Wisdom (Poem by William Butler Yeats)

Wisdom

By William Butler Yeats

The true faith discovered was

When painted panel, statuary.

Glass-mosaic, window-glass,

Amended what was told awry

By some peasant gospeller;

Swept the Sawdust from the floor

Of that working-carpenter.

Miracle had its playtime where

In damask clothed and on a seat

Chryselephantine, cedar-boarded,

His majestic Mother sat

Stitching at a purple hoarded

That He might be nobly breeched

In starry towers of Babylon

Noah’s freshet never reached.

King Abundance got Him on

Innocence; and Wisdom He.

That cognomen sounded best

Considering what wild infancy

Drove horror from His Mother’s breast.

The Girl. I rage at my own image in the glass

    That’s so unlike myself that when you praise it

    It is as though you praised another, or even

    Mocked me with praise of my mere opposite;

    And when I wake towards morn I dread myself,

    For the heart cries that what deception wins

    Cruelty must keep; therefore he warned and go

    If you have seen that image and not the woman.

The Hero. I have raged at my own strength because you have loved it.

The Girl. If you are no more strength than I am beauty

    I had better find a convent and turn nun;

    A man at least has all men’s reverence

    And needs no cruelty.

The Hero. I have heard one say

    That men have reverence for th eir holiness

    And not themselves.

The Girl. Say on and say

    That only God has loved us for ourselves,

    But what care I that long for a man’s love?

The Fool by the Roadside When all works that have

    From cradle run to grave

    From grave to cradle run instead;

    When thoughts that a fool

    Has wound upon a spool

    Are but loose thread, are but loose thread;

    When cradle and spool are past

    And I mere shade at last

    Coagulate of stuff

    Transparent like the wind,

    I think that I may find

    A faithful love, a faithful love.

Poem Analysis:

William Butler Yeats' poem "Wisdom" delves into the themes of faith, identity, and self-perception. Through a series of dialogues between different characters, Yeats explores the complexities of human nature and the search for true understanding and acceptance.

The Search for True Faith: The poem begins with reflections on the true nature of faith and wisdom. Yeats juxtaposes religious imagery, such as "painted panel, statuary, glass-mosaic" with the more humble origins of Christianity, symbolized by the "working-carpenter" and the "peasant gospeller." This contrast highlights the evolving interpretations of religious teachings and the search for authenticity amidst religious iconography and ritual.

The Complexity of Identity: The dialogue between the Girl and the Hero delves into the complexities of self-perception and identity. The Girl expresses frustration with her own image, which she perceives as a deception and a source of cruelty. She longs for genuine affection and fears the consequences of deception. The Hero, on the other hand, grapples with the burden of strength and the expectations placed upon him. Both characters struggle with societal expectations and the desire for authentic connection.

The Quest for Love and Acceptance: The Fool by the Roadside represents the universal longing for love and acceptance, transcending earthly desires and attachments. Despite the transient nature of human existence, the Fool harbors hope for a faithful love that endures beyond the confines of mortality. His musings reflect a profound yearning for connection and understanding, even in the face of uncertainty and impermanence.

Themes of Transience and Redemption: Throughout the poem, Yeats explores themes of transience and redemption. The shifting perspectives and dialogues underscore the ephemeral nature of human existence and the perpetual search for meaning and fulfillment. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of life, there remains a glimmer of hope for redemption and genuine connection.

In conclusion, "Wisdom" by William Butler Yeats offers a nuanced exploration of faith, identity, and the human quest for love and understanding. Through its rich imagery and introspective dialogues, the poem invites readers to contemplate the complexities of existence and the enduring search for authenticity amidst the transient nature of life. Yeats' masterful use of language and symbolism illuminates the universal themes of faith, self-discovery, and the pursuit of enduring love and wisdom.