Because a fire was in my head,
And cut and peeled a hazel wand,
And hooked a berry to a thread;
And when white moths were on the wing,
And moth-like stars were flickering out,
I dropped the berry in a stream
And caught a little silver trout.
When I had laid it on the floor
I went to blow the fire aflame,
But something rustled on the floor,
And some one called me by my name:
It had become a glimmering girl
With apple blossom in her hair
Who called me by my name and ran
And faded through the brightening air.
Though I am old with wandering
Through hollow lads and hilly lands.
I will find out where she has gone,
And kiss her lips and take her hands;
And walk among long dappled grass,
And pluck till time and times are done
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats' poem, "The Song of Wandering Aengus," is a mystical and romantic exploration of love, longing, and the transcendence of time. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Yeats invites readers into a dreamlike narrative in which the speaker embarks on a quest to find an elusive and ethereal love. This analysis delves into the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices.
Themes:
- Quest for Love: The central theme revolves around the speaker's quest for love and the relentless pursuit of a mysterious, otherworldly woman, symbolizing an ideal or transcendent love.
- Transcendence of Time: The poem suggests that true love exists beyond the confines of time and space. The speaker's longing and determination to find his beloved transcend the limitations of human existence.
- Mysticism and Enchantment: The hazel wood, moths, stars, and the transformation of the berry into a "glimmering girl" evoke a sense of enchantment and the mystical. The poem blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural.
Structure:
"The Song of Wandering Aengus" is a narrative poem consisting of 6 quatrains (four-line stanzas). The poem has rhyme scheme, which creates a musical and rhythmic quality. The consistent rhythm enhances the dreamlike quality of the narrative.
Analysis:
- "I went out to the hazel wood...": The poem opens with the speaker's decision to venture into the hazel wood. This action is driven by a "fire" or intense longing within him, signifying a quest for a profound experience.
- "And when white moths were on the wing...": The hazel wood scene is marked by the magical moment when moths take flight. These moths symbolize both the transient nature of beauty and the spiritual world.
- "I dropped the berry in a stream / And caught a little silver trout.": This enchanting act of catching a silver trout with a berry and thread serves as a transformational moment in the poem. It hints at the speaker's connection to the mystical and his ability to transcend the ordinary.
- "But something rustled on the floor, / And some one called me by my name...": The appearance of a "glimmering girl" with apple blossoms in her hair marks the climax of the poem. This supernatural encounter suggests that love and longing can manifest as mystical experiences.
- "Though I am old with wandering / Through hollow lands and hilly lands...": The speaker's determination to continue his quest even in old age underscores the timeless and relentless nature of his love.
- "I will find out where she has gone...": The poem concludes with the speaker's unwavering commitment to finding his beloved and achieving a lasting union symbolized by "The silver apples of the moon, / The golden apples of the sun." These celestial images suggest the attainment of an ideal love that transcends earthly limitations.
"The Song of Wandering Aengus" by W.B. Yeats is a beautifully crafted narrative poem that explores themes of love, longing, and the transcendence of time. Through its vivid imagery and mystical elements, the poem invites readers on a journey filled with enchantment and the pursuit of an everlasting and idealized love. Yeats skillfully weaves together the ordinary and the supernatural to create a timeless and poignant tale of human longing and aspiration.