'Anashuya And Vijaya' by William Butler Yeats


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A little Indian temple in the Golden Age. Around it a garden;
around that the forest. Anashuya, the young priestess, kneeling
within the temple.


Anashuya. Send peace on all the lands and flickering
corn. -
O, may tranquillity walk by his elbow
When wandering in the forest, if he love
No other. - Hear, and may the indolent flocks
Be plentiful. - And if he love another,
May panthers end him. - Hear, and load our king
With wisdom hour by hour. - May we two stand,
When we are dead, beyond the setting suns,
A little from the other shades apart,
With mingling hair, and play upon one lute.

Vijaya [entering and throwing a lily at her]. Hail! hail, my
Anashuya.

Anashuya. No: be still.
I, priestess of this temple, offer up
prayers for the land.

Vijaya. I will wait here, Amrita.

Anashuya. By mighty Brahma's ever-rustling robe,
Who is Amrita? Sorrow of all sorrows!
Another fills your mind.

Vijaya. My mother's name.

Anashuya [sings, coming out of the temple].
A sad, sad thought went by me slowly:
Sigh, O you little stars.! O sigh and shake your blue apparel!
The sad, sad thought has gone from me now wholly:
Sing, O you little stars.! O sing and raise your rapturous
carol
To mighty Brahma, be who made you many as the sands,
And laid you on the gates of evening with his quiet hands.

[Sits down on the steps of the temple.]
Vijaya, I have brought my evening rice;
The sun has laid his chin on the grey wood,
Weary, with all his poppies gathered round him.

Vijaya. The hour when Kama, full of sleepy laughter,
Rises, and showers abroad his fragrant arrows,
Piercing the twilight with their murmuring barbs.

Anashuya. See-how the sacred old flamingoes come.
Painting with shadow all the marble steps:
Aged and wise, they seek their wonted perches
Within the temple, devious walking, made
To wander by their melancholy minds.
Yon tall one eyes my supper; chase him away,
Far, far away. I named him after you.
He is a famous fisher; hour by hour
He ruffles with his bill the minnowed streams.
Ah! there he snaps my rice. I told you so.
Now cuff him off. He's off! A kiss for you,
Because you saved my rice. Have you no thanks?

Vijaya [sings]. Sing you of her, O first few stars,
Whom Brahma, touching with his finger, praises, for you hold
The van of wandering quiet; ere you be too calm and old,
Sing, turning in your cars,
Sing, till you raise your hands and sigh, and from your car-
heads peer,

With all your whirling hair, and drop many an azure tear.

Anashuya. What know the pilots of the stars of tears?

Vijaya. Their faces are all worn, and in their eyes
Flashes the fire of sadness, for they see
The icicles that famish all the North,
Where men lie frozen in the glimmering snow;
And in the flaming forests cower the lion
And lioness, with all their whimpering cubs;
And, ever pacing on the verge of things,
The phantom, Beauty, in a mist of tears;
While we alone have round us woven woods,
And feel the softness of each other's hand,
Amrita, while --

Anashuya [going away from him].
Ah me! you love another,
[Bursting into tears.]
And may some sudden dreadful ill befall her!

Vijaya. I loved another; now I love no other.
Among the mouldering of ancient woods
You live, and on the village border she,
With her old father the blind wood-cutter;
I saw her standing in her door but now.

Anashuya. Vijaya, swear to love her never more.

Vijaya. Ay, ay.

Anashuya. Swear by the parents of the gods,
Dread oath, who dwell on sacred Himalay,
On the far Golden peak; enormous shapes,
Who still were old when the great sea was young;
On their vast faces mystery and dreams;
Their hair along the mountains rolled and filled
From year to year by the unnumbered nests
Of aweless birds, and round their stirless feet
The joyous flocks of deer and antelope,
Who never hear the unforgiving hound.
Swear!

Vijaya. By the parents of the gods, I swear.

Anashuya [sings]. I have forgiven, O new star!
Maybe you have not heard of us, you have come forth so newly,
You hunter of the fields afar!
Ah, you will know my loved one by his hunter's arrows
truly,
Shoot on him shafts of quietness, that he may ever keep
A lonely laughter, and may kiss his hands to me in sleep.


Farewell, Vijaya. Nay, no word, no word;
I, priestess of this temple, offer up
Prayers for the land.
[Vijaya goes.]
O Brahma, guard in sleep
The merry lambs and the complacent kine,
The flies below the leaves, and the young mice
In the tree roots, and all the sacred flocks
Of red flamingoes; and my love, Vijaya;
And may no restless fay with fidget finger
Trouble his sleeping: give him dreams of me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Anashuya And Vijaya: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

William Butler Yeats, one of the greatest poets of the twentieth century, is known for his innovative works that deal with complex themes and characters. His poem, "Anashuya And Vijaya," is no exception. Published in 1918, this poem is a part of Yeats' collection, "The Wild Swans at Coole." It is a lyrical narrative that tells the story of two lovers, Anashuya and Vijaya, and their search for eternal love and happiness. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this poem, and how they contribute to its overall meaning and effect.

Summary

At its core, "Anashuya And Vijaya" is a love story. Anashuya and Vijaya are two lovers who are on a journey to find eternal happiness. They encounter various obstacles along the way, including a demon who tries to separate them. However, their love for each other is strong, and they eventually overcome these obstacles and find their way back to each other.

The poem is divided into three parts. The first part introduces the characters and sets the stage for the story. The second part is the longest and most complex, as it includes the various obstacles that Anashuya and Vijaya face. The third and final part brings the story to a close and resolves any remaining conflicts.

Themes

One of the primary themes of "Anashuya And Vijaya" is the quest for eternal love and happiness. Anashuya and Vijaya are both searching for something that they believe will bring them everlasting joy. They are willing to go to great lengths to find it, even if it means facing dangerous obstacles and risking everything they have.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the power of love. Anashuya and Vijaya's love for each other is so strong that it is able to overcome even the most formidable challenges. It is the driving force behind their journey and the reason why they are able to overcome the demon who tries to separate them.

Finally, "Anashuya And Vijaya" is also a reflection on the nature of reality and the meaning of life. Throughout the poem, Yeats explores the idea that life is fleeting and that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found through a higher spiritual connection.

Symbols

One of the most prominent symbols in "Anashuya And Vijaya" is the demon that tries to separate the lovers. The demon represents the various obstacles that humans face in their quest for eternal love and happiness. It is a powerful and malevolent force that tries to tear Anashuya and Vijaya apart, but ultimately fails.

Another symbol that is used in the poem is the lotus flower. The lotus flower is a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual purity in Hinduism and Buddhism. In "Anashuya And Vijaya," the lotus flower represents the spiritual connection that Anashuya and Vijaya are searching for. It is the object of their quest and the reason why they are willing to face such great dangers.

Finally, the mountains that Anashuya and Vijaya climb represent the journey of self-discovery that they are on. The mountains are steep and treacherous, but they symbolize the challenges that humans must face in order to find true happiness and fulfillment.

Literary Devices

"Anashuya And Vijaya" is a masterful work of poetry that uses a variety of literary devices to create its effect. One of the most prominent of these devices is rhyme. The poem has a complex rhyme scheme that adds to its musicality and helps to create a sense of cohesion and unity.

Another literary device that is used in the poem is symbolism. As we have already discussed, Yeats uses a variety of symbols to represent the various themes and ideas in the poem. These symbols add depth and complexity to the poem and help to create a sense of richness and texture.

Finally, "Anashuya And Vijaya" is also notable for its use of imagery. Yeats uses vivid and evocative imagery to bring the story to life and make it more memorable. The images of the demon, the mountains, and the lotus flower all contribute to the overall effect of the poem and help to create a sense of visual beauty and power.

Interpretation

"Anashuya And Vijaya" is a complex and multilayered work of poetry that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on the human quest for eternal happiness and fulfillment. Anashuya and Vijaya are searching for something that they believe will bring them everlasting joy, but they must face numerous obstacles and challenges along the way.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on the power of love. Anashuya and Vijaya's love for each other is so strong that it is able to overcome even the most formidable challenges. This suggests that love is a powerful force that can conquer even the darkest and most malevolent aspects of human existence.

Finally, "Anashuya And Vijaya" can also be interpreted as a meditation on the nature of reality and the meaning of life. Throughout the poem, Yeats explores the idea that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found through a higher spiritual connection. This suggests that there is more to life than what we can see or touch, and that we must look beyond the material world in order to find true happiness and fulfillment.

Conclusion

"Anashuya And Vijaya" is a masterful work of poetry that explores a variety of complex themes and ideas. Through its use of symbolism, imagery, and literary devices, the poem creates a sense of richness and depth that is unmatched by many other works of poetry. It is a testament to Yeats' skill and creativity as a poet, and it continues to be celebrated and admired by readers and scholars alike.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Anashuya And Vijaya: A Poem of Love and Loss

William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of his most famous poems is Anashuya And Vijaya, a hauntingly beautiful tale of love and loss that explores the complexities of human relationships and the fragility of life itself.

At its core, Anashuya And Vijaya is a story about two lovers who are torn apart by fate. Anashuya is a beautiful and virtuous woman who is deeply in love with Vijaya, a handsome and brave warrior. They are deeply devoted to each other, and their love is pure and true. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Vijaya is called away to fight in a war.

As the days turn into weeks and the weeks turn into months, Anashuya grows increasingly anxious and worried about Vijaya's safety. She prays for his safe return and longs to be reunited with him. However, fate has other plans, and Vijaya is killed in battle. Anashuya is devastated by the news and is consumed by grief.

Despite her sorrow, Anashuya refuses to give up on her love for Vijaya. She continues to pray for him and even goes so far as to perform a ritual to bring him back from the dead. Her devotion is so strong that it moves the gods, and they grant her wish. Vijaya is brought back to life, and the two lovers are reunited once again.

However, their happiness is short-lived, as Vijaya is haunted by the memories of his death and the horrors of war. He becomes distant and withdrawn, and Anashuya is unable to reach him. Eventually, Vijaya dies once again, and Anashuya is left alone to mourn his loss.

Anashuya And Vijaya is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Yeats uses vivid imagery and powerful language to bring the story to life, and his use of symbolism adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the ritual that Anashuya performs to bring Vijaya back from the dead. This ritual represents the power of love and the lengths that people will go to in order to be reunited with their loved ones. It also highlights the idea that love can transcend death and that the bond between two people can never truly be broken.

Another important symbol in the poem is the war that Vijaya is called away to fight in. This war represents the harsh realities of life and the inevitability of death. It also highlights the idea that love can be fragile and that even the strongest bonds can be broken by the forces of fate.

The poem also explores the idea of grief and the different ways that people cope with loss. Anashuya is consumed by her grief and refuses to give up on her love for Vijaya, even in the face of death. Vijaya, on the other hand, is unable to cope with the trauma of war and the memories of his death. His inability to move on ultimately leads to his demise.

Overall, Anashuya And Vijaya is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of human relationships and the fragility of life itself. It is a testament to the power of love and the lengths that people will go to in order to be reunited with their loved ones. It is also a reminder that even in the face of death, love can transcend all boundaries and that the bond between two people can never truly be broken.

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