Leave the body's coloured pride
Underneath the grass and clover,
With the feet laid side by side.
Bathed in flaming founts of duty
She'll not ask a haughty dress;
Carry all that mournful beauty
To the scented oaken press.
Did the kiss of Mother Mary
Put that music in her face?
Yet she goes with footstep wary,
Full of earth's old timid grace.
'Mong the feet of angels seven
What a dancer glimmering!
All the heavens bow down to Heaven,
Flame to flame and wing to wing.
Poem Analysis:
"The Countess Cathleen in Paradise" by William Butler Yeats is a poignant and enigmatic poem that explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and transcendence. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Yeats invites readers to contemplate the journey of Countess Cathleen as she navigates the realms of duty, beauty, and grace.
Departure from Earthly Vanity: The poem begins with a sense of finality, as the speaker bids farewell to the "heavy days" of earthly existence. The imagery of leaving behind the body's "coloured pride" and laying it to rest "underneath the grass and clover" suggests a departure from the material world and its vanities. This sets the stage for Cathleen's transition to a higher realm.
Embrace of Duty and Sacrifice: Cathleen is portrayed as a figure bathed in "flaming founts of duty," suggesting her commitment to a higher purpose beyond earthly desires. She is willing to forsake the trappings of worldly beauty and pride for the sake of a greater cause, embodying the archetype of the noble and selfless soul.
The Mystery of Divine Influence: The poem hints at the mystical influence of Mother Mary on Cathleen, suggesting that her radiant beauty and grace may be imbued with divine blessing. Yet, despite her celestial qualities, Cathleen retains a sense of humility and "earth's old timid grace," underscoring her humanity and vulnerability.
Transcendence and Redemption: In the celestial realm, Cathleen is depicted as a mesmerizing dancer, captivating the heavenly hosts with her grace and luminosity. The imagery of "flame to flame and wing to wing" evokes a sense of unity and harmony, suggesting Cathleen's transcendence beyond earthly limitations and her attainment of spiritual elevation.
Themes of Redemption and Transformation: "The Countess Cathleen in Paradise" explores themes of redemption and transformation, portraying Cathleen's journey from earthly duty to spiritual transcendence. Through her selfless sacrifice and unwavering commitment to a higher ideal, Cathleen embodies the transformative power of love, grace, and sacrifice.
In "The Countess Cathleen in Paradise," William Butler Yeats crafts a haunting and mystical portrait of a noble soul's journey from earthly tribulations to celestial transcendence. Through rich symbolism and lyrical imagery, Yeats invites readers to ponder the transformative power of sacrifice, redemption, and spiritual evolution in the face of life's trials and tribulations.