnerability, while also hinting at the profound mysteries that lie beyond the limitations of language. For anyone interested in the power of poetry and the mysteries of the universe, this poem is a must-read.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry From A Full Moon In March: A Masterpiece by William Butler Yeats

William Butler Yeats, the Irish poet, playwright, and politician, is considered one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. His works are known for their lyrical beauty, mysticism, and symbolism. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry From A Full Moon In March stands out as a remarkable example of his poetic genius. In this article, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning and significance.

The poem begins with a description of the full moon in March, which is traditionally associated with the spring equinox and the renewal of life. Yeats uses vivid imagery to capture the beauty and power of the moon, which he personifies as a goddess:

"The moon is full this night of March,
And all the trees are swayed
With the faint perfume of the flowers,
That bloom beneath her shade."

Here, the moon is not just a celestial object but a divine presence that exerts a mystical influence on the natural world. The trees are personified as if they are dancing to the moon's rhythm, and the flowers are described as blooming under her protection. This creates a sense of harmony and unity between the moon and the earth, as if they are part of the same cosmic order.

As the poem progresses, Yeats shifts his focus to the human world and the power of poetry to capture the essence of life. He writes:

"O poets, wandering through the streets,
With all your songs unsung,
The world is waiting for your feet
To pass this way among."

Here, Yeats addresses the poets of his time, urging them to embrace their calling and share their vision with the world. He sees poetry as a way of transcending the mundane and connecting with the divine, much like the moon does. By invoking the image of the poets wandering through the streets, he suggests that they are like pilgrims on a spiritual quest, seeking to discover the hidden truths of existence.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as Yeats reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. He writes:

"For life is but a fleeting breath,
And death is always near;
And in the hour of our death
What will our songs appear?"

Here, Yeats confronts the existential dilemma of human existence, which is marked by the constant struggle between life and death. He suggests that life is fragile and fleeting, and that death is always lurking in the shadows, waiting to claim its victims. This creates a sense of urgency and poignancy in the poem, as if Yeats is reminding us to make the most of our time on earth and to leave a lasting legacy through our art.

The final stanza of the poem brings together all the themes and symbols that Yeats has introduced so far, culminating in a powerful vision of transcendence and renewal. He writes:

"But if our songs are sweet and true,
And if our hearts are pure,
The moon will shed her silver dew
Upon our graves secure."

Here, Yeats suggests that the power of poetry lies in its ability to capture the essence of life and to transcend the limitations of mortality. He sees poetry as a way of achieving immortality, much like the moon, which continues to shine even after our physical bodies have decayed. By invoking the image of the moon shedding its silver dew upon our graves, he suggests that death is not the end but a new beginning, a gateway to a higher realm of existence.

In terms of literary devices, Yeats employs a range of techniques to create a rich and evocative poem. He uses personification to give life to the moon, the trees, and the flowers, creating a sense of unity and harmony between the natural world and the divine. He also uses repetition to reinforce the central themes of the poem, such as the transience of life and the power of poetry. For example, the phrase "fleeting breath" is repeated twice, emphasizing the fragility of human existence. Finally, he uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings, such as the moon as a symbol of transcendence and renewal, and the poets as pilgrims on a spiritual quest.

In conclusion, Poetry From A Full Moon In March is a masterpiece of poetic expression, which captures the essence of life and the power of poetry to transcend the limitations of mortality. Through vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and lyrical beauty, Yeats creates a vision of harmony and unity between the natural world and the divine, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of existence. As we read this poem, we are invited to reflect on our own lives and the legacy we will leave behind, and to embrace the power of poetry to capture the essence of our experience.

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