Poem Analysis - Are You Content

A Poet's Discontent: An Introduction

Yeats's "Are You Content?" is a poem steeped in familial legacy and a yearning for fulfillment that never quite arrives. The tone is reflective, tinged with both pride and dissatisfaction. The poem shifts between celebrating his ancestors and grappling with his own sense of incompleteness, creating a sense of restless introspection. The overarching question becomes whether a life lived in art and contemplation is enough.

Echoes of Ancestry and Identity

The poem is deeply rooted in Yeats's Irish identity and his awareness of lineage. He invokes a litany of ancestors, from the "smuggler Middleton" to "Old William Pollexfen," seeking their judgment on his artistic achievements. These figures aren't just names; they represent a tangible connection to a past filled with action and, perhaps, a different kind of fulfillment. By calling upon these figures to “judge what I have done,” he shows the weight of legacy is on his shoulders. There is a sense that his accomplishments are tied to their actions, and only they can truly assess their worth.

The Unfolding Theme of Unfulfilled Potential

A central theme in "Are You Content?" is the tension between artistic aspiration and personal satisfaction. Yeats explicitly states, "I cannot, but I am not content." This sentiment recurs, highlighting his inability to find peace despite a life dedicated to poetry. The contrast is stark: he acknowledges his poetic endeavors ("Have I, that put it into words") yet feels something vital is missing. He contrasts his chosen path with alternatives: “Infirm and aged I might stay / In some good company, / I who have always hated work, / Smiling at the sea,” suggesting a simpler, perhaps more conventional life could have been an option, yet it too falls short of offering true contentment.

Symbols of Judgment and the Afterlife

The “Eyes spiritualised by death” serve as a potent symbol throughout the poem. These are the eyes of his ancestors, now beyond the realm of earthly concerns, capable of offering a truly objective judgment. This imagery highlights the separation between the living and the dead and underscores Yeats’s yearning for external validation from these spectral figures. The very act of “calling on those that call me son” also suggests a ritualistic element, as if seeking guidance or absolution from the past. The "old stone Cross" set up in Sligo at Drumcliff can also be interpreted as a symbol for continuity with the past, religious faith, and, even, judgement.

The Elusive Nature of Contentment: Concluding Thoughts

"Are You Content?" is not a poem of triumph, but rather a poignant exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning. Yeats’s use of ancestral figures and vivid imagery highlights his personal struggle to reconcile his artistic achievements with his underlying sense of dissatisfaction. The repeated refrain, "I am not content," leaves the reader with a lingering sense of incompleteness, reminding us that even in a life dedicated to art, true contentment can remain an elusive and perhaps unattainable goal. The poem stands as a testament to the enduring power of self-reflection and the inherent human desire for something more.