Poem Analysis - Long Legged Fly

A Meditation on Creation and Civilization

William Butler Yeats' "Long-Legged Fly" is a contemplative poem that explores the delicate balance between focused creative thought and the preservation of civilization. The poem uses a consistent image to connect three seemingly disparate figures – Caesar, a young girl, and Michelangelo – suggesting that the concentration required for moments of historical and artistic importance shares a common essence. The tone is hushed and reverential, emphasizing the fragility of genius and the need for quietude to foster it. There's a sense of urgent protection woven throughout, a plea to safeguard the environment necessary for these minds to flourish.

Historical Echoes and the Author's Concern

Yeats, writing in the early 20th century, was deeply concerned about the decline of traditional values and the rise of chaos and violence in Europe. The poem reflects this anxiety, particularly in the first stanza's worry that "civilisation may not sink." Caesar represents order, power, and the Roman Empire, a civilization that eventually did collapse. By juxtaposing Caesar with artistic figures, Yeats implies that both political stability and artistic creation are vital for a flourishing society. The poem subtly warns that distractions and a lack of focus can lead to the downfall of both.

Themes of Focus, Creativity, and Protection

One of the central themes of "Long-Legged Fly" is the intense concentration required for great achievements. Each stanza depicts a figure deeply absorbed in thought or action: Caesar strategizing, the girl practicing her dance, and Michelangelo sculpting. The recurring image of the "long-legged fly upon the stream" symbolizes this focused attention. Just as the fly maintains its balance and direction on the water's surface, these figures maintain their mental focus amidst the potential chaos of the world around them.

The poem also explores the theme of creativity and its sources. The girl's "tinker shuffle" and Michelangelo's artistic creation suggest that inspiration can come from unexpected places – a street performance or the quiet observation of mice. The poem highlights the transformative power of art, turning mundane movements and observations into something beautiful and significant.

Finally, the poem underscores the need to protect the conditions that foster creativity. The repeated commands to "quiet the dog," "tether the pony," "move most gently," and "shut the door" emphasize the fragility of the creative process and the need for a tranquil environment. Yeats suggests that society has a responsibility to shield these moments of genius from disruption.

The Fly and Other Symbols

The image of the "long-legged fly" is the poem's central symbol, representing the delicate balance between the conscious mind and the chaotic world. Its seemingly effortless movement over the water's surface suggests the fluidity and grace of creative thought. However, the fly's precarious position also hints at the vulnerability of this state of mind. The poem suggests that constant diligence is needed to shield the creator and the creative thought.

The "topless towers", which the speaker mentions should be remembered by "men," likely allude to the destruction of Troy, symbolizing the transience of even the most powerful civilizations and serving as a warning to present-day society. The tower acts as an allusion and a metaphor; it is a literal building, but also a symbol of what men have created.

The "Pope's chapel" represents the established order and religious dogma, which, in the context of the poem, must be shielded from the "children" who might disrupt the artistic process. It can be interpreted as a symbol of constraint. But the "Pope's chapel" might simply be the space where Michelangelo could create, and that space should be kept clear. The ambiguity of the symbol adds a layer of complexity to the poem.

Concluding Thoughts

"Long-Legged Fly" is a powerful meditation on the importance of preserving the conditions necessary for both civilization and artistic creation. Yeats suggests that great achievements, whether political, artistic, or personal, require intense focus and a protected environment. The poem's recurring image of the fly, along with its hushed tone and urgent commands, emphasizes the delicate balance between the creative mind and the chaotic world. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the moments of genius that shape our history and culture and to value the focus and work needed for artistic and political creativity.