Near no accustomed hand,
And they had nailed the boards above her face,
The peasants of that land,
Wondering to lay her in that solitude,
And raised above her mound
A cross they had made out of two bits of wood,
And planted cypress round;
And left her to the indifferent stars above
Until I carved these words:
She was more beautiful than thy first love,
But now lies under boards.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats, a master of symbolism and poetic craftsmanship, often explored themes of death, the passage of time, and human nature. "A Dream of Death" is a thought-provoking and melancholic poem that delves into the concept of death in a foreign and isolated place. In this analysis, we will examine the layers of meaning within this evocative poem.
- Isolation and Estrangement: The poem opens with a dream in which someone has died in a remote and unfamiliar location. The use of the phrase "Near no accustomed hand" emphasizes the isolation of this death, highlighting a sense of estrangement from one's familiar surroundings and loved ones. This theme of isolation underscores the universal human experience of facing death alone and in a place that lacks comfort and familiarity.
- The Rituals of Death: Yeats vividly describes the local peasants' response to the death. They have nailed boards above the deceased person's face, constructed a makeshift cross from two bits of wood, and planted cypress trees around her mound. These actions reflect the common rituals associated with death, especially in rural and traditional communities. The cypress trees symbolize mourning and are often associated with cemeteries.
- The Transcendence of Beauty: The central idea of the poem revolves around the transcendence of beauty beyond death. The speaker declares that the deceased person was "more beautiful than thy first love." This comparison emphasizes the extraordinary beauty of the departed, suggesting that her physical beauty surpasses even the intense emotions associated with one's first love.
- The Permanence of Death: The poem concludes with the notion that the deceased now lies under the boards, separated from the living world. The finality of death is conveyed through the words "But now lies under boards." This line underscores the inexorable nature of mortality and the stark contrast between the vibrancy of life and the stillness of death.
"A Dream of Death" by W.B. Yeats is a contemplative poem that delves into themes of isolation, the rituals of death, and the enduring power of beauty. The poem suggests that beauty, once possessed by an individual, persists beyond death, transcending the physical realm. However, it also acknowledges the profound and final separation that death brings. Through its evocative imagery and poignant reflection, the poem prompts readers to consider the intersection of beauty and mortality, leaving them with a sense of both melancholy and awe at the mysteries of life and death.