Her soul had such desire
For what proud death may bring
That it could not endure
The common good of life,
But lived as ’twere a king
That packed his marriage day
With banneret and pennon,
Trumpet and kettledrum,
And the outrageous cannon,
To bundle time away
That the night come.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century and a central figure in Irish literature, often explored themes of mortality, desire, and the human condition in his works. In his poem "That the Night Come," Yeats delves into the profound longing for death that permeates the soul of the central figure, presenting a poignant meditation on the nature of existence.
The Longing for Death: The poem's opening lines set the tone for the entire work, introducing a female protagonist who "lived in storm and strife" and possessed an insatiable desire for the release that death can bring. Yeats portrays her as someone who, despite being surrounded by the ordinary and mundane aspects of life, craved a more profound and extraordinary experience. This intense yearning for death is a central theme of the poem.
Imagery and Symbolism: Yeats employs vivid and evocative imagery to convey the central themes of the poem. The image of a king's extravagant marriage day, replete with banners, trumpets, and cannons, is a powerful metaphor for the soul's anticipation of death. The marriage symbolism hints at the idea that death is seen as a union or reunion, where the soul is wedded to something greater or liberated from earthly struggles.
The "outrageous cannon" in particular evokes both the idea of death as a destructive force and as a transformative one. It heralds a passage into the unknown, where the familiar is shattered, and a new existence begins.
The Passage of Time: Yeats touches upon the relentless passage of time as an underlying theme in the poem. The desire for death, in this context, can be seen as a longing for a release from the burdens and constraints of a finite existence. The urgency of this desire is reflected in the lines "To bundle time away / That the night come," emphasizing the yearning for the finality and rest that night, and by extension, death, represents.
The Ambiguity of Desire: Throughout the poem, Yeats maintains an element of ambiguity regarding the nature of the protagonist's desire. Is it a longing for spiritual transcendence, an escape from worldly suffering, or something else entirely? This ambiguity invites readers to reflect on the multifaceted aspects of human desire and the complex emotions surrounding mortality.
"That the Night Come" by W.B. Yeats is a beautifully wrought exploration of the profound human desire for release from the trials and tribulations of life. Through rich imagery and symbolism, Yeats conveys the protagonist's intense yearning for death as a transformative experience, imbuing the poem with a sense of melancholic beauty. It invites readers to contemplate the universal themes of mortality and desire, making it a timeless work that continues to resonate with audiences today.