'My darling cannot understand
What I have done, or what would do
In this blind bitter land.'
And I grew weary of the sun
Until my thoughts cleared up again,
Remembering that the best I have done
Was done to make it plain;
That every year I have cried, 'At length
My darling understands it all,
Because I have come into my strength,
And words obey my call';
That had she done so who can say
What would have shaken from the sieve?
I might have thrown poor words away
And been content to live.
Poem Analysis:
"Words" by William Butler Yeats is a contemplative poem that delves into the complexities of human communication, the struggle to convey one's thoughts and feelings, and the ultimate importance of language in relationships. This analysis will explore the themes, structure, and poetic devices employed in the poem to uncover its deeper meaning.
Themes:
- Communication and Misunderstanding: The poem grapples with the challenge of effectively communicating one's thoughts and emotions to another person. The speaker reflects on the difficulty of making themselves understood, especially in a world that may not fully grasp their intentions or actions.
- The Power of Words: While the poem initially expresses frustration with words' limitations, it ultimately acknowledges the transformative power of language. The speaker realizes that their words have the potential to convey meaning, clarify intentions, and bridge gaps in understanding.
Structure:
"Words" consists of four quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a simple and straightforward rhyme scheme, ABAB. This uncomplicated structure enhances the clarity of the poem's message and allows the reader to focus on its thematic content.
Analysis:
- "I had this thought a while ago, / 'My darling cannot understand / What I have done, or what would do / In this blind bitter land.'": The poem opens with the speaker's recognition that their beloved may not fully comprehend their actions or motivations. The use of the word "blind" suggests a lack of insight or awareness in the beloved's perception, highlighting the gulf in understanding.
- "And I grew weary of the sun / Until my thoughts cleared up again, / Remembering that the best I have done / Was done to make it plain;": The speaker confesses to feeling disheartened and weary, possibly due to the frustration of not being understood. However, they find renewed determination in the idea that their actions were meant to clarify their feelings and intentions.
- "That every year I have cried, 'At length / My darling understands it all, / Because I have come into my strength, / And words obey my call';": The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the hope that, as they matured, their beloved would come to comprehend their actions and feelings. The phrase "words obey my call" suggests that the speaker has gained mastery over language and can now express themselves more effectively.
- "That had she done so who can say / What would have shaken from the sieve? / I might have thrown poor words away / And been content to live.": The poem concludes with a sense of introspection and retrospection. The speaker acknowledges that had their beloved understood earlier, they might have avoided the struggle of finding the right words. However, they also recognize that the process of using words to communicate has enriched their life.
"Words" by W.B. Yeats is a reflective exploration of the challenges of communication, the frustration of not being understood, and the eventual realization of the power of language. The poem underscores the importance of words in human relationships and the potential for words to clarify intentions and foster understanding. Ultimately, the poem conveys the idea that words, despite their limitations, are essential tools for conveying meaning and connecting with others on a profound level.