Poem Analysis - Beautiful Lofty Things

William Butler Yeats' "Beautiful Lofty Things" is a nostalgic and reverent recollection of influential figures from the Irish Literary Revival. The poem pulses with admiration and a hint of melancholy, portraying its subjects as almost mythical beings. The tone is celebratory, even bordering on awe, but there's an undercurrent of awareness that this golden age is irrevocably past. The poem moves from specific, vivid portraits to a broader, more elegiac conclusion.

Echoes of a Cultural Movement

Yeats was a central figure in the Irish Literary Revival, a movement aimed at promoting Irish culture and identity, particularly through literature and the arts. Many of the figures mentioned in the poem, such as O'Leary, Lady Gregory, and Maud Gonne, were also key players in this cultural and political awakening. The poem serves as a tribute to their contributions and underscores the significance of their efforts in shaping a national identity. He immortalizes a collective endeavor, preserving the memory of these figures and their work.

The Theme of Idealized Memory

A central theme of the poem is the idealization of memory and the past. The figures described are not presented as ordinary individuals, but as "beautiful lofty things." The language elevates them to a near-mythical status. For example, Maud Gonne is compared to Pallas Athene, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, immediately imbuing her with a sense of power and grandeur. Similarly, the description of O'Leary with his "noble head" suggests a figure of great stature and moral strength. The poem isn’t simply remembering the past, but reshaping it into something glorious.

Artistic Rebellion and Defiance

Another prominent theme is that of artistic rebellion and defiance. The poem celebrates figures who challenged the status quo. Yeats' father, for example, provokes a "raging crowd" with his pronouncements on "Saints." Standish O'Grady, despite addressing a "drunken audience," continues to deliver "high nonsensical words," suggesting a dedication to his art regardless of the circumstances. This theme of defiance reflects the broader aims of the Irish Literary Revival, which sought to challenge English cultural dominance and create a space for Irish artistic expression. Lady Gregory's calm reaction to a death threat shows a different kind of defiance: a refusal to be intimidated. This underscores the courage and conviction that fueled the movement.

The Ephemeral Nature of Greatness

The poem also subtly explores the theme of the ephemeral nature of greatness. While celebrating the achievements of these figures, the final line, "a thing never known again," introduces a note of melancholy and loss. This line suggests that the era of the Irish Literary Revival, with its unique blend of talent, passion, and political engagement, is gone forever. It is a powerful statement that highlights the fleeting nature of historical moments and the individuals who define them. The poem acknowledges the passage of time and the inevitable fading of even the most brilliant lights.

Images of Power and Presence

Several vivid images stand out in the poem. Lady Gregory’s "great ormolu table" is a symbol of her wealth, status, and power as a patron of the arts. It suggests a center of intellectual and artistic activity. Maud Gonne "at Howth station waiting a train" presents a striking image of anticipation and purpose, reinforced by the comparison to Pallas Athene. These images create a sense of presence and importance, contributing to the overall impression of these figures as larger-than-life personalities. The "beautiful mischievous head" of Yeats’s father is particularly telling, embodying a spirit of playful rebellion.

A Legacy Remembered

"Beautiful Lofty Things" is a poignant tribute to the individuals who shaped the Irish Literary Revival. It’s a poem filled with admiration, nostalgia, and a sense of loss. By portraying these figures as almost mythical beings, Yeats immortalizes their contributions and underscores the significance of their efforts in shaping Irish national identity and challenging artistic and cultural norms. The final line serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of historical moments, making the act of remembrance all the more crucial.