And even old men’s eyes grew dim, this hand alone,
Like some last courtier at a gypsy camping-place
Babbling of fallen majesty, records what’s gone.
These lineaments, a heart that laughter has made sweet,
These, these remain, but I record what-s gone. A crowd
Will gather, and not know it walks the very street
Whereon a thing once walked that seemed a burning cloud.
Poem Analysis:
"Fallen Majesty" by William Butler Yeats is a poignant reflection on the transience of fame, beauty, and power. The poem explores the idea that even the most revered and magnificent individuals eventually fade into obscurity, and only remnants of their glory remain. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices to uncover its deeper meaning.
Themes:
- The Ephemeral Nature of Fame: The central theme of the poem is the fleeting nature of fame and adoration. The speaker reflects on a once-revered figure whose presence could draw crowds, but who has now been forgotten by the world.
- Mortality and Legacy: The poem touches on the mortality of all individuals, regardless of their status or renown. It raises questions about the legacy people leave behind and whether it endures in any meaningful way.
- The Passage of Time: Time is portrayed as a relentless force that erases the memory of even the most celebrated individuals. The poem underscores how time marches on, leaving only echoes of the past.
Structure:
"Fallen Majesty" consists of two quatrains with a regular rhyme scheme (ABAB). This structured format allows Yeats to convey his ideas with precision while maintaining a rhythmic and musical quality. The concise nature of the poem emphasizes the brevity of fame and the swiftness with which it can fade.
Analysis:
- "Although crowds gathered once if she but showed her face": The poem begins by evoking the image of a once-revered individual whose mere presence could draw crowds. This sets the tone for the exploration of fallen fame.
- "Like some last courtier at a gypsy camping-place": The comparison of the figure to a "last courtier at a gypsy camping-place" suggests a sense of desolation and the idea that the individual's glory has waned.
- "Babbling of fallen majesty, records what’s gone": The image of someone "babbling of fallen majesty" conveys the idea of reminiscing about the past. The act of recording what is gone speaks to the human desire to preserve memory, even when it has faded.
- "These lineaments, a heart that laughter has made sweet": The poem acknowledges that certain qualities, such as a kind heart and the ability to bring joy through laughter, may endure even when fame is lost.
- "A crowd / Will gather, and not know it walks the very street": The poem concludes by emphasizing the irony that a crowd may gather in a place where the fallen figure once walked, yet they remain unaware of the significance of that location.
"Fallen Majesty" by W.B. Yeats is a meditation on the transitory nature of fame and the inexorable passage of time. Through vivid imagery and a structured format, the poem captures the idea that even the most celebrated individuals eventually fade into obscurity, leaving behind only fragments of their former glory. It serves as a reminder that fame, like all things, is subject to the ravages of time, and what remains are the intangible qualities that once defined the individual.