Poem Analysis - Closing

A Voice Fading but Enduring

William Butler Yeats' "Closing" is a poignant reflection on aging, legacy, and acceptance. The poem grapples with the fading of artistic power and the sting of public notoriety, while simultaneously searching for solace in friendship and a deeper understanding of self. The tone is initially melancholic, marked by a sense of diminished capacity, but shifts towards resolution and forgiveness as the speaker finds comfort in enduring values. The poem offers a complex and ultimately hopeful perspective on confronting the inevitable decline of life and reputation.

The Echoes of Literary History

Yeats, deeply rooted in Irish culture and mythology, was also highly aware of literary history. His reference to "Ben Johnson's phrase" (likely referring to the blunt, earthy language sometimes found in Jonson's work) highlights this awareness. It positions Yeats as part of a long line of poets, implicitly comparing his own experiences with those of his predecessors. Furthermore, the mention of "Kyle-na-no," a house and estate associated with Yeats, anchors the poem in a specific place and time, emphasizing the personal nature of the speaker's reflections. The poem thus situates the speaker's struggle with aging and fame within the broader context of artistic tradition and personal history.

The Vanishing of Fame and The Endurance of Friendship

One central theme in "Closing" is the transience of fame. The speaker laments that "Fame has perished that long while, / Being but a part of ancient ceremony." This suggests that recognition is fleeting and ultimately meaningless, compared to more profound and lasting values. Another theme, inextricably linked, is the search for genuine connection. The speaker finds "a friendlier home" at Kyle-na-no, implying that true solace lies not in public acclaim, but in intimate relationships. Finally, the poem explores the theme of self-acceptance. The speaker is able to "forgive even that wrong of wrongs," indicating a growing capacity to reconcile with past hurts and embrace the present, despite its imperfections.

Symbolism of Decay and Defilement

The poem employs potent imagery to convey its themes. The "reed-throated whisperer" symbolizes the speaker's diminished vocal power and artistic capacity. The contrast with the former "clear articulation in the air" highlights the loss of youthful vigor. The image of "a post the passing dogs defile" is particularly striking, representing the speaker's once "priceless things" (likely referring to his works and reputation) being degraded by public criticism and misunderstanding. The "dull ass's hoof" represents the mundane world and its inability to grasp deeper truths. The repeated use of decay and defilement underscores the speaker's struggle with the ephemeral nature of fame and the feeling of being misunderstood in his later years. Does the image of the dogs defiling the post invite us to consider the relationship between the artist and his audience?

A Final Reconciliation

"Closing" is a deeply personal meditation on the passage of time and the complexities of artistic life. The poem navigates the speaker's acceptance of fading fame, the search for genuine connection, and the process of forgiving past grievances. Through vivid imagery and a shift from melancholy to resolution, Yeats creates a powerful portrayal of finding solace and meaning in the face of decline. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true value lies not in fleeting public recognition, but in the enduring bonds of friendship, the contemplation of self, and the acceptance of one's own mortality, even as the world defiles what was once considered precious.