'Before The World Was Made' by William Butler Yeats
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If I make the lashes dark
And the eyes more bright
And the lips more scarlet,
Or ask if all be right
From mirror after mirror,
No vanity's displayed:
I'm looking for the face I had
Before the world was made.
What if I look upon a man
As though on my beloved,
And my blood be cold the while
And my heart unmoved?
Why should he think me cruel
Or that he is betrayed?
I'd have him love the thing that was
Before the world was made.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Before The World Was Made by William Butler Yeats
As someone who is passionate about literature, I am always excited to explore the works of legendary writers. One such writer whose work I find fascinating is William Butler Yeats, a poet and playwright who is widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. Among his many works, one that stands out to me is the poem "Before The World Was Made." In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will take a deep dive into this classic poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and language.
Background of the Poem
"Before The World Was Made" is a poem that was published in Yeats' collection, "The Green Helmet and Other Poems" in 1910. In this collection, Yeats explores themes of love, death, and the supernatural - themes that are also explored in "Before The World Was Made."
The poem presents a conversation between two lovers who are reminiscing about their time together before the world was created. It is a conversation that takes place "in the great abyss," a place that exists before the creation of the world. The lovers talk about their love and their desire to return to the time before the world was made.
Themes
One of the central themes of "Before The World Was Made" is the idea of eternal love. The conversation between the lovers suggests that their love existed before the world was created and will continue to exist even after the world has ended. The poem suggests that true love transcends time and space and is eternal.
Another theme explored in the poem is the idea of the supernatural. The conversation between the lovers takes place in the "great abyss," a place that exists beyond the natural world. The poem suggests that there are supernatural forces at work that are beyond our understanding.
Finally, "Before The World Was Made" explores the theme of death. The lovers talk about their desire to return to the time before the world was created, suggesting that they want to escape the inevitability of death. The poem suggests that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, but that true love can transcend even death.
Symbolism
Throughout the poem, Yeats employs a number of symbols to convey the themes of the poem. One of the most prominent symbols is the "great abyss." This place represents the void that existed before the creation of the world. It is a symbol of the unknown and the supernatural.
Another symbol that is used in the poem is the "golden apples." The lovers talk about how they ate the golden apples before the world was created. The golden apples represent the fruit of knowledge - a symbol that appears in many mythologies. The poem suggests that the lovers had access to knowledge that was lost when the world was created.
Finally, the poem uses the symbol of the "serpent." The serpent is a symbol of temptation and evil in many cultures. In the poem, the serpent represents the forces that led to the creation of the world - forces that the lovers want to escape.
Language
The language used in "Before The World Was Made" is rich and evocative. Yeats uses a number of literary devices to convey the themes and symbols of the poem.
One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is repetition. The poem repeats the phrase "before the world was made" several times. This repetition serves to reinforce the idea that the conversation between the lovers is taking place outside the natural world.
Another literary device used in the poem is alliteration. Yeats uses alliteration to create a musical and rhythmic quality to the lines. For example, in the line "We drank the thrill of the wild with our mead," the alliteration of the "w" and "m" sounds creates a sense of wildness and excitement.
Finally, the language used in the poem is highly symbolic. The use of symbols such as the "golden apples" and the "serpent" serves to convey complex ideas and themes in a concise and powerful way.
Interpretation
"Before The World Was Made" is a poem that explores complex themes and ideas. At its core, the poem is about the power of love to transcend time and space. The conversation between the lovers suggests that their love existed before the world was created and will continue to exist even after the world ends.
The poem also suggests that there are supernatural forces at work that are beyond our understanding. The "great abyss" represents the unknown and the mysterious, while the "golden apples" represent knowledge that has been lost.
Finally, the poem suggests that death is a natural part of the cycle of life. The lovers talk about their desire to return to the time before the world was created, but ultimately they cannot escape the inevitability of death.
Overall, "Before The World Was Made" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores complex themes and ideas. Yeats' use of symbolism and language serves to convey these ideas in a concise and powerful way. It is a poem that is still relevant and resonant today, over a century after it was first published.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Before The World Was Made: An Analysis of William Butler Yeats' Classic Poem
William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. His works are known for their depth, complexity, and beauty. Among his many poems, "Before The World Was Made" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of human existence and the mysteries of creation. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a bold statement: "If I make the lashes dark / And the eyes more bright / And the lips more scarlet, / Or ask if all be right / From mirror after mirror, / No vanity's displayed." The speaker is questioning the nature of reality and the role of perception in shaping it. He wonders if the world is merely a reflection of our own desires and expectations, or if it exists independently of us. The use of the mirror as a metaphor for perception is a recurring theme in Yeats' poetry, and it is particularly relevant in this poem.
The second stanza introduces the idea of creation and the role of the divine in it. The speaker asks, "What if I prove / Willing to discuss the night / And the stars above it / Shine on, so how can it be light?" Here, he is questioning the nature of light and darkness, and how they relate to the creation of the world. The stars are a symbol of the divine, and their presence suggests that the world was created by a higher power. However, the speaker is still uncertain about the nature of this power and its intentions.
The third stanza introduces the concept of time and the cyclical nature of existence. The speaker says, "In life's brief round / What if I choose / For theme this single thing, / Just as she entered it / She'll leave it, nothing proved / But human suffering?" Here, he is acknowledging the inevitability of death and the transience of life. He suggests that human suffering is the only constant in life, and that everything else is fleeting and ephemeral.
The fourth stanza introduces the idea of love and its transformative power. The speaker says, "What if I prove / No hero, in your eyes / An idle word / That she'd not hear or say / But merely a light laugh, / Or if she heard it, cold / Without a touch of malice and no trace / Of disappointment, at all?" Here, he is questioning the nature of love and its ability to change us. He wonders if love is merely a fleeting emotion, or if it has the power to transform us into better versions of ourselves.
The fifth stanza introduces the concept of fate and the idea that our lives are predetermined. The speaker says, "What if I told / Of germinating seed / Hidden from sight / And yet to be fulfilled / That earthy shell / And heaven's light / Enclose a single will?" Here, he is suggesting that our lives are predetermined by a higher power, and that we have little control over our destiny. The use of the seed as a metaphor for life is particularly powerful, as it suggests that our lives are like seeds that are planted and grow according to a predetermined plan.
The sixth and final stanza brings all of these themes together and offers a glimpse into the mysteries of creation. The speaker says, "Before the world was made, / Or a star was born, / I was there, before the throne / Of God a child at home. / My mother was a star, / My father was a planet, / And the future glittered bright / With all the worlds that man should make." Here, he is suggesting that he existed before the creation of the world, and that he was present at the moment of creation. He is also suggesting that the creation of the world was a collaborative effort between the divine and the human, and that the future is full of possibilities and potential.
In terms of literary devices, Yeats uses a variety of techniques to convey his message. The use of metaphor and symbolism is particularly effective, as it allows him to convey complex ideas in a concise and powerful way. The use of repetition is also notable, as it reinforces the themes and ideas throughout the poem. The use of rhyme and meter is also effective, as it gives the poem a musical quality that enhances its beauty and emotional impact.
In conclusion, "Before The World Was Made" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the mysteries of creation and the nature of human existence. Through its use of metaphor, symbolism, and literary devices, it offers a glimpse into the complexities of life and the power of the divine. It is a poem that rewards careful reading and contemplation, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.
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