Poem Analysis - Model For The Laureate

Introduction: A Poet's Disdain

William Butler Yeats's "Model For The Laureate" is a sardonic and critical poem, seemingly aimed at defining what a poet laureate should *not* be. The poem progresses with a tone of disdain, starting with a dismissal of powerful, yet emotionally detached rulers and culminating in a condemnation of those who prioritize public acclaim over personal integrity. The mood is one of weary cynicism, punctuated by the repeated refrain which emphasizes the sacrifices made in the name of power and public service. The poem questions the values of those in power, and implies that those values are ultimately hollow.

Historical Context: Yeats and Public Life

While the poem doesn't directly reference specific historical events, it's helpful to remember Yeats's own complex relationship with public life. He was an Irish senator and deeply involved in Irish cultural and political movements. He witnessed firsthand the allure and potential corruption of political power. This experience likely informed his skepticism towards those who prioritize "reason of the State" or "public men" over more personal and authentic connections. The poem can be seen as reflecting Yeats’s wariness of the trappings and compromises inherent in public service.

The Corrosion of Power on Personal Connection

One central theme is the corrosive effect of power on personal relationships, specifically love. The repeated lines, "Keep their lovers waiting, Keep their lovers waiting," serve as a constant reminder of the human cost of ambition and political expediency. Whether it's the kings from "China to Peru" or the modern "public men," the poem suggests that the pursuit and maintenance of power necessitate neglecting those closest to them. The phrase "keep their lovers waiting" becomes symbolic of a deeper emotional neglect and the prioritization of public image over private connection.

The Devaluation of Authentic Experience

The poem also explores the devaluation of authentic experience in favor of superficial accolades. Yeats contrasts the intimate connection of love with the shallow approval of the masses ("Those cheers that can be bought or sold"). The imagery of the "waxen seal" and "signature" represents the cold, impersonal nature of bureaucratic power, a stark contrast to the warmth and passion implied in the idea of a lover's embrace. The question "For things like these what decent man / Would keep his lover waiting?" directly challenges the reader to consider the worth of public recognition compared to personal fulfillment.

The Muse's Silence: A Lost Artistic Integrity

Finally, the poem addresses the loss of artistic integrity in the face of political pandering. The line "The Muse is mute when public men / Applaud a modern throne" suggests that true artistic inspiration cannot thrive in an environment of sycophancy and political opportunism. The Muse, representing artistic inspiration, is silent when poets and artists prioritize praise from those in power over genuine expression. This theme implicitly critiques the role of the laureate, questioning whether the position inherently requires a compromise of artistic principles for the sake of public approval. This raises the question of what the role of a "true" poet should be in the face of political power.

Concluding Thoughts: A Timeless Critique

"Model For The Laureate" is a powerful critique of the compromises and sacrifices demanded by power and public life. Through its sardonic tone, potent imagery, and recurring refrain, the poem highlights the human cost of ambition and the potential for political expediency to corrupt both personal relationships and artistic integrity. Yeats's poem resonates even today, serving as a reminder to question the values of those in positions of power and to prioritize authentic connection over superficial accolades. It's a warning against trading personal fulfillment for public approval, a timeless message relevant to leaders and artists alike.