Hello viewers!👋
I am Kavita Chauhan,
a student of M.A. sem-2 department of English, M.K.B.U.
This Blog is a part of Thinking Activity about the on Yeat's Poems ( on being asked for a war poem and second coming).
- Assigned by Dilip bard sir
1.)poem: on-being-asked-for-a-war-poemBY WILLIAM BUTLER YEAT'S
About poet:-
William-Butler-Yeats (born June 13, 1865, Sandymount, Dublin, Ireland—died January 28, 1939, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France) Irish poet, dramatist, and prose writer, one of the greatest English-language poets of the 20th century. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923.
Poem: published 1915
I think it better that in times like these
A poet's mouth be silent, for in truth
We have no gift to set a statesman right;
He has had enough of meddling who can please
A young girl in the indolence of her youth,
Or an old man upon a winter’s
night.
Silent Voices: Analyzing the Poetic Response to Political Turmoil"
Poet be silent in truth.
In times of social and political unrest, poets often find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the limitations of their craft in addressing the complex issues that society faces. A poignant example of this contemplation is found in the poem that begins, "I think it better that in times like these."
The poet opens with a bold assertion that, during tumultuous periods, a poet's voice is best silenced. This stance may initially seem paradoxical, as one might expect poetry to thrive in times of upheaval, providing a poignant commentary on the state of the world. However, the poet argues that the poetic gift is inadequate to guide or influence statesmen (as politician) effectively. This acknowledgment of the inherent limitations of poetry in the political sphere sets the tone for a deeper exploration of the poet's perspective.
The subsequent lines take a surprising turn as the poet suggests that statesmen have "had enough of meddling." This choice of words conveys a weariness with political affairs, hinting at the complexities and challenges that statesmen face in navigating the turbulent waters of governance. It prompts the reader to consider the toll that political engagement takes on those in power.
The poet then redirects attention to a more personal realm, where the statesman can find solace in simpler, human connections. Pleasing a young girl in the indolence of her youth and comforting an old man on a winter's night become the alternative pursuits proposed by the poet. This shift in focus emphasizes the idea that poetry may find its true strength in capturing and exploring individual, intimate moments rather than attempting to untangle the intricate web of political complexities.
As we reflect on this poem, it beckons us to question the role of poetry in times of crisis. Does poetry hold the power to effect change on a grand scale, or is its true strength in weaving the fabric of shared human experience? The poet's decision to advocate for silence in political matters underscores the humility required when confronting the enormity of societal challenges.
In conclusion, "I think it better that in times like these" invites readers to ponder the nuanced relationship between poetry and politics. By delving into the poet's choice of words, the contrast between political and personal realms, and the underlying message about the role of poetry, we gain valuable insights into the complex interplay of art and society during moments of upheaval.
2.) Poem:- The-second-coming by w.b. Yeat's
Poem: published in 1919
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?
After World war I - pandemic condition
First printed in the 'Dial' in 1920.
The Second Coming." It's often interpreted as a reflection on the chaos and upheaval of the early 20th century. The falcon and falconer symbolize a breakdown in communication and control, leading to a world in disarray. The mention of "The Second Coming" suggests a sense of impending change or reckoning, with vivid imagery portraying a mysterious and ominous force emerging. The poem captures a sense of uncertainty and foreboding, leaving room for various personal interpretations based on historical, cultural, or existential perspectives.
- Notable Imagery: The falcon in the gyre, the desert sphinx-like creature, the rocking cradle
- Key Themes: Anarchy, apocalypse, Christianity, prophesy, violence
The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats is a complex and symbolic poem that reflects the tumultuous period after World War I. Here's a brief analysis personal interpretation:
Gyres and Chaos: The opening lines depict a widening gyre, a spiral that symbolizes increasing chaos and disorder.
The falcon's inability to hear the falconer represents a disconnection between order and control, reflecting the societal disintegration.
Center Cannot Hold: The phrase "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold" emphasizes the breakdown of established structures and values. The center, representing stability and order, is unable to maintain control, leading to anarchy.
Anarchy and Blood-Dimmed Tide: The reference to "mere anarchy" and the "blood-dimmed tide" suggests a world engulfed in violence and turmoil, possibly a commentary on the aftermath of the war and political instability.
Ceremony of Innocence: The drowning of the "ceremony of innocence" implies the loss of purity and naivety in the face of chaos and conflict.
Best Lack Conviction, Worst Full of Intensity: This line highlights a moral vacuum where those with conviction lack power, while those with passionate intensity lack moral grounding. It reflects the moral confusion and power imbalances of the time.
Second Coming Imagery: The mention of the "Second Coming" introduces apocalyptic imagery. The speaker envisions a monstrous figure, perhaps symbolizing a force that will bring about significant change.
spiritus-mundi and Rough Beast:
The reference to Spiritus Mundi, a collective unconscious or shared world soul, suggests a universal connection. The "rough beast" slouching towards Bethlehem is a powerful and ominous image, possibly representing a destructive force or a radical transformation.
Twenty Centuries of Stony Sleep: This phrase alludes to a long period of dormancy or stagnation, disrupted by the impending birth of the "rough beast." It could be a commentary on historical cycles and the inevitability of change.
In essence"The Second Coming" captures the poet's sense of foreboding and disillusionment with the state of the world, using vivid and symbolic language to convey the societal upheavals of the time. The poem remains open to diverse interpretations, allowing readers to find personal meaning within its rich imagery and allegorical elements.
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