'The Pity Of Love' by William Butler Yeats
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A pity beyond all telling
Is hid in the heart of love:
The folk who are buying and selling,
The clouds on their journey above,
The cold wet winds ever blowing,
And the shadowy hazel grove
Where mouse-grey waters are flowing,
Threaten the head that I love.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Pity Of Love by William Butler Yeats
Oh, the pity of love! This line alone captures the essence of William Butler Yeats' poem, The Pity Of Love. In this classic poem, Yeats explores the complex and often painful nature of love, and the ways in which it can both uplift and destroy us.
Structure and Form
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the poem is written in iambic tetrameter. The use of a traditional rhyme scheme and meter gives the poem a sense of order and control, which stands in sharp contrast to the chaotic emotions that Yeats is exploring.
Analysis
In the first stanza, Yeats presents the idea that love is a force that can consume us entirely, leaving us vulnerable and exposed. The line "I pity them as I watch them" suggests that the speaker is separate from the lovers, observing them from a distance. This distance is emphasized by the use of the word "glass" which implies a barrier between the speaker and the lovers. The use of the word "pity" suggests that the speaker sees the lovers as weak and vulnerable, but also as pitiable because of the suffering that they are experiencing. The line "The quality of love's own agony" emphasizes the pain of love, and suggests that this pain is an inherent part of love itself.
In the second stanza, Yeats shifts his focus to the idea that love is a force that can drive us to madness. The image of the "mad girl" suggests that love has driven her to a state of insanity. The use of the word "wild" emphasizes the uncontrollable nature of her emotions. The line "And yet the modern world is but the old / Wild light of senile passion flung anew" suggests that the mad girl is not an anomaly, but rather a product of a world that is still driven by the same passions and desires that have always existed.
In the final stanza, Yeats returns to the theme of love as a force that can destroy us. The line "And I would have my fancy out by the root" suggests a desire to rid oneself of the emotions that come with love. The use of the word "fancy" emphasizes the idea that love is a fleeting and transient emotion. The line "And lay my sufferings in another's breast" suggests a desire to share one's pain with another, but also a recognition that this pain is universal and shared by all who experience love.
Interpretation
The Pity Of Love is a poem that speaks to the universal experience of love and the pain that often accompanies it. Yeats suggests that love is a force that can consume us entirely, leaving us vulnerable and exposed. He also suggests that love is a force that can drive us to madness, and that this madness is not a new phenomenon but rather a product of the same passions and desires that have always existed. Finally, Yeats suggests that love is a force that can destroy us, but that this destruction is not unique to any one individual, but rather a shared experience that is part of the human condition.
Conclusion
The Pity Of Love is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the universal experience of love and the pain that often accompanies it. It is a poem that is both timeless and relevant, and that continues to resonate with readers today. Yeats' use of traditional meter and rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of order and control, which stands in sharp contrast to the chaotic emotions that he is exploring. The poem is a testament to Yeats' skill as a poet, and his ability to capture the complexities and nuances of the human experience in a few short lines.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Pity of Love: A Heartbreaking Poem by William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. His works are known for their deep philosophical themes, intricate symbolism, and beautiful language. One of his most poignant poems is "The Pity of Love," which explores the complexities of human relationships and the pain that often accompanies them.
The poem is divided into two stanzas, each with six lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Yeats laments the futility of love. He begins by describing love as a "lonely thing," suggesting that it is something that cannot be shared or understood by others. He then goes on to say that love is "nought but pain," implying that it is a source of suffering rather than joy.
The second stanza expands on this theme, as Yeats describes the various ways in which love can cause pain. He speaks of "the heart's grown brutal from the fare," suggesting that love can make us callous and indifferent to the suffering of others. He also speaks of "the bawling and the desperate eyes," suggesting that love can lead to desperation and despair.
Despite the bleakness of these images, there is a sense of beauty and poetry in Yeats' language. He speaks of "the dim sea's weedy spray," conjuring up a vivid image of the ocean's waves crashing against the shore. He also speaks of "the broken arches, ruined choirs," suggesting a sense of grandeur and majesty even in the midst of decay and destruction.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Yeats uses language to convey the emotional complexity of love. He speaks of "the heart's bitter mystery," suggesting that love is something that cannot be fully understood or explained. He also speaks of "the trembling web of guilt," suggesting that love can be a source of shame and regret.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of isolation and loneliness. Yeats speaks of "the lonely sea and the sky," suggesting that love can make us feel isolated and cut off from the world around us. He also speaks of "the lonely heart," suggesting that love can be a source of profound loneliness and despair.
Despite the bleakness of these themes, there is also a sense of hope and redemption in the poem. Yeats speaks of "the light of evening," suggesting that even in the midst of darkness and despair, there is always the possibility of light and hope. He also speaks of "the fire that breaks from thee," suggesting that love can be a source of passion and energy, even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Overall, "The Pity of Love" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of human relationships and the pain that often accompanies them. Through his use of vivid imagery and beautiful language, Yeats conveys the emotional depth and complexity of love, while also suggesting that there is always the possibility of hope and redemption, even in the midst of darkness and despair.
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