Poem Analysis - A Man Young And Old 9 From Oedipus At Colonus

Introduction: Weariness and the Allure of Nothingness

William Butler Yeats's "From Oedipus at Colonus" (A Man Young and Old: 9) is a meditation on the burdens of existence and the fleeting nature of joy. The poem presents a weary acceptance of life's hardships, contrasted with glimpses of revelry that ultimately underscore the suffering inherent in the human condition. The tone is initially resigned, tinged with bitterness, but shifts subtly towards a melancholic appreciation for the finality of death. The poem contemplates the complexities of life and the longing for release.

The Weight of Living: Mortality and Suffering

The poem's central theme revolves around mortality and the pervasiveness of suffering. The opening lines, "Endure what life God gives and ask no longer span; / Cease to remember the delights of youth, travel-wearied aged man," immediately establish a sense of exhaustion and a desire to escape the relentless march of time. The phrase "travel-wearied aged man" becomes a symbol for the experience of living itself. The subsequent lines emphasize how even the most cherished memories of "delight" can transform into a "death-longing" when other longings remain unfulfilled. This transition highlights the ephemeral nature of happiness and the enduring presence of pain. The mention of "Death, despair, division of families, all entanglements of mankind" reinforces the inescapability of suffering.

Joy as a Fleeting Illusion

The poem contrasts the weariness of age with vibrant images of youth and celebration, yet these scenes serve to amplify the theme of suffering. The "laughing dancers" and the bridal procession with "torchlight and tumultuous song" represent the joys of life, but these moments are presented as fleeting and ultimately illusory. The speaker declares, "I celebrate the silent kiss that ends short life or long," suggesting that the true culmination of life is not in these moments of pleasure but in the silence of death, a release from suffering. This highlights the poem's cynical view of joy as a temporary distraction from life's inherent pain.

The Appeal of Non-Existence

The final stanza explicitly contemplates the allure of non-existence. The lines "Never to have lived is best, ancient writers say; / Never to have drawn the breath of life, never to have looked into the eye of day" present a stark vision of pre-natal bliss, a state devoid of suffering. This idea, borrowed from classical philosophy, suggests that the greatest gift is to have never experienced the pains of existence. However, since life has already begun, the "second best" option is a swift departure, "a gay goodnight and quickly turn away." The image of turning away suggests a rejection of the world and its inherent sorrows, finding solace in the finality of death.

Symbolic Darkness and Light

Throughout the poem, the imagery of light and darkness operates on multiple levels. The "torchlight" of the bridal procession symbolizes the passionate energy of life, but it's a fleeting, artificial light. The "eye of day" represents consciousness and awareness of the world, but also awareness of its pains. In contrast, the "silent kiss" of death offers a different kind of darkness, a peaceful oblivion. The speaker's preference for this silence suggests a longing for escape from the burdens of awareness and experience. Is the silent kiss an acceptance, or a surrender?

Conclusion: A Poignant Reflection on the Human Condition

In conclusion, "From Oedipus at Colonus" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, grappling with themes of mortality, suffering, and the fleeting nature of joy. Yeats uses vivid imagery and contrasting scenes to convey a sense of weariness and a longing for release. The poem ultimately suggests that while life may offer moments of delight, it is ultimately burdened by suffering, making the idea of non-existence a tempting alternative. The poem’s significance lies in its unflinching examination of the darker aspects of life, a reminder of the human struggle against the inevitable.