'Michael Robartes And The Dancer' by William Butler Yeats
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He. Opinion is not worth a rush;
In this altar-piece the knight,
Who grips his long spear so to push
That dragon through the fading light,
Loved the lady; and it's plain
The half-dead dragon was her thought,
That every morning rose again
And dug its claws and shrieked and fought.
Could the impossible come to pass
She would have time to turn her eyes,
Her lover thought, upon the glass
And on the instant would grow wise.
She. You mean they argued.
He. Put it so;
But bear in mind your lover's wage
Is what your looking-glass can show,
And that he will turn green with rage
At all that is not pictured there.
She. May I not put myself to college?
He. Go pluck Athene by the hair;
For what mere book can grant a knowledge
With an impassioned gravity
Appropriate to that beating breast,
That vigorous thigh, that dreaming eye?
And may the Devil take the rest.
She. And must no beautiful woman be
Learned like a man?
He. Paul Veronese
And all his sacred company
Imagined bodies all their days
By the lagoon you love so much,
For proud, soft, ceremonious proof
That all must come to sight and touch;
While Michael Angelo's Sistine roof,
His "Morning' and his "Night' disclose
How sinew that has been pulled tight,
Or it may be loosened in repose,
Can rule by supernatural right
Yet be but sinew.
She. I have heard said
There is great danger in the body.
He. Did God in portioning wine and bread
Give man His thought or His mere body?
She. My wretched dragon is perplexed.
Hec. I have principles to prove me right.
It follows from this Latin text
That blest souls are not composite,
And that all beautiful women may
Live in uncomposite blessedness,
And lead us to the like - if they
Will banish every thought, unless
The lineaments that please their view
When the long looking-glass is full,
Even from the foot-sole think it too.
She. They say such different things at school.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Michael Robartes And The Dancer: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
William Butler Yeats is a renowned Irish poet and playwright known for his rich language, symbolism, and themes that explore Irish mythology, history, and culture. One of his notable works is the poem "Michael Robartes And The Dancer," written in 1920 and published in 1921 in the collection "Michael Robartes and the Dancer." This poem is a complex piece that explores various themes, including love, desire, spirituality, mythology, and symbolism. Through this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the poem's deeper meaning, its symbolism, and its relevance to Yeats' larger body of work.
Overview of the Poem
"Michael Robartes And The Dancer" is a lyrical and mystical poem that tells the story of a man named Michael Robartes, who is caught in a love triangle with a woman and a pagan goddess. The poem is divided into three sections, each with a different speaker and a different perspective. The first section is narrated by Michael Robartes himself, who describes his love for the dancer and his desire to unite with her. The second section is narrated by the dancer, who expresses her love for Michael but also her devotion to the pagan goddess. The third section is narrated by the goddess, who demands Michael's devotion and sacrifice.
Symbolism in the Poem
Symbolism plays a crucial role in "Michael Robartes And The Dancer." Yeats uses symbols to convey deeper meanings and to create a mystical and otherworldly atmosphere. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the dancer herself. She represents both earthly desire and spiritual transcendence. Michael is drawn to her beauty and her sensuality, but she also possesses a divine quality that transcends mortal love. This duality is reflected in the lines "She is more beautiful than any woman / And yet her ways are the ways of the pleasant sin."
The pagan goddess is another important symbol in the poem. She represents the ancient Irish goddess, who demands devotion and sacrifice from her followers. She is a symbol of the pagan past and the conflict between Christianity and paganism in Ireland. The goddess demands Michael's devotion and sacrifice, which represents the conflict between earthly desire and spiritual transcendence.
The tower also appears as a recurring symbol in the poem. It represents both the physical and the spiritual world. It is a symbol of the human desire for transcendence and the longing for the divine. The tower is also a symbol of the conflict between the earthly and the spiritual, as it represents both a physical structure and a spiritual realm.
Themes in the Poem
"Michael Robartes And The Dancer" explores various themes that are central to Yeats' larger body of work. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the conflict between desire and transcendence. Michael is torn between his earthly desire for the dancer and his spiritual longing for the divine. This conflict is reflected in the line "My heart has found its speech / And yet my words are such as needs must seek / To keep the semblance of a soldier's life."
The poem also explores the theme of the pagan past and its conflict with Christianity. The pagan goddess represents the ancient Irish goddess, who demands devotion and sacrifice from her followers. She represents the pagan past and the conflict between Christianity and paganism in Ireland. The conflict between the pagan past and Christianity is a central theme in Yeats' work.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of the tower and its significance as a symbol of human desire for transcendence. The tower is a symbol of the human desire for transcendence and the longing for the divine. The tower also represents the conflict between the earthly and the spiritual, as it represents both a physical structure and a spiritual realm.
Interpretation of the Poem
"Michael Robartes And The Dancer" is a complex poem that can be interpreted in various ways. One interpretation is that the poem represents the conflict between earthly desire and spiritual transcendence. Michael's love for the dancer represents earthly desire, while the goddess represents spiritual transcendence. The conflict between these two forces represents the human struggle to transcend the physical world and to attain spiritual enlightenment.
Another interpretation is that the poem reflects the conflict between the pagan past and Christianity in Ireland. The pagan goddess represents the ancient Irish goddess, who demands devotion and sacrifice from her followers. She represents the pagan past and the conflict between Christianity and paganism in Ireland. The conflict between the pagan past and Christianity is a central theme in Yeats' work, and this poem reflects this theme.
The tower is another important symbol in the poem, and it can be interpreted as a symbol of the human desire for transcendence. The tower represents the human desire to transcend the physical world and to attain spiritual enlightenment. It also represents the conflict between the earthly and the spiritual, as it represents both a physical structure and a spiritual realm.
Conclusion
"Michael Robartes And The Dancer" is a mystical and lyrical poem that explores various themes, including love, desire, spirituality, mythology, and symbolism. Through its use of symbols and its exploration of these themes, the poem delves into deeper meanings and creates a mystical and otherworldly atmosphere. The conflict between earthly desire and spiritual transcendence, the conflict between the pagan past and Christianity, and the significance of the tower as a symbol of human desire for transcendence are all central themes in this poem, and they reflect Yeats' larger body of work.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his poem "Michael Robartes and the Dancer" is a classic example of his work. This poem is a complex and multi-layered exploration of themes such as love, desire, spirituality, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning and symbolism, and explore the ways in which Yeats uses language and imagery to convey his message.
The poem is divided into four sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the relationship between Michael Robartes and the dancer. The first section sets the scene and introduces the two main characters. Michael Robartes is a poet and mystic who is searching for spiritual enlightenment, while the dancer is a beautiful and sensual woman who represents the physical world. The two are drawn to each other, but their relationship is fraught with tension and conflict.
The second section of the poem explores the theme of desire. Michael Robartes is consumed by his desire for the dancer, and he struggles to reconcile his physical desires with his spiritual aspirations. He longs to be with her, but he knows that their relationship is ultimately doomed. The dancer, on the other hand, is portrayed as a seductive and alluring figure who tempts Michael Robartes away from his spiritual path.
The third section of the poem is perhaps the most complex and enigmatic. It is here that Yeats introduces the concept of the gyres, which are a recurring motif in his work. The gyres represent the cyclical nature of history and the human condition, and they are used here to explore the relationship between Michael Robartes and the dancer. The gyres are depicted as two spirals that intersect at certain points, representing the moments when the physical and spiritual worlds come together. These moments are fleeting and rare, and they are often accompanied by a sense of transcendence and spiritual awakening.
The final section of the poem brings the themes of the previous sections together and offers a resolution of sorts. Michael Robartes realizes that his desire for the dancer is ultimately futile, and he turns his attention back to his spiritual quest. The dancer, meanwhile, is left alone and abandoned, a symbol of the transience and impermanence of physical desire.
One of the most striking features of "Michael Robartes and the Dancer" is its use of symbolism and imagery. Yeats employs a wide range of symbols and metaphors to convey his message, from the gyres to the dancer's body to the various animals that appear throughout the poem. These symbols are rich and complex, and they invite multiple interpretations.
For example, the dancer's body is described in sensual and erotic terms, with references to her "breasts like ivory" and her "thighs like apples." This imagery is used to contrast the physical and spiritual worlds, and to highlight the tension between them. The dancer's body represents the physical world, with all its pleasures and temptations, while Michael Robartes represents the spiritual world, with its emphasis on transcendence and enlightenment.
Similarly, the gyres are a powerful symbol that recurs throughout Yeats's work. They represent the cyclical nature of history and the human condition, and they are used here to explore the relationship between Michael Robartes and the dancer. The gyres intersect at certain points, representing the moments when the physical and spiritual worlds come together. These moments are fleeting and rare, and they are often accompanied by a sense of transcendence and spiritual awakening.
Another important symbol in the poem is the animal imagery that appears throughout. Yeats uses animals such as the falcon, the swan, and the lion to represent different aspects of the human condition. The falcon, for example, represents the spiritual quest, while the swan represents the physical world. The lion, meanwhile, represents the destructive and chaotic forces that threaten to disrupt the balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
In addition to its rich symbolism and imagery, "Michael Robartes and the Dancer" is also notable for its use of language. Yeats's language is dense and complex, with a rhythm and musicality that is characteristic of his work. He uses repetition, alliteration, and other poetic devices to create a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem.
For example, the repetition of the phrase "gyres run" throughout the poem creates a sense of cyclical movement and reinforces the idea of the cyclical nature of history and the human condition. Similarly, the repetition of the phrase "I have met them at close of day" in the final stanza creates a sense of closure and resolution, as Michael Robartes reflects on his spiritual journey and the lessons he has learned.
In conclusion, "Michael Robartes and the Dancer" is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes such as love, desire, spirituality, and the human condition. Yeats uses rich symbolism and imagery to convey his message, and his language is dense and musical, with a rhythm and coherence that is characteristic of his work. The poem is a testament to Yeats's skill as a poet and his ability to explore the deepest and most profound aspects of the human experience.
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