Poem Analysis - Meeting

Introduction: A Bitter Encounter

Yeats's "Meeting" is a short, sharp poem about a painful and disillusioned encounter between two former lovers. The poem drips with bitterness and resentment as the speakers trade insults and lament their past relationship. The mood is initially one of guarded animosity, quickly escalating into open hostility and finally hinting at a lingering, underlying affection hidden beneath layers of anger. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of unresolved conflict and the tragedy of a love soured by time or circumstance.

The Mask of Old Age and Resentment

The opening lines, "Hidden by old age awhile / In masker's cloak and hood," suggest that the speakers are not literally aged, but are hiding behind a facade of resentment and perhaps even regret. This "masker's cloak and hood" symbolizes the defenses they have erected to protect themselves from further pain. The phrase "Each hating what the other loved" immediately establishes the central conflict: a fundamental incompatibility or a shared love that has turned to loathing. This sets the stage for the verbal sparring that follows, highlighting the depth of their animosity and the chasm that has grown between them.

The Corrosion of Love: A Central Theme

One of the poem's central themes is the corrosion of love into hatred and bitterness. The speakers' harsh words reveal the extent to which their relationship has deteriorated. Her lines, "Say that of living men I hate / Such a man the most," are particularly scathing, demonstrating a depth of animosity that seems almost performative. His response, while initially indignant, hints at a vulnerability masked by anger. The poem suggests that the initial love, however strong, was not immune to the destructive forces of time, misunderstanding, or perhaps even inherent flaws within the relationship itself.

Pride and the Impossibility of Boasting

The theme of pride, and its connection to the tainted memory of love, is also prominent. The woman's declaration, "Let others boast their fill…But never dare to boast / That such as I had such a man / For lover in the past," suggests a desperate attempt to rewrite history and to deny the significance of the relationship. She cannot even allow others to praise their former connection because it has become a source of shame and pain. This reveals a deep insecurity and a refusal to acknowledge the past, even if it was once a source of joy. The man's subsequent dismissal of "A loony'd boast of such a love" echoes this sentiment, further emphasizing the mutual desire to erase the memory of their affection.

Symbolism of Clothing: Unveiling True Feelings

The recurring image of clothing as disguise is central to understanding the poem. The "masker's cloak and hood" at the beginning represent the emotional barriers they have erected. The poem's final stanza, "Could we both discard / This beggarly habiliment -- / Had found a sweeter word," uses clothing as a symbol of their emotional defenses. This "beggarly habiliment," suggesting tattered and worn garments, represents the accumulated layers of resentment and pride that obscure their true feelings. The lines imply that beneath these defenses, there might still be a glimmer of affection or understanding, a "sweeter word" that could bridge the gap between them if they were willing to shed their pride and vulnerability.

Conclusion: Lingering Affection or Empty Regret?

“Meeting” is a poignant exploration of the destructive power of bitterness and the enduring complexities of human relationships. The poem suggests that even after love has soured, a trace of the original affection might remain, buried beneath layers of resentment and self-protection. The open ending leaves the reader wondering whether the "sweeter word" is a genuine possibility or simply a wistful, unattainable fantasy. Ultimately, the poem serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of love and the enduring consequences of unresolved conflict. The lingering question is: can genuine reconciliation ever occur, or are they forever doomed to reside in this state of mutual hatred?