Poem Analysis - Lullaby

A Dream of Peace and Mythic Sleep

William Butler Yeats' "Lullaby" is a serene and evocative poem that seeks to lull a beloved into a deep and untroubled sleep. The poem employs classical allusions and soothing imagery to create a sense of timeless tranquility. While the opening lines suggest a personal affection, the poem quickly transcends the individual, invoking legendary lovers and mythical encounters. The tone is initially comforting and reassuring, gradually shifting towards a more profound contemplation of love, destiny, and the peace found in oblivion.

Echoes of the Past: Love and Destiny

One of the poem's central themes is the intertwining of love and destiny. Each of the three stanzas presents a scenario where love is deeply intertwined with fate. In the first stanza, Paris's love for Helen is not just a personal choice but a pivotal event that will lead to the Trojan War. Tristram's passion, described in the second stanza, is fueled by a potion, highlighting the inescapable force of destiny guiding his affections. Finally, the myth of Leda and the Swan illustrates the ultimate fusion of love and divine will, suggesting that even the most profound intimacies can be governed by larger, uncontrollable forces.

The Symbolism of Sleep

Sleep itself functions as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents not merely rest but also escape, oblivion, and a return to a state of primal innocence. The poem directly seeks to provide an escape, as highlighted in "Beloved, may your sleep be sound." The references to Paris sleeping after finding Helen or Tristram sleeping after the potion work suggest sleep as a reward or a respite from the burdens of passionate love and the complexities of life. The slumber that falls upon Leda after her encounter with the swan hints at a similar kind of release and acceptance of her destiny. Sleep becomes synonymous with peace, contentment, and even a kind of surrender to fate.

Vivid Imagery and its Softening Effect

Yeats masterfully employs vivid imagery to evoke a sense of serenity and timelessness. The "golden bed" in the first stanza suggests opulence and luxury, while the "oak and beechen bough" in the second stanza conjure a natural, idyllic setting. The image of the "Eurotas' grassy bank" provides a visual backdrop to the encounter between Leda and the swan, grounding the myth in a tangible reality. The use of animals like "Roe could run or doe could leap" create a sense of safety. These images, combined with the poem's gentle rhythm, contribute to the overall sense of peace and tranquility that Yeats seeks to create.

A Final Quietude

In conclusion, "Lullaby" is more than just a simple bedtime song. It is a meditation on love, destiny, and the solace found in sleep. Through classical allusions and evocative imagery, Yeats creates a world of timeless beauty and profound emotional depth. The poem suggests that even in the face of life's turmoil and the inevitability of fate, moments of peace and tranquility can be found in the embrace of love and the oblivion of sleep. It's a delicate, potent mix of myth and emotion, offering a final insight: perhaps true rest lies not in escaping reality, but in finding a quiet acceptance of its intertwined beauty and tragedy.