Paper no 106 : The Twentinth Century Literature (1900 to world war-ll)

              Personal Details 

Name: parmar vishwa vijaysinh

Roll No: 27

Paper No : 106 

Paper Name: The Twentinth Century Literature (1900 to world war-ll)

E-mail id: vishwabaparmar3536@gmail.com

Std: MA (sem-2)

College : Department of English ,Mkbu

Subject : Discuss The religion and mythological reference in the poem and their implication fir understanding Yeat's of the Future

               W.B.YEATS POEMS

*  Discuss The Religious and Mythological References in the Poem and their Implication for Understanding Yeat's Vision of the Future.

Introduction :

  

     William Butler Yeats is widely considered to be one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. He belonged to the Protestant, Anglo-Irish minority that had controlled the economic, political, social, and cultural life of Ireland since at least the end of the 17th century. Most members of this minority considered themselves English people who happened to have been born in Ireland, but Yeats staunchly affirmed his Irish nationality. Although he lived in London for 14 years of his childhood, Yeats maintained his cultural roots, featuring Irish legends and heroes in many of his poems and plays. He was equally firm in adhering to his self-image as an artist. This conviction led many to accuse him of elitism, but it also unquestionably contributed to his greatness. 

   As fellow poet W.H. Auden noted in a 1948 Kenyon Review essay entitled “Yeats as an Example,” Yeats accepted the modern necessity of having to make a lonely and deliberate “choice of the principles and presuppositions in terms of which [made] sense of his experience.” Auden assigned Yeats the high praise of having written “some of the most beautiful poetry” of modern times. Perhaps no other poet stood to represent a people and country as poignantly as Yeats, both during and after his life, and his poetry is widely read today across the English-speaking world.

   In Yeats' poetry, religious and mythological references are abundant, serving as potent symbols that deepen the thematic layers of his work. These references often draw from various traditions, including Christian, Celtic, and Greek mythology, weaving together a rich tapestry of imagery and meaning. By examining these references, we gain insight into Yeats' vision of the future, which is often characterized by cycles of history, spiritual transformation, and the search for meaning amidst chaos.

  W.B. Yeats' poetry often incorporates religious and mythological elements, which contribute to his vision of the future. In poems like "The Second Coming," he draws on Christian imagery, particularly the apocalyptic themes of the Book of Revelation, to express his anxieties about the state of the world. The poem's reference to "the rough beast, its hour come round at last" evokes the biblical concept of the Antichrist, suggesting a foreboding future marked by chaos and destruction.

   Certainly, here are some key points regarding the religious and mythological references in Yeats' poetry and their implications for understanding his vision of the future:

• Christian Imagery :

                         

     Yeats often incorporates Christian imagery, particularly from the Book of Revelation, to convey themes of apocalypse and renewal. References to figures like the Antichrist and the Second Coming suggest a vision of the future marked by cosmic upheaval and divine judgment.

   W.B. Yeats' incorporation of Christian imagery in his poems often reflects his broader exploration of spiritual themes and his fascination with the mystical. Here are a few more detailed examples:

• "The Second Coming": This poem, written in the aftermath of World War I and during a period of political upheaval, draws heavily on Christian imagery, particularly from the Book of Revelation. Yeats describes a world in turmoil, with images of darkness, chaos, and a "rough beast" slouching towards Bethlehem, evoking the anticipation of an apocalyptic event. The poem explores themes of destruction, rebirth, and the collapse of traditional values, echoing biblical narratives of the end times.

• "The Tower": In this collection, Yeats delves into themes of sin, redemption, and the search for spiritual enlightenment. Christian imagery is woven throughout the poems, as seen in references to angels, demons, and the struggle between good and evil. The tower itself becomes a symbol of spiritual ascent, with echoes of the biblical story of the Tower of Babel and the quest for divine understanding.

• "Easter 1916": While primarily focused on the Easter Rising in Ireland, this poem also contains Christian undertones, particularly in its portrayal of sacrifice and martyrdom. The Easter Rising, with its echoes of the crucifixion and resurrection, is depicted as a transformative event that ignites a sense of national identity and purpose.

• "Sailing to Byzantium": While not explicitly Christian, this poem explores themes of spiritual longing and transcendence. Byzantium is used as a symbol of the eternal and the divine, and the speaker's desire to escape the limitations of the physical world mirrors Christian aspirations for salvation and union with God.

These examples demonstrate how Yeats drew on Christian imagery to explore existential questions, societal upheaval, and the human quest for meaning and transcendence in his poetry.

• Irish Methology : 

    Yeat's draws heavily from Irish mythology, infusing his poetry with characters and stories from Celtic folklore. Figures like Cuchulain and the Morrigan symbolize themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the struggle for Irish independence. By invoking these mythic figures, Yeats connects his vision of the future to Ireland's rich cultural heritage.

    Cuchulain is a central figure in Irish mythology, known for his strength, courage, and tragic fate. Yeats frequently references Cuchulain in his poetry, using him as a symbol of heroism and the struggle for Irish identity. In poems like "Cuchulain's Fight with the Sea," Yeats portrays Cuchulain as a mythic hero who embodies the spirit of Irish nationalism and resistance against colonial oppression.

  Throughout his poetry, Yeats evokes the landscape of Ireland as a mythical and mystical realm inhabited by gods, heroes, and supernatural beings. He draws on the rich tradition of Irish folklore and legend to imbue the natural world with a sense of magic and wonder. This mythic landscape serves as a backdrop for Yeats' exploration of themes like national identity, cultural heritage, and the relationship between the human and divine.

• Archetypal Symbols: 

                           

     Yeats' use of religious and mythological symbols serves to evoke universal archetypes that resonate across cultures and time periods. By tapping into these deep-seated symbols, Yeats imbues his vision of the future with a sense of mythic significance, suggesting that human destiny is shaped by forces beyond our control.

     The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats employs several archetypal symbols to convey its themes of cosmic upheaval and the struggle between good and evil. 

      The very phrase "The Second Coming" invokes the archetype of divine intervention and renewal. In Christian theology, the Second Coming of Christ is associated with the final judgment and the establishment of a new order. In Yeats' poem, however, this archetype is subverted, as the arrival foretold is not one of salvation but of darkness and upheaval, challenging traditional notions of redemption and transcendence.

      Symbolizing love, passion, and the divine, the rose appears in Yeats' poetry as a metaphor for the pursuit of spiritual and aesthetic perfection.

     Representing the duality of human nature and the masks we wear to conceal our true selves, the mask appears in Yeats' poetry as a symbol of deception, identity, and the complexity of the human psyche.

• Transformation and Renewal :

       Despite the apocalyptic imagery that pervades much of his work, Yeats also suggests the possibility of transformation and renewal. Through cycles of destruction and rebirth, he envisions a future in which new possibilities emerge from the ashes of the old. This theme of regeneration reflects Yeats' belief in the transformative power of art and the human imagination.

     The transformation and renewal of Yeats's poems can be seen through various lenses, such as historical context, personal experiences, and evolving literary styles. Yeats's early poems often reflect romanticism and mysticism, while his later works delve into more modernist themes, grappling with the complexities of identity, politics, and human nature. Through revisiting and reinterpreting his own past works, as well as engaging with contemporary issues, Yeats continually revitalized his poetry, ensuring its relevance across generations.

    "The Second Coming"This poem is one of Yeats' most famous works and reflects his fascination with cycles of history and transformation. The poem describes a world in chaos, with the anticipation of a new era or "Second Coming" characterized by renewal and upheaval.

    These poem showcase Yeats' fascination with the themes of transformation and renewal, depicting the complexities of human experience and the enduring quest for meaning and transcendence.

Conclusion:

    In conclusion, Yeats's incorporation of religious and mythological references in his poetry serves to deepen our understanding of his vision of the future as one characterized by cycles of decay and renewal, spiritual struggle, and the quest for transcendence. Through his masterful use of symbolism and allegory, Yeats invites readers to contemplate the eternal truths and mysteries that lie at the heart of human experience, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

    

  Thank you.