Poem Analysis - Colonel Martin

William Butler Yeats' "Colonel Martin" is a ballad that unfolds like a wry and darkly humorous tale. The poem recounts the story of a cuckolded Colonel who chooses a peculiar path of revenge and ultimately, a strange kind of philanthropy. The tone is initially lighthearted and almost jaunty, driven by the recurring refrain, but it gradually darkens as the Colonel's actions become increasingly complex and ambiguous. The poem ultimately becomes a meditation on justice, revenge, and the unexpected consequences of one man's actions.

A Cuckold's Peculiar Revenge

The central plot revolves around the Colonel's discovery of his wife's infidelity. Rather than reacting with conventional anger or violence, he embarks on a calculated and bizarre plan. He disguises himself as a peddler to present her with jewelry, confirming his suspicions. Yeats avoids explicitly detailing the confrontation, focusing instead on the aftermath and the Colonel's unique response. This unconventional approach underscores the poem's satirical edge, highlighting the absurdity of societal expectations surrounding marriage and revenge.

Justice, Gold, and Public Opinion

One of the major themes explored is that of justice, or rather, the public perception of it. The Colonel is awarded damages by the court, which he then uses to buy the favor of the townspeople. The poem cleverly subverts traditional notions of justice. The gold, representing legal compensation, is not used for personal gain but is instead redistributed to the poor. This action, though arguably impulsive, resonates with the community, turning potential assassins into admirers. The poem subtly questions whether true justice lies in legal verdicts or in acts of kindness and generosity, and if the latter is a manipulation of the former.

Sailing as a Symbol of Detachment

The recurring phrase "The Colonel went out sailing" acts as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It appears at the end of most stanzas, creating a cyclical rhythm and implying a sense of detachment from the Colonel's actions. Sailing can be interpreted as a metaphor for the Colonel's emotional distance from the events unfolding. He is present, but also removed, almost like an observer of his own life. The sea, vast and unpredictable, reflects the uncertain and chaotic nature of his experiences and the unpredictable outcomes of his choices. It emphasizes that he does not control the events, but that he only can react to them.

The Price of Principle

The poem ends with a stark reminder that generosity can have unintended consequences. Tom, the Colonel's man, is punished for his lack of foresight in not keeping any of the gold. "Then want before you die" is a harsh judgment, illustrating the potential for even well-intentioned actions to lead to suffering. This final episode introduces a complex layer of moral ambiguity, suggesting that even in acts of apparent altruism, there can be elements of cruelty and negligence. Ultimately, it leaves the reader questioning the Colonel's motives and the true cost of his unusual form of justice.