'The Curse Of Cromwell' by William Butler Yeats
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YOU ask what -- I have found, and far and wide I go:
Nothing but Cromwell's house and Cromwell's mur-
derous crew,
The lovers and the dancers are beaten into the clay,
And the tall men and the swordsmen and the horsemen,
where are they?
And there is an old beggar wandering in his pride -- -
His fathers served their fathers before Christ was
crucified.
i{O what of that, O what of that,}
"i{What is there left to say?}
All neighbourly content and easy talk are gone,
But there's no good complaining, for money's rant is
on.
He that's mounting up must on his neighbour mount,
And we and all the Muses are things of no account.
They have schooling of their own, but I pass their
schooling by,
What can they know that we know that know the
time to die?
i{O what of that, O what of that,}
i{What is there left to say?}
But there's another knowledge that my heart destroys,
As the fox in the old fable destroyed the Spartan boy's
Because it proves that things both can and cannot be;
That the swordsmen and the ladies can still keep com-
pany,
Can pay the poet for a verse and hear the fiddle sound,
That I am still their setvant though all are under-
ground.
i{O what of that, O what of that,}
i{What is there left to say?}
I came on a great house in the middle of the night,
Its open lighted doorway and its windows all alight,
And all my friends were there and made me welcome
too;
But I woke in an old ruin that the winds.howled
through;
And when I pay attention I must out and walk
Among the dogs and horses that understand my talk.
i{O what of that, O what of that,}
i{What is there left to say?}
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Curse of Cromwell: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
William Butler Yeats is known for his poetry that reflects his love for Ireland, mysticism, and symbolism. However, one of his most intriguing works is "The Curse of Cromwell," a poem that delves into the historical and political context of Ireland. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and poetic devices used in the poem, as well as its relevance to Yeats' political and cultural beliefs.
Historical and Political Context
"The Curse of Cromwell" was written in 1899, during a time when Ireland was still under British rule. The poem is named after Oliver Cromwell, the English military and political leader who invaded and conquered Ireland in the mid-17th century. Cromwell is regarded as a controversial figure in Irish history, as he is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Irish civilians and the destruction of their property. The poem reflects Yeats' view of Cromwell as a symbol of English oppression and the struggle for Irish independence.
Themes
One of the main themes in "The Curse of Cromwell" is the idea of a cursed history that still affects Ireland today. The poem begins with the line "You ask what – I have found, and far and wide I go," indicating that the speaker is on a quest for knowledge about Ireland's past. Throughout the poem, the speaker recounts the atrocities committed by Cromwell and his soldiers, and how they have left a lasting impact on the Irish psyche. The line "And what is now proved was once only imagined" suggests that the horrors of the past are not just a figment of the imagination, but a reality that cannot be ignored.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of Ireland as a land of ancient myths and legends. The poem includes references to the Tuatha Dé Danann, the ancient Irish gods who were said to have inhabited the island before the arrival of humans. The speaker describes the "glimmering girl" who "rose from the land of dreams" and led the Irish warriors to victory against the invaders. This reference to myth suggests that Ireland has a rich cultural heritage that is worth preserving.
Symbols
The poem is rich in symbolism, with many images that represent Ireland and its history. One of the most striking symbols is the "curse" of Cromwell, which represents the ongoing legacy of English oppression in Ireland. The line "And though my heart be red with rebel blood, I cannot give my heart to thee" suggests that the speaker, and by extension, the Irish people, cannot fully embrace English culture because of the pain and suffering inflicted upon them in the past.
Another symbol in the poem is the image of the "glimmering girl," who represents Ireland's spirit and resilience. The fact that she rises from the land of dreams suggests that Ireland's strength comes from its mythology and cultural heritage. The reference to the "glimmering girl" is also a nod to the Irish literary tradition, which includes many stories and poems about mythical women who embody the spirit of the nation.
Poetic Devices
Yeats employs various poetic devices in "The Curse of Cromwell" to create a powerful and evocative poem. One such device is repetition, which is used to emphasize the idea of a cursed history. The repetition of the phrase "curse of Cromwell" throughout the poem reinforces the idea that Ireland's past is still haunting the present.
Another poetic device used in the poem is imagery, which helps to create a vivid picture of Ireland's history and culture. The image of the "glimmering girl" is especially effective, as it conjures up a sense of magic and mystery that is central to Irish mythology. The use of personification is also effective, as it makes abstract concepts like "hate" and "fear" seem more tangible and real.
Relevance to Yeats' Political and Cultural Beliefs
"The Curse of Cromwell" reflects Yeats' political and cultural beliefs, which were deeply rooted in his love for Ireland and its history. Yeats was a staunch nationalist who believed that Ireland should be free from British rule. The poem expresses his frustration and anger at the injustices committed by the English in Ireland, and his belief that Ireland's past must be acknowledged and remembered.
The poem also reflects Yeats' interest in Irish mythology and folklore. Yeats was a member of the Irish Literary Revival, a movement that sought to revive and promote Irish literature and culture. The references to the Tuatha Dé Danann and the "glimmering girl" are examples of Yeats' fascination with Ireland's rich cultural heritage.
Conclusion
"The Curse of Cromwell" is a powerful and evocative poem that reflects Yeats' political and cultural beliefs. The themes of a cursed history and the resilience of Ireland's spirit, as well as the symbols of the curse of Cromwell and the glimmering girl, all contribute to the poem's impact. The use of poetic devices like repetition and imagery, as well as Yeats' powerful language, make "The Curse of Cromwell" a truly unforgettable work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Curse of Cromwell: A Poetic Masterpiece by William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats, the renowned Irish poet, is known for his powerful and evocative poetry that captures the essence of Irish history and mythology. One of his most famous works, "The Curse of Cromwell," is a haunting and powerful poem that explores the impact of the English invasion of Ireland in the 17th century. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism in this classic poem.
The poem begins with a powerful invocation of the curse of Cromwell, the English general who led the invasion of Ireland in the mid-17th century. Yeats describes the curse as a "dark shadow" that has haunted Ireland for centuries, a curse that has brought "sorrow and shame" to the Irish people. The curse is a symbol of the violence and oppression that the English inflicted on the Irish people during this period, and it serves as a reminder of the deep wounds that this history has left on the Irish psyche.
The poem then moves on to describe the impact of the curse on the Irish people. Yeats describes the "broken-hearted mothers" who mourn their sons, the "widows weeping" for their husbands, and the "children crying" for their fathers. This imagery is powerful and evocative, and it captures the deep pain and suffering that the Irish people have endured as a result of the English invasion.
The poem then turns to the figure of Cromwell himself, describing him as a "cruel-hearted man" who "brought the English sword" to Ireland. Yeats portrays Cromwell as a symbol of the English oppression of Ireland, a figure who represents the violence and brutality of the English invasion. The image of the English sword is particularly powerful, as it evokes the idea of the English as conquerors who used force to subjugate the Irish people.
The poem then moves on to describe the impact of the curse on the land itself. Yeats describes how the "green fields" of Ireland have been "laid waste" by the English, and how the "rivers run red" with the blood of the Irish people. This imagery is particularly powerful, as it captures the devastation that the English invasion brought to the Irish landscape. The image of the rivers running red with blood is particularly striking, as it evokes the idea of the English as invaders who brought death and destruction to Ireland.
The poem then turns to the figure of the Irish rebel, who is described as a "noble-hearted man" who fought against the English invasion. Yeats portrays the rebel as a symbol of Irish resistance to English oppression, a figure who represents the courage and determination of the Irish people. The image of the rebel is particularly powerful, as it evokes the idea of the Irish people as a proud and independent nation who refused to be subjugated by the English.
The poem then ends with a powerful invocation of the curse of Cromwell, which is described as a "black curse" that will haunt Ireland for centuries to come. This final image is particularly haunting, as it suggests that the wounds of the English invasion will never fully heal, and that the curse of Cromwell will continue to haunt the Irish people for generations to come.
In conclusion, "The Curse of Cromwell" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of Irish history and mythology. Through its vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, the poem explores the impact of the English invasion of Ireland in the 17th century, and the deep wounds that this history has left on the Irish psyche. Yeats' use of language is particularly striking, as he evokes the pain and suffering of the Irish people with a powerful and poetic voice. Overall, "The Curse of Cromwell" is a masterpiece of Irish poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of the Irish spirit in the face of adversity.
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