Poem Analysis - Beggar To Beggar Cried

Yearning for Escape and the Illusions of Contentment

William Butler Yeats's "Beggar to Beggar Cried" is a poignant exploration of the human desire for escape and the often-illusory nature of contentment. The poem presents a speaker, seemingly a beggar, consumed by a "frenzy," who dreams aloud of a life free from his current hardships. The tone begins with a wistful yearning, but quickly shifts to a cynical awareness of the pitfalls that await even those who achieve a semblance of comfort. The poem ultimately reveals the beggar's struggle to reconcile his aspirations with a deep-seated skepticism about the possibility of true happiness.

The Frenzy of Discontent

The recurring phrase "Beggar to beggar cried, being frenzy-struck" is crucial to understanding the poem. This phrase doesn't just describe the speaker's state of mind; it emphasizes the universal nature of discontent. The repetition suggests that this desire for something more is a common human experience, perhaps even a kind of madness that afflicts us all. The "frenzy" could also be interpreted as a form of desperation, born from the beggar's impoverished state, driving him to fantasize about an idealized future.

The Allure and Deception of Material Comfort

One of the central themes is the illusory nature of material comfort. The beggar initially seeks "a comfortable wife and house" to escape his current misery. However, his vision of domestic bliss is quickly tainted by cynicism. He fears the "devil in his shoes" and the "worse devil that is between my thighs," suggesting an awareness of the temptations and complications that come with physical comfort and relationships. The beggar fears that wealth will lead to discontentment in the same way that poverty leads to an "itch" in the poem.

Beauty's Double Edge

The poem delves into the complex relationship between beauty and happiness, highlighting the potential for beauty to be a source of anguish. The beggar desires a "comely lass," but then immediately cautions against her being "too comely," acknowledging that excessive beauty can be a burden. He sees a "devil in a looking-glass," implying that vanity and self-obsession, often associated with beauty, can be destructive forces. The mirror becomes a symbol of the superficiality and potential dangers of outward appearances.

A Yearning for Tranquility Tempered by Cynicism

The final stanza presents a vision of tranquility: growing "respected at my ease" and hearing "the wind-blown clamour of the barnacle-geese." This imagery suggests a desire for a peaceful and natural existence. However, the preceding stanzas have instilled a sense of doubt, making us question whether the beggar truly believes this idyllic vision is attainable. The poem ends on a note of ambiguous resignation. Is the beggar genuinely hopeful, or is this just another fleeting fantasy born out of his "frenzy?"

Final Thoughts

"Beggar to Beggar Cried" is a powerful exploration of human desire and the complexities of happiness. Through vivid imagery and a cynical tone, Yeats reveals the beggar's yearning for escape and the realization that contentment may be an elusive, perhaps even impossible, goal. The poem serves as a reminder that the pursuit of happiness is often fraught with challenges and that even when we achieve what we desire, there may still be a "devil" lurking in the details.