Poem Analysis - Lines Written In Dejection

A Lament for Lost Vitality

William Butler Yeats's "Lines Written In Dejection" is a mournful reflection on aging and the loss of imaginative vitality. The poem expresses a deep sense of regret for a vanished world of myth and magic, replaced by a stark and unforgiving reality. The tone is initially one of wistful longing, quickly turning to bitter resignation as the speaker confronts the limitations of his age. A subtle shift occurs towards the end as he acknowledges the need to "endure" a changed world, hinting at a reluctant acceptance.

The Vanishing of a Mythical World

One of the primary themes in the poem is the loss of imagination and youthful vigor. The opening lines evoke a fantastical world populated by "dark leopards of the moon" and "wild witches," images that suggest a vibrant and powerful realm of the imagination. This world, however, is explicitly stated to be gone. The vanishing of these mythical creatures, alongside the "holy centaurs," symbolizes the fading of youthful creativity and the speaker's connection to a world of magic and wonder. The longing for this lost world underscores the speaker's dejection.

From Heroic Moon to Embittered Sun

The poem also explores the theme of shifting perspectives with age. The imagery of the moon and sun is central to this theme. The "heroic mother moon" likely represents the nurturing and inspiring power of youth and imagination. However, it has been "banished." In its place, the speaker finds only the "embittered sun" and, later, the "timid sun." The sun, initially "embittered," suggests a harsh and disillusioning reality. The transition to the "timid sun" further emphasizes the diminished power and passion that comes with age. The stark contrast between these celestial bodies highlights the speaker's changing perception of the world.

Symbolism and the Power of Imagery

A key symbol in the poem is the juxtaposition of the moon and the sun. The moon, traditionally associated with femininity, intuition, and the subconscious, represents the creative and imaginative forces that have deserted the speaker. Its disappearance signifies the loss of this vital connection. The sun, on the other hand, symbolizes reason, clarity, and the harsh realities of the world. Its presence, particularly in its "embittered" and "timid" forms, suggests a world devoid of magic and wonder, a world the speaker finds difficult to accept. The "broom-sticks and their tears,/Their angry tears" of the "wild witches" are especially potent. Are these the tears of rage at their own decline or those of the speaker, projecting his disappointment at the departure of magic itself?

Concluding Thoughts on Acceptance

In conclusion, "Lines Written In Dejection" is a poignant exploration of aging and the loss of imaginative power. Yeats uses vivid imagery and symbolism, particularly the contrasting images of the moon and sun, to convey the speaker's sense of regret and disillusionment. The poem ultimately suggests a movement toward acceptance, however reluctant, as the speaker acknowledges the need to "endure" the diminished world of his later years. It is a testament to the universal experience of confronting the limitations of age and the inevitable fading of youthful passions, making it a deeply resonant and thought-provoking work.