'He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace' by William Butler Yeats
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I HEAR the Shadowy Horses, their long manes a-shake,
Their hoofs heavy with tumult, their eyes glimmering
white;
The North unfolds above them clinging, creeping
night,
The East her hidden joy before the morning break,
The West weeps in pale dew and sighs passing away,
The South is pouring down roses of crimson fire:
O vanity of Sleep, Hope, Dream, endless Desire,
The Horses of Disaster plunge in the heavy clay:
Beloved, let your eyes half close, and your heart beat
Over my heart, and your hair fall over my breast,
Drowning love's lonely hour in deep twilight of rest,
And hiding their tossing manes and their tumultuous
feet.
Editor 1 Interpretation
He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, what a beautiful poem! He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace is a classic piece of poetry written by the legendary Irish poet, William Butler Yeats. The poem was first published in 1917, and it is one of Yeats' most popular works. It has been interpreted in many different ways over the years, and in this literary criticism, we'll try to explore some of the possible meanings and interpretations of the poem.
Background and Context
Before diving into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Yeats was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1865, and he was one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. He was a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival, and his poetry often deals with Irish mythology, mysticism, and the occult. He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace was written during a particularly difficult time in Yeats' life. He had just lost his longtime friend and collaborator, Lady Gregory, and he was struggling with his own mortality. The poem is believed to be addressed to Maud Gonne, Yeats' unrequited love and muse, who had recently suffered a personal tragedy.
Poem Analysis
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at the poem. He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace is a short poem, consisting of only eight lines. Yet, it's a powerful and emotional piece that manages to convey a sense of sadness, longing, and acceptance.
He bids his beloved be at peace;
Earthly his conflict, heavenly his release.
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee and come to dust.
No exorciser harm thee!
Nor witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
And renowned be thy grave!
The first thing that jumps out is the structure of the poem. It's written in rhyming couplets, giving it a musical quality. The rhythm is slow and deliberate, almost like a funeral march. The poem is addressed to the poet's beloved, and the tone is one of resignation and acceptance. The first line, "He bids his beloved be at peace," is a command, but it's also a plea. The speaker is asking his beloved to let go of their earthly conflicts and find release in the heavenly realm. The use of the word "beloved" is interesting here, as it's a term of endearment that suggests a deep emotional connection between the speaker and the person being addressed.
The second line, "Earthly his conflict, heavenly his release," contrasts the struggles of earthly life with the peace and release that come with death. The speaker is acknowledging the pain and suffering that his beloved has endured on earth, but he's also suggesting that there's something better waiting for her in the afterlife. The use of the word "his" is interesting here, as it implies that the conflict and release are not just the beloved's, but also the speaker's. He's acknowledging his own mortality and his own struggles with the human condition.
The third and fourth lines, "All lovers young, all lovers must/Consign to thee and come to dust," are a reminder that death comes for everyone, regardless of their age or station in life. The use of the word "lovers" is interesting here, as it suggests that the beloved is not just a romantic partner, but also a symbol of the speaker's own mortality. The use of the phrase "come to dust" is also interesting, as it's a reference to the biblical phrase "ashes to ashes, dust to dust," which reminds us of our own mortality.
The fifth line, "No exorciser harm thee!" is a plea for protection against evil spirits or curses. The use of the word "exorciser" implies that the beloved is in danger from supernatural forces, and the speaker is asking for divine protection.
The sixth line, "Nor witchcraft charm thee!" continues the theme of supernatural protection. The use of the word "witchcraft" suggests that the speaker believes that the beloved is in danger from magical or mystical forces.
The seventh and eighth lines, "Ghost unlaid forbear thee!/Nothing ill come near thee!" are a final plea for protection against evil spirits or curses. The use of the word "ghost" is interesting here, as it suggests that the speaker believes that the beloved is in danger from the spirits of the dead. The use of the phrase "nothing ill come near thee" is also interesting, as it suggests that the speaker believes that the beloved is in danger from all forms of harm, whether supernatural or mundane.
The final two lines, "Quiet consummation have;/And renowned be thy grave!" are a wish for a peaceful and dignified death, and a reminder that the beloved will be remembered long after she's gone. The use of the word "consummation" is interesting here, as it implies that death is not just an end, but also a completion or fulfillment of life.
Interpretation and Themes
So, what does He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace mean? As with any great work of art, there are many possible interpretations, and each reader will bring their own experiences and perspectives to the poem. That being said, there are a few themes and motifs that are worth exploring.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it's a meditation on mortality and the afterlife. The speaker is acknowledging his own mortality and the struggles that come with life on earth, but he's also suggesting that there's something better waiting for us in the afterlife. The use of the word "heavenly" suggests that the afterlife is a place of peace and release, free from the struggles and conflicts of earthly life.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on love and loss. The use of the word "beloved" suggests that the speaker has a deep emotional connection to the person being addressed, and the use of the word "lovers" suggests that the beloved is not just a romantic partner, but also a symbol of the speaker's own mortality. The final two lines, "And renowned be thy grave!" suggest that the beloved will be remembered long after she's gone, and that her memory will be a source of comfort to those who loved her.
Yet another possible interpretation is that the poem is a plea for protection against evil forces. The repeated references to exorcism, witchcraft, and ghosts suggest that the speaker believes that the beloved is in danger from supernatural forces, and he's asking for divine protection against these forces.
Overall, He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace is a powerful and emotional poem that explores themes of mortality, love, and protection. The use of rhyme and rhythm give the poem a musical quality, and the careful choice of words and phrases create a sense of longing and acceptance. It's a classic work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today, and it's a testament to the enduring power of Yeats' poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace: A Masterpiece by William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats, the Irish poet, is known for his profound and mystical poetry that explores the complexities of human emotions and the mysteries of life. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace," which is a beautiful and poignant expression of love, loss, and acceptance. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this masterpiece and explore the themes and literary devices used by Yeats to create a powerful and moving poem.
The poem "He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace" was written by Yeats in 1917, during a period of great personal turmoil and grief. Yeats had just lost his close friend and fellow poet, Thomas MacDonagh, who was executed for his involvement in the Easter Rising in Dublin. The poem is believed to be a tribute to MacDonagh and a reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter, which gives the poem a musical and rhythmic quality. The language used by Yeats is simple and direct, yet it is infused with deep emotion and meaning.
The first stanza of the poem begins with the speaker addressing his beloved and bidding her to be at peace. He tells her that he has loved her for a long time and that he will continue to love her even after death. He assures her that death is not the end of their love and that they will be reunited in the afterlife. The stanza ends with the speaker urging his beloved to let go of her fears and worries and to embrace the peace that comes with acceptance.
The second stanza of the poem is more introspective and reflective. The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death and the transience of life. He compares life to a fleeting dream that fades away with the dawn. He tells his beloved that their love is like a flame that burns bright and strong, but that it too will eventually be extinguished. He urges her to cherish their love while it lasts and to accept the impermanence of life.
The third and final stanza of the poem is a beautiful and poignant expression of acceptance and resignation. The speaker tells his beloved that he has accepted the inevitability of death and that he is at peace with it. He tells her that he is ready to let go of life and to embrace the unknown. He assures her that their love will endure even after death and that they will be reunited in the afterlife. The stanza ends with the speaker bidding his beloved farewell and urging her to be at peace.
The poem "He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace" is a powerful and moving expression of love, loss, and acceptance. It explores the themes of mortality, impermanence, and the enduring power of love. Yeats uses a variety of literary devices to create a rich and complex poem that is both beautiful and profound.
One of the most striking literary devices used by Yeats in the poem is imagery. He uses vivid and evocative images to convey the fragility and transience of life. For example, in the second stanza, he compares life to a "fleeting dream" that fades away with the dawn. This image captures the ephemeral nature of life and the inevitability of its passing. Similarly, in the third stanza, he uses the image of a ship sailing into the unknown to convey the idea of acceptance and resignation. This image suggests that life is a journey that must come to an end, and that we must be prepared to face the unknown.
Another literary device used by Yeats in the poem is repetition. He repeats the phrase "be at peace" throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and resignation. This repetition creates a sense of calm and serenity, and it reinforces the central theme of the poem.
Finally, Yeats uses symbolism to convey the idea of the enduring power of love. He compares love to a flame that burns bright and strong, but that eventually fades away. This symbol suggests that love is a powerful and transformative force that can transcend death and endure beyond the physical realm.
In conclusion, "He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the complexities of human emotions and the mysteries of life. Yeats uses a variety of literary devices to create a powerful and moving poem that is both beautiful and profound. The poem is a tribute to the enduring power of love and a reflection on the fragility and transience of life. It is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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