'Who Goes With Fergus?' by William Butler Yeats


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Who will go drive with Fergus now,
And pierce the deep wood's woven shade,
And dance upon the level shore?
Young man, lift up your russet brow,
And lift your tender eyelids, maid,
And brood on hopes and fear no more.

And no more turn aside and brood
Upon love's bitter mystery;
For Fergus rules the brazen cars,
And rules the shadows of the wood,
And the white breast of the dim sea
And all dishevelled wandering stars.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Who Goes With Fergus? by William Butler Yeats

Who Goes With Fergus? is a poem by William Butler Yeats that was published in his collection The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems in 1889. The poem is a powerful and lyrical work that explores themes of love, death, and the transience of life. It is a classic example of Yeats' early work, and has been celebrated for its beauty, depth, and complexity.

Synopsis of Who Goes With Fergus?

The poem is set in a mythical world, in which Fergus, a legendary Irish king, is the ruler of a magical land. The narrator of the poem is addressing a group of women who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. The narrator asks the women to come with him to Fergus' land, where they will find solace and comfort. He tells them that Fergus is a wise and powerful ruler, and that he can offer them a life of joy and happiness.

The women, however, are hesitant to follow the narrator. They are afraid of what they might find in Fergus' land, and of what they might have to sacrifice in order to stay there. They tell the narrator that they would rather stay in the world they know, even if it means continuing to suffer.

The narrator, however, persists in his invitation. He tells the women that they have nothing to fear, and that Fergus will protect them. He also reminds them of the transience of life, and of the inevitability of death. He tells them that by coming with him to Fergus' land, they will be able to transcend the limitations of mortal life, and to find a new kind of existence.

The poem ends with the narrator pleading with the women to come with him. He tells them that they can live a life of joy and happiness in Fergus' land, and that they can escape the pain and suffering of their current lives.

The Symbols in Who Goes With Fergus?

There are several symbols in Who Goes With Fergus? that are used to convey its themes and messages. The most prominent of these symbols is Fergus himself, who represents the ideal of a wise and powerful ruler. Fergus is depicted as a just and benevolent king, who is able to offer his subjects a life of peace and happiness.

Another important symbol in the poem is the narrator, who represents the voice of reason and persuasion. The narrator is the one who is trying to convince the women to come with him to Fergus' land, and he is the one who is able to see the truth of Fergus' rule.

The women in the poem are also significant symbols. They represent the human desire for safety and security, and the fear of the unknown. They are hesitant to follow the narrator to Fergus' land, because they are afraid of what they might find there.

Finally, the theme of transience is represented by the image of the sea. The sea is a symbol of the impermanence of life, and of the inevitability of death. It is a reminder that all things must pass, and that nothing in life is permanent.

The Themes in Who Goes With Fergus?

The themes in Who Goes With Fergus? are both deep and complex. At its core, the poem is about the human desire for safety and security, and the fear of the unknown. It explores the tension between the desire for a better life and the fear of change.

Another major theme in the poem is the transience of life. The poem reminds us that all things must pass, and that nothing in life is permanent. It is a reminder that we must live in the moment, and make the most of the time we have.

Finally, the poem also explores the idea of transcendence. It suggests that by transcending the limitations of mortal life, we can find a new kind of existence, one in which we can escape the pain and suffering of our current lives.

The Literary Techniques in Who Goes With Fergus?

The poem is written in a lyrical and poetic style, which is characteristic of Yeats' early work. It is also notable for its use of symbolism and imagery, which help to convey the poem's themes and messages.

Another literary technique that is used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "Who goes with Fergus?" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and urgency.

The poem is also notable for its use of metaphor. Fergus is compared to a "great sea" and a "lordly fire", while the women are compared to "pale mourners". These metaphors help to create a vivid and powerful image of the world in which the poem is set.

The Interpretation of Who Goes With Fergus?

Who Goes With Fergus? is a powerful and complex poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. At its core, the poem is about the human desire for safety and security, and the fear of the unknown. It suggests that by embracing change and taking risks, we can find a new kind of existence, one in which we can escape the pain and suffering of our current lives.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the political situation in Ireland at the time. Fergus is a symbol of a just and benevolent ruler, who is able to offer his subjects a life of peace and happiness. This may be seen as a commentary on the need for a strong and just government in Ireland.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the nature of life and death. The poem suggests that by transcending the limitations of mortal life, we can find a new kind of existence, one in which we can escape the pain and suffering of our current lives. This may be seen as a commentary on the human desire for immortality and eternal life.

Conclusion

Who Goes With Fergus? is a classic poem that continues to be celebrated for its beauty, depth, and complexity. It explores themes of love, death, and the transience of life, and uses powerful symbols and imagery to convey its messages. The poem is a reminder that we must live in the moment, and make the most of the time we have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Who Goes With Fergus? - A Poem of Mythical Proportions

William Butler Yeats, the Irish poet, playwright, and Nobel laureate, is known for his deep interest in Irish mythology and folklore. His poem "Who Goes With Fergus?" is a prime example of his fascination with the ancient tales of Ireland. The poem is a lyrical masterpiece that explores the themes of power, love, and destiny. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, symbolism, and historical context.

The poem begins with the line, "Who will go drive with Fergus now?" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it introduces the central character, Fergus. Fergus is a mythical figure in Irish mythology, known for his strength, courage, and leadership. He is often associated with the ancient kings of Ireland, who were believed to have divine powers.

The poem goes on to describe Fergus as a powerful and charismatic leader who commands the loyalty of his followers. He is depicted as a man who is both feared and respected, someone who can inspire his people to great deeds. The line, "And pierce the deep wood's woven shade," suggests that Fergus is a hunter, a man who is at home in the wilderness. This image of Fergus as a hunter is significant, as it symbolizes his ability to navigate the complexities of life and to overcome obstacles.

The poem then shifts its focus to the theme of love. The line, "And dance upon the level shore," suggests that Fergus is not only a warrior but also a lover. He is a man who enjoys the pleasures of life and is not afraid to express his emotions. The image of dancing on the shore is significant, as it symbolizes the joy and freedom that comes with love.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as it explores the theme of destiny. The line, "We have gone back to the fools' paradise," suggests that Fergus and his followers have lost their way. They have become complacent and have forgotten their true purpose. The image of the fools' paradise is significant, as it symbolizes the illusion of happiness that can lead people astray.

The poem then ends with the line, "And learn that the best thing is / To change my loves while dancing / And pay but a kiss for a kiss." This line is significant, as it suggests that Fergus has learned an important lesson. He has realized that life is about change and that love is fleeting. He has learned to enjoy the moment and to appreciate the beauty of life.

The poem's meaning is complex and multifaceted. On one level, it is a celebration of Fergus, a mythical figure who embodies the virtues of strength, courage, and leadership. On another level, it is a meditation on the themes of love and destiny, exploring the complexities of human emotion and the inevitability of change.

The poem's symbolism is also significant. The image of Fergus as a hunter symbolizes his ability to navigate the complexities of life and to overcome obstacles. The image of dancing on the shore symbolizes the joy and freedom that comes with love. The image of the fools' paradise symbolizes the illusion of happiness that can lead people astray.

The poem's historical context is also important. Yeats was writing at a time when Ireland was undergoing significant political and social change. The country was struggling to define its identity and to assert its independence from Britain. Yeats was deeply interested in Irish mythology and folklore, and he saw these ancient tales as a way of connecting with Ireland's past and defining its future.

In conclusion, "Who Goes With Fergus?" is a poem of mythical proportions. It explores the themes of power, love, and destiny, and it uses powerful symbolism to convey its message. The poem is a celebration of Fergus, a mythical figure who embodies the virtues of strength, courage, and leadership. It is also a meditation on the complexities of human emotion and the inevitability of change. Finally, the poem is a reflection of Yeats's deep interest in Irish mythology and folklore, and it speaks to the larger cultural and political context of Ireland in the early 20th century.

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