Poem Analysis - Chosen

Introduction: An Ethereal Acceptance

William Butler Yeats' "Chosen" is a mystical exploration of love's complex nature, tinged with both acceptance and an undercurrent of struggle. The poem's tone is initially active and searching, marked by the speaker's effort to understand love through astrological imagery. As the poem progresses, a shift towards stillness and acceptance emerges, culminating in a sense of wonder and transformation. The poem is, overall, an introspective monologue of embracing love’s demanding path.

The Laborious Path of Love

One of the main themes of "Chosen" is the laborious nature of love. The very first line, "The lot of love is chosen," emphasizes this element of free will and implies a conscious decision to embrace love's challenges. The speaker's struggle on "the track / Of the whirling Zodiac" suggests a difficult journey of self-discovery and understanding of the complexities of intimate relationships. The verb "struggling" reappears later, reinforcing the idea that love is not passive; rather, it requires effort and engagement.

Transcendent Union

Another prominent theme is the idea of love as a transcendent union. The speaker describes a moment of profound connection, where "his heart my heart did seem / And both adrift on the miraculous stream." This imagery suggests a merging of identities and a journey beyond the physical realm, into a space of spiritual and emotional oneness. The "miraculous stream" evokes a sense of the divine or supernatural power that can be found in love. The allusion to the astrologer and the transformation of the Zodiac into a sphere further amplifies the idea of transcendence. A transformation of the mundane physical world into something spiritual and all encompassing.

Finding Empowerment Through Acceptance

The poem subtly explores the theme of female empowerment through acceptance. Instead of focusing on the immediate physical act of love, the speaker prioritizes the "stillness" and the shared experience of souls connecting, a state "where his heart my heart did seem." This stillness is not passive; it's a chosen theme, a space where deeper understanding and unity are found. The speaker's choice to embrace this experience, even in the face of the "horror of daybreak," highlights her agency and ability to define her own pleasure and meaning within the relationship. The ability to select what is important to her, and her relationship, from a potentially challenging situation.

Zodiac and Midnight: Symbols of Cyclical Change and Intimacy

Recurring symbols in the poem include the Zodiac and the image of midnight. The Zodiac, with its "whirling" motion, can be interpreted as a symbol of cyclical change, fate, and the ever-evolving nature of relationships. The "maternal midnight of my breast" serves as a powerful image of intimacy, creation, and the nurturing aspect of love. It suggests a space of deep connection and the potential for renewal. The contrast between the vastness of the Zodiac and the intimacy of "midnight" highlights the paradoxical nature of love: it can be both expansive and deeply personal.

Conclusion: Choosing the Divine

In conclusion, "Chosen" is a profound meditation on the demanding path of love, where challenges are embraced, and transformative connection sought. Yeats uses vivid imagery and mystical symbolism to depict a love that transcends the physical, leading to a profound sense of unity and personal empowerment. The poem suggests that the true essence of love lies not in the act itself, but in the shared stillness and the miraculous journey of souls intertwining. Ultimately, the speaker's choice is to embrace the divine potential within human connection.