Poem Analysis - To Ireland In The Coming Times

An Invocation to the Future

William Butler Yeats' "To Ireland In The Coming Times" is a passionate declaration of artistic intent, a plea for recognition alongside Ireland's literary heroes, and a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and art. The poem blends reverence for Irish history and mythology with a personal commitment to artistic expression. While the tone is largely confident and assertive, driven by a desire for legacy, there's also an undercurrent of melancholy, a recognition of mortality and the potential insignificance of earthly endeavors in the face of divine eternity. The poem ends with a tone of pleading, with the author writing to the future and asking to be remembered.

Historical Context: Ireland's Literary Revival

Yeats was a central figure in the Irish Literary Revival, a movement aimed at promoting Irish culture, language, and literature. This poem is deeply intertwined with that context. He references Davis, Mangan, and Ferguson, prominent figures in Irish nationalism and literature, explicitly placing himself within their lineage. The poem’s focus on Ireland's "wrong" and the need to "sweeten" it suggests a desire to contribute to the national identity and to give voice to the political and cultural aspirations of the Irish people through art.

The Enduring Power of Irish Identity

One central theme is the enduring power of Irish identity and its connection to history and mythology. Yeats personifies Ireland as a timeless, almost mythical figure, whose "red-rose-bordered hem" is associated with ancient roots and the land itself. The "red-rose-bordered hem" is mentioned throughout the poem, and acts as a symbol of both Irish identity, and the way Yeats is drawn to contribute to this identity. He links Ireland's history to both divine creation ("Before God made the angelic clan") and elemental forces ("flood and wind"). This theme emphasizes the spiritual and cultural depth of Ireland, which Yeats seeks to capture and preserve in his poetry.

Art as a Bridge Between Worlds

Another key theme is the role of art as a bridge between the tangible and intangible, the mortal and immortal. Yeats describes how his rhymes reveal "things discovered in the deep, / Where only body's laid asleep." He suggests that poetry can access realms beyond conscious understanding, drawing inspiration from the subconscious and the supernatural. This notion is reinforced by the presence of "elemental creatures" that "hurry from unmeasured mind," suggesting that art can channel forces beyond human control. It also connects to the Druidism that Yeats invokes with the line "A Druid land, a Druid tune!". He emphasizes this connection again, later in the poem when he mentions "all benighted things that go/About my table to and fro".

The Fleeting Nature of Time and the Pursuit of Legacy

The poem also grapples with the theme of mortality and the desire for lasting legacy. Yeats acknowledges that life "Is but the winking of an eye," emphasizing the brevity of human existence. This awareness fuels his desire to be remembered alongside the great Irish poets of the past. By "casting his heart into his rhymes," he hopes that future generations will understand his passion and dedication to Ireland. His use of imagery to describe how the current generation is "passing on" shows the cyclical nature of life and legacy that Yeats fears.

Recurring Symbolism: The Red-Rose-Bordered Hem

The "red-rose-bordered hem" is a powerful recurring symbol. It represents Ireland itself, its history, its beauty, and its mystical allure. The hem suggests the edge of something vast and ancient, hinting at the depth and complexity of Irish culture. The red rose, traditionally associated with love and passion, reinforces Yeats's deep affection for his country. His relentless pursuit "after the red-rose-bordered hem" symbolizes his unwavering commitment to Irish identity and artistic expression. Is this hem meant to represent Ireland’s rich and colorful past, or is it the promise of a future yet to be woven?

Conclusion: A Poet's Plea for Immortality

In conclusion, "To Ireland In The Coming Times" is a multifaceted poem that explores themes of Irish identity, the power of art, and the fleeting nature of existence. Yeats weaves together personal ambition with patriotic fervor, seeking to secure his place in the pantheon of Irish literary heroes. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, he captures the essence of Ireland's history and mythology, while also acknowledging the limitations of earthly endeavors. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human desire for recognition and the hope that art can transcend the boundaries of time and mortality. Ultimately, this piece is a deeply personal plea for immortality, a message in a bottle tossed into the future, hoping to be discovered and understood.