'Slim adolescence that a nymph has stripped,' by William Butler Yeats
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III
Slim adolescence that a nymph has stripped,
Peleus on Thetis stares.
Her limbs are delicate as an eyelid,
Love has blinded him with tears;
But Thetis' belly listens.
Down the mountain walls
From where pan's cavern is
Intolerable music falls.
Foul goat-head, brutal arm appear,
Belly, shoulder, bum,
Flash fishlike; nymphs and satyrs
Copulate in the foam.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Slim adolescence that a nymph has stripped: A Literary Analysis of Yeats' Poem
William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, playwright, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. His works range from love poetry to Irish mythology and politics, and his style is characterized by an intense lyricism and a constant exploration of the human condition. Among his most famous poems is "Slim adolescence that a nymph has stripped," a short but powerful meditation on youth, beauty, and the passage of time.
An Introduction to the Poem
"Slim adolescence" was written in 1928, at a time when Yeats was in his mid-sixties and already a well-established poet. The poem was inspired by a painting by the French artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, which Yeats had seen in the National Gallery in London. The painting depicts a group of nymphs bathing in a forest pool, and it is said to have inspired Yeats' vision of "the young/ In the yellow flame of the morning" that he describes in the poem.
The poem is structured in three stanzas of six lines each, and it follows a loose rhyme scheme of ABABCC. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the image of the nymph stripping the adolescent of his youth and innocence. The second stanza explores the themes of beauty and desire, and the third stanza delivers the poem's final message about the inevitability of aging and death.
A Close Reading of the Poem
Let's take a closer look at each stanza and analyze its meaning and significance.
Stanza 1:
Slim adolescence that a nymph has stripped,
Peleus on Thetis stares.
Her limbs are delicate as an eyelid,
Love has blinded him with tears;
But Thetis' belly listens.
Down the mountain walls
From where pan's cavern is
Intolerable music falls.
The first line of the poem sets the tone for what is to come, as we are introduced to the image of a young man being stripped of his innocence by a nymph. The use of the word "slim" paints a picture of a young man in his prime, full of energy and life, but also vulnerable and exposed. The fact that he is being stripped by a nymph adds a layer of mythological symbolism to the poem, as nymphs are often associated with nature, beauty, and sensuality.
The second line introduces the character of Peleus, a Greek hero who was the father of the great warrior Achilles. In Greek mythology, Peleus was chosen by the gods to marry Thetis, a sea nymph who was also the mother of Achilles. The fact that Peleus is staring at Thetis suggests a sense of awe and admiration, as he is mesmerized by her beauty and grace.
The third line describes Thetis' limbs as "delicate as an eyelid," which is a beautiful and evocative image. The use of the word "delicate" suggests fragility and vulnerability, but also adds to the sense of beauty and sensuality.
In the fourth line, we learn that Peleus is overwhelmed with emotion, as love has blinded him with tears. This is a powerful image that captures the intensity of human emotions, and it also shows the transformative power of love, as it can change the way we see the world around us.
The fifth line introduces the character of Thetis' belly, which is said to be listening. This is a mysterious and enigmatic image that adds to the overall sense of mythological symbolism in the poem. It suggests that Thetis is not just a beautiful woman, but also a goddess or a supernatural being.
The sixth and final line of the stanza introduces the image of intolerable music falling from Pan's cavern. This is another mythological reference, as Pan was the Greek god of nature, shepherds, and fertility. The fact that the music is described as "intolerable" suggests that it is overwhelming and overpowering, and it adds to the sense of awe and wonder that the poem conveys.
Stanza 2:
All the striving murmur of the streams
And the soughing sighs
Among the groves are paltry themes
For one who knows the joys
Of the strife of Love;
His eyes have lit on sights
That leave all nature bare,
Lithe girls in sailor suits,
Bright hair and laughing lights.
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the themes of beauty and desire. The opening line describes the sounds of nature, such as the murmur of the streams and the soughing of the wind in the trees. These are described as "paltry themes," which suggests that they are insignificant compared to the joys of love and desire.
The second line describes the person who knows these joys as someone whose eyes have lit on sights that "leave all nature bare." This suggests that the experience of love and desire is so powerful that it can strip away all the trappings of civilization and reveal the raw, primal nature of humanity.
The third and fourth lines describe the lithe girls in sailor suits with bright hair and laughing lights. This is a vivid and sensual image that captures the essence of youthful beauty and vitality. The use of the word "lithe" suggests grace and agility, while the image of bright hair and laughing lights suggests joy and happiness.
Stanza 3:
A woman Homer sung-did not adorn
His creatures with such eyes
As yours, bright eyes.
Wise Odysseus never, never so
Inclined his head
In so lonely a show.
Chaste goddess, shepherdess of clouds,
That dealtest lovers' blows,
The elegiac airs and waning tones
And all the lonely woes
That these sweet eyes foreknow-
All the sick rhymes
Ah! hide from us the stoning times.
The third and final stanza of the poem delivers its final message about the passage of time and the inevitability of aging and death. The opening line refers to a woman that Homer sang about, suggesting that the themes of love and desire are timeless and have been explored throughout human history.
The second and third lines describe the woman's bright eyes, which are compared to the creatures of Homer's epic poems. This is a subtle nod to the power of literature and storytelling, as Yeats is suggesting that the beauty and power of love can be captured in words and transmitted through the ages.
The fourth and fifth lines refer to Odysseus, another character from Greek mythology, and his lonely show. This is a reference to Odysseus' long journey home after the Trojan War, and the fact that he endured many trials and tribulations before he was reunited with his wife Penelope. The image of Odysseus inclined his head suggests a sense of weariness and resignation, as he has been through so much and is now facing the end of his life.
The sixth and seventh lines introduce the character of a chaste goddess, who is described as a shepherdess of clouds and a dealer of lovers' blows. This is another mythological reference, and it adds to the sense of timelessness and universality that the poem conveys.
The eighth and ninth lines describe the elegiac airs and waning tones of love, suggesting that the excitement and passion of youth will inevitably fade with time. The reference to lonely woes suggests that aging and death can be a lonely and difficult process, and that the beauty and joy of youth can never be regained.
The final two lines of the poem ask for mercy from the stoning times, which suggests that Yeats is pleading for some respite from the harsh realities of life. The fact that the request is addressed to the goddess suggests that Yeats is looking for some kind of divine intervention or grace to help him cope with the passing of time.
A Conclusion to the Analysis
In conclusion, "Slim adolescence that a nymph has stripped" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of youth, beauty, desire, and the passage of time. Yeats uses vivid images and powerful language to create a sense of awe and wonder that captures the essence of human emotion and experience. The poem's loose structure and mythological references add to its sense of timelessness and universality, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Slim Adolescence That a Nymph Has Stripped: A Masterpiece by William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, is known for his profound and mystical poetry. His works are characterized by their rich symbolism, complex themes, and vivid imagery. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry Slim Adolescence That a Nymph Has Stripped," which was first published in 1899. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of youth, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life.
The poem begins with the line "Poetry, slim adolescence that a nymph has stripped," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "adolescence" suggests that the poem is about youth and the beauty that comes with it. The word "slim" emphasizes the delicate and fragile nature of youth, while the mention of a nymph suggests a connection to nature and the natural world.
The second line of the poem, "Proud-lipped youth, but not too proud to care," further emphasizes the theme of youth and beauty. The use of the word "proud-lipped" suggests confidence and self-assurance, while the phrase "not too proud to care" suggests a sense of humility and compassion. This line sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the relationship between youth, beauty, and the passage of time.
The third and fourth lines of the poem, "Who kept the youth from remembering his rapture," introduce the theme of time and its effect on youth. The use of the word "remembering" suggests that the youth has experienced a moment of intense joy or ecstasy, but that this moment has passed and can no longer be recaptured. The phrase "his rapture" suggests that this moment was a defining moment in the youth's life, but that it has now been lost to time.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "And, aging, smiled at the ironical truth / That fate, time, heaven, and earth make a gay crew," further explore the theme of time and its effect on youth. The use of the word "aging" suggests that the youth has grown older and that time has taken its toll. The phrase "smiled at the ironical truth" suggests that the youth has come to accept the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The phrase "make a gay crew" suggests that time, fate, heaven, and earth are all part of a larger cosmic dance, and that the youth is now a part of this dance.
The seventh and eighth lines of the poem, "And worthy of praise that the aging know / What wine and love there is, have aged well," celebrate the beauty and wisdom that comes with age. The use of the word "worthy" suggests that the aging are deserving of praise for their wisdom and experience. The phrase "what wine and love there is" suggests that the aging have experienced the joys of life and have aged well as a result.
The ninth and tenth lines of the poem, "All, youth-mocking, tell me did you sow / 'Twixt the bird's foot and the stock of the tree," introduce a new theme of nature and the natural world. The use of the word "youth-mocking" suggests that nature is indifferent to the passage of time and the aging process. The phrase "did you sow" suggests that nature is the source of all life and that the youth is a product of this natural process. The phrase "twixt the bird's foot and the stock of the tree" suggests that the youth is a part of the natural world and that his beauty is a reflection of this larger cosmic dance.
The eleventh and twelfth lines of the poem, "Through many an open field, / Or through the pillared stones of an abbey," further explore the theme of nature and the natural world. The use of the phrase "open field" suggests that nature is vast and expansive, while the phrase "pillared stones of an abbey" suggests that nature is also a part of human history and culture. The use of these contrasting images suggests that nature is both timeless and eternal, and that the youth is a part of this larger cosmic dance.
The thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the poem, "Cloistered away from time-worn ceremonies / From the ancient tower and the dead stone man," introduce a new theme of religion and spirituality. The use of the phrase "cloistered away" suggests that the youth is removed from the world of human affairs and is focused on spiritual matters. The phrase "time-worn ceremonies" suggests that the youth is seeking a deeper spiritual truth that transcends the passage of time. The phrase "ancient tower and the dead stone man" suggests that the youth is seeking a connection to the past and to the larger spiritual traditions of humanity.
The fifteenth and sixteenth lines of the poem, "From the window where the troubadour sang / Till the holy sapphire of the stars began," further explore the theme of spirituality and the search for a deeper truth. The use of the phrase "troubadour sang" suggests that the youth is seeking a connection to the artistic and creative traditions of humanity. The phrase "holy sapphire of the stars" suggests that the youth is seeking a connection to the larger cosmic forces that govern the universe.
The final two lines of the poem, "Their eyes mid many wrinkles, their eyes, / Their ancient, glittering eyes, are gay," celebrate the beauty and wisdom that comes with age. The use of the phrase "mid many wrinkles" suggests that the aging process has taken its toll, but that the beauty and wisdom of the aging are still present. The phrase "ancient, glittering eyes" suggests that the aging have a deep and profound wisdom that comes from a lifetime of experience. The phrase "are gay" suggests that the aging are still able to find joy and happiness in life, despite the passage of time.
In conclusion, "Poetry Slim Adolescence That a Nymph Has Stripped" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of youth, beauty, time, nature, spirituality, and the passage of time. Through its vivid imagery and rich symbolism, the poem captures the essence of what it means to be human and to experience the joys and sorrows of life. William Butler Yeats was a master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his genius and his ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.
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