The Agitation Against Immoral Literature (Poem by William Butler Yeats)

On Hearing that the Students of Our New University have Joined the Agitation Against Immoral Literature

By William Butler Yeats

Where, where but here have pride and Truth,
That long to give themselves for wage,
To shake their wicked sides at youth
Restraining reckless middle-age?

Poem Analysis:

William Butler Yeats, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, often addressed themes of morality, politics, and cultural conflicts in his works. The Agitation Against Immoral Literature is a brief but incisive poem that critiques societal efforts to suppress literature deemed "immoral." Written during a period when Ireland was experiencing strong censorship movements, the poem challenges the hypocrisy of moral crusaders and highlights the tensions between youthful freedom, middle-age conservatism, and artistic expression.

Hypocrisy of Censorship

The poem begins with a rhetorical question:

"Where, where but here have pride and Truth, / That long to give themselves for wage,"

Yeats suggests that "pride and Truth"—two noble ideals—are being misused or commercialized (“give themselves for wage”), possibly by those leading the campaign against immoral literature. This could be a critique of moralists who claim to act in the name of virtue but are actually driven by self-righteousness, power, or even financial gain.

The Generational Divide

The next lines reveal a contrast between youth and middle age:

"To shake their wicked sides at youth / Restraining reckless middle-age?"

Here, Yeats points out a paradox. Those who push for censorship often claim to protect the younger generation, but in doing so, they impose restrictions that reflect their own fears and desires. The phrase “shake their wicked sides at youth” suggests that these moral crusaders mock or scorn young people while hypocritically hiding their own reckless past or present desires. Middle age, which should be a time of wisdom, instead becomes a period of reactionary repression.

Historical Context: Censorship in Ireland

Yeats wrote this poem during a time when Ireland was enforcing strict censorship laws, particularly against literature and art that was seen as immoral. The Irish Free State, under the influence of conservative Catholic values, passed the Censorship of Publications Act (1929), which banned books deemed obscene or offensive to religious and moral standards. Yeats, a staunch defender of artistic freedom, opposed these restrictions and saw them as an attack on intellectual and creative expression.

This poem can be interpreted as a direct criticism of the censorship movement, mocking those who claim to protect society while actually stifling thought and creativity.

Structure and Style

1. Four-Line Structure: The poem is short, but its brevity adds to its impact, forcing the reader to engage with its sharp, ironic tone.
2. Rhetorical Questions: By framing the poem as a question, Yeats invites reflection rather than directly stating his opinion, making the critique more subtle yet powerful.
3. Contrast Between Youth and Middle Age: The poem plays with the idea that youth is often blamed for moral decline, while in reality, it is middle-aged moralists who impose repressive structures.

The Agitation Against Immoral Literature is a sharp critique of censorship and societal hypocrisy. Yeats exposes the contradictions in moral campaigns that seek to "protect" youth while concealing the vices of older generations. The poem remains relevant today, as debates over artistic freedom, censorship, and morality continue in various societies. By using irony and rhetorical questioning, Yeats challenges readers to reconsider who truly benefits from efforts to control literature and expression.