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'In The Seven Woods' by William Butler Yeats


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I have heard the pigeons of the Seven Woods
Make their faint thunder, and the garden bees
Hum in the lime-tree flowers; and put away
The unavailing outcries and the old bitterness
That empty the heart. I have forgot awhile
Tara uprooted, and new commonness
Upon the throne and crying about the streets
And hanging its paper flowers from post to post,
Because it is alone of all things happy.
I am contented, for I know that Quiet
Wanders laughing and eating her wild heart
Among pigeons and bees, while that Great Archer,
Who but awaits His hour to shoot, still hangs
A cloudy quiver over Pairc-na-lee.


August 1902

Editor 1 Interpretation

In The Seven Woods: An In-Depth Analysis of Yeats' Masterpiece

William Butler Yeats is a poet whose works are not only beautiful, but also deeply philosophical. His poems speak of love, life, death, and everything in between. One of his most famous works is "In The Seven Woods", a poem that is widely regarded as a masterpiece. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem in detail, uncovering its meaning, themes, and symbolism.

Background Information

Before diving into the poem, it is important to know a bit about its background. "In The Seven Woods" was written in 1903, during Yeats' early years as a poet. At the time, he was deeply interested in Irish mythology and folklore, and he incorporated many of these elements into the poem. The poem is structured as a series of six poems, or "movements", each of which explores a different theme.

Movement One: The Host of the Air

The first movement of "In The Seven Woods" is titled "The Host of the Air". In this section, Yeats writes about a group of supernatural beings known as the Sidhe, who are said to inhabit the Irish countryside. The Sidhe are known for their beauty and their ability to control the weather. Yeats describes them as "a host of the air", implying that they are ethereal and otherworldly.

The theme of this movement is the idea of the supernatural and the unknown. Yeats is exploring the idea that there are forces in the world that we cannot control or understand, and that sometimes these forces can be beautiful and awe-inspiring. The Sidhe are a symbol of this idea, representing the mystery and wonder of the natural world.

Movement Two: The Everlasting Voices

The second movement of "In The Seven Woods" is titled "The Everlasting Voices". In this section, Yeats writes about the power of memory and the past. He describes the voices of the dead that he hears in his mind, and how these voices are a source of comfort and guidance for him.

The theme of this movement is the idea of the past as a source of wisdom and inspiration. Yeats is exploring the idea that the past is not something that should be forgotten, but rather something that we should embrace and learn from. The voices of the dead are a symbol of this idea, representing the wisdom and knowledge that can be gained from those who have come before us.

Movement Three: The Moods

The third movement of "In The Seven Woods" is titled "The Moods". In this section, Yeats writes about the different emotions that he experiences throughout his life. He describes feelings of joy, sorrow, love, and despair, and how these emotions can be both beautiful and painful.

The theme of this movement is the idea of emotions as a fundamental part of the human experience. Yeats is exploring the idea that emotions are not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something that should be embraced and celebrated. The different moods that he describes are a symbol of this idea, representing the richness and complexity of the human emotional experience.

Movement Four: Aedh Tells of the Rose in His Heart

The fourth movement of "In The Seven Woods" is titled "Aedh Tells of the Rose in His Heart". In this section, Yeats writes about a man named Aedh who is in love with a woman who does not love him back. Aedh is tormented by his unrequited love, and he feels as though he will never be able to find happiness.

The theme of this movement is the idea of love and the pain that it can cause. Yeats is exploring the idea that love is not always easy or beautiful, but rather something that can be difficult and painful. Aedh's unrequited love is a symbol of this idea, representing the agony and despair that can come from loving someone who does not love you back.

Movement Five: The Wisdom of the King

The fifth movement of "In The Seven Woods" is titled "The Wisdom of the King". In this section, Yeats writes about a wise king who rules over his people with compassion and intelligence. The king is a symbol of wisdom and leadership, and his rule is characterized by justice and fairness.

The theme of this movement is the idea of leadership and the importance of wisdom and compassion in governing. Yeats is exploring the idea that a good leader should be wise, just, and compassionate, and that these qualities are essential for the well-being of society. The king is a symbol of this idea, representing the ideal of a wise and just ruler.

Movement Six: The Friends of His Youth

The sixth and final movement of "In The Seven Woods" is titled "The Friends of His Youth". In this section, Yeats writes about his memories of childhood and the friends that he had during that time. He reflects on the joys and sorrows of his youth, and how these experiences have shaped him as a person.

The theme of this movement is the idea of nostalgia and the importance of remembering one's past. Yeats is exploring the idea that our memories are a fundamental part of who we are, and that our past experiences shape us in profound ways. The friends of his youth are a symbol of this idea, representing the people and experiences that have influenced him throughout his life.

Symbolism

Throughout "In The Seven Woods", Yeats uses a variety of symbols to convey his themes and ideas. Some of the most prominent symbols include:

Conclusion

"In The Seven Woods" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores a wide range of themes and ideas. Through his use of symbolism and powerful imagery, Yeats is able to convey complex ideas about love, leadership, memory, and more. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and provoke thought, and it remains one of Yeats' most famous works to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

In The Seven Woods: A Journey Through Yeats' Poetic Landscape

William Butler Yeats, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, is known for his deep understanding of Irish mythology, folklore, and history. His poetry is a reflection of his love for his country, its people, and its culture. In The Seven Woods, one of Yeats' most famous poems, he takes us on a journey through the Irish landscape, exploring the themes of love, nature, and the supernatural.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the Irish landscape. The first part is set in the woods of Coole, a place that Yeats knew well and loved deeply. The second part takes us to the shores of Lough Gill, a lake in County Sligo that was also a favorite of Yeats. The third and final part of the poem is set in the mystical realm of the Sidhe, the fairy world of Irish mythology.

In the first part of the poem, Yeats describes the beauty of the Coole woods, which he knew intimately. He writes of the "deep heart's core" of the woods, and the "peaceful trees" that grow there. He also describes the "water-lilies" that bloom in the lake, and the "herons" that fly overhead. The imagery in this section of the poem is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a tranquil and idyllic landscape.

However, there is also a sense of sadness and loss in this section of the poem. Yeats writes of the "old men" who used to gather in the woods, but who are now gone. He also writes of the "young men" who have left the woods to seek their fortunes elsewhere. This sense of loss is a recurring theme in Yeats' poetry, as he mourns the passing of a way of life that he felt was disappearing.

In the second part of the poem, Yeats takes us to the shores of Lough Gill, a place that was also dear to him. Here, he writes of the "silver apples of the moon" that shine on the lake, and the "golden apples of the sun" that shine on the hills. He also writes of the "white swans" that swim in the lake, and the "red swans" that fly overhead. The imagery in this section of the poem is even more vivid and fantastical than in the first part, as Yeats draws on the rich mythology of Ireland to create a dreamlike landscape.

However, there is also a sense of danger and foreboding in this section of the poem. Yeats writes of the "dark wood" that lies beyond the lake, and the "shadowy horses" that roam there. He also writes of the "dreadful beauty" of the lake, and the "terrible beauty" of the hills. This sense of danger and foreboding is a reminder that the Irish landscape is not just a place of beauty and wonder, but also a place of mystery and darkness.

In the third and final part of the poem, Yeats takes us to the realm of the Sidhe, the fairy world of Irish mythology. Here, he writes of the "dancing-masters" who teach the fairies to dance, and the "fiddler" who plays for them. He also writes of the "queen" of the fairies, who rules over them with a "cold command". The imagery in this section of the poem is the most fantastical and otherworldly of all, as Yeats draws on the rich mythology of Ireland to create a truly magical landscape.

However, there is also a sense of sadness and longing in this section of the poem. Yeats writes of the "long dim hair" of the queen, and the "pale face" of the fiddler. He also writes of the "weary feet" of the dancing-masters, and the "fading laughter" of the fairies. This sense of sadness and longing is a reminder that the fairy world, like the Irish landscape, is not just a place of wonder and magic, but also a place of loss and longing.

In conclusion, In The Seven Woods is a journey through the Irish landscape, exploring the themes of love, nature, and the supernatural. Yeats' vivid and evocative imagery creates a picture of a landscape that is both beautiful and dangerous, both magical and melancholy. The poem is a testament to Yeats' deep love for his country, its people, and its culture, and a reminder of the rich mythology and folklore that has shaped Irish identity for centuries.

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