Poem Analysis - Consolation

Introduction: A Balm for Existential Weariness

William Butler Yeats's "Consolation" offers a gentle, if somewhat cryptic, solace for the burdens of existence. The poem unfolds as a whispered reassurance, a promise of comfort in the face of life's inherent difficulties. Its tone is initially authoritative, invoking the wisdom of sages, but it shifts towards a more intimate and compassionate voice as the speaker contemplates the weight of being. This movement suggests a journey from abstract philosophical musings to a deeply personal understanding of suffering and the possibility of overcoming it. Ultimately, the poem suggests a path to acceptance, if not outright happiness, through acknowledging and then transcending the inherent darkness of life.

The Inherent Burden: Exploring the Theme of Original Sin

One of the central themes of "Consolation" is the idea of inherent human suffering, almost a kind of original sin. This is most evident in the lines "How could passion run so deep / Had I never thought / That the crime of being born / Blackens all our lot?" Yeats isn't necessarily advocating a literal belief in sin, but rather using the concept metaphorically to describe the inescapable pain and hardship that accompany human existence. The image of being "blackened" suggests a defilement or taint that affects everyone, regardless of their individual actions. The intensity of human emotion, "passion run so deep," is directly linked to this awareness of inherent suffering, suggesting that our capacity for joy is inextricably tied to our vulnerability to pain.

Seeking Respite: The Comfort of Forgetfulness

The poem develops the theme of consolation through the idea of forgetting or transcending the inherent negativity of existence. The lines, "But where the crime's committed / The crime can be forgot," offer a pathway out of despair. This isn't necessarily about ignoring the problems of the world, but rather about finding a way to move beyond the crushing weight of them. The speaker implies that acknowledging the inherent "crime" or burden is the first step towards being able to forget it. The initial instruction, "stretch that body for a while / And lay down that head," can be interpreted as a call for rest and relaxation, a temporary escape from the mental and physical strain of life, which enables this forgetting.

Sages and Comfort: Symbolism and Meaning

The "sages" are a recurring symbol in the poem, representing traditional wisdom and philosophical understanding. The speaker initially seeks their guidance, suggesting a reliance on established knowledge. However, the lines "Till I have told the sages / Where man is comforted" imply a shift in authority. The speaker intends to teach the sages about a new form of comfort, one that goes beyond abstract wisdom and delves into a personal understanding of suffering and its potential resolution. This could be interpreted as a rejection of purely intellectual solutions in favor of a more intuitive or experiential understanding of human needs. Perhaps the "sages" represent the limitations of pure intellect when confronting existential pain.

Concluding Thoughts: Finding Peace in Paradox

"Consolation" ultimately offers a paradoxical vision of comfort. It acknowledges the inherent darkness of human existence – the "crime of being born" – while simultaneously suggesting the possibility of forgetting or transcending that darkness. Yeats doesn't provide easy answers, but he offers a glimpse of hope through acceptance and the potential for personal transformation. The poem's significance lies in its recognition of the complexities of human suffering and its quiet assertion that even in the face of profound hardship, solace and peace are attainable. The final message seems to suggest that acknowledging the problem is the key to finding some kind of resolution, as the way to 'forget the crime' is to know where the crime is 'committed.'