Poem Analysis - My Table

Introduction: Stillness and the Search for Permanence

Yeats's "My Table" is a reflective poem, imbued with a sense of quiet contemplation. The poem begins with a seemingly simple description of a table, but quickly delves into deeper questions of art, tradition, and the elusive nature of permanence. There's a shift from the tangible objects on the table to an exploration of inner experience, moving from a relatively objective description to a more subjective and emotional reflection on art and the human condition. The tone is thoughtful, almost meditative, tinged with a subtle melancholy.

The Sword of Sato: A Symbol of Enduring Tradition

One of the central themes in "My Table" is the idea of enduring tradition, embodied by the sword of Sato. The sword, described as "changeless," represents the kind of artistic and cultural continuity that Yeats admired. Its history, spanning five hundred years and multiple generations, suggests a lineage of craftsmanship and a connection to the past. The phrase "Curved like new moon, moon-luminous" provides a striking image of both the sword's physical beauty and its symbolic connection to the cyclical, enduring nature of time and art.

The Ache of Impermanence: The Artist's Burden

Counteracting the theme of enduring tradition is the theme of impermanence and the artist's struggle. While the sword seems to embody changelessness, the poem argues that true artistic creation arises from an awareness of change and loss. The lines "if no change appears/ No moon; only an aching heart/ Conceives a changeless work of art" suggest that it is precisely the awareness of impermanence, the "aching heart," that drives the artist to create something that transcends time. The moon image is a strong example of contrast as something considered traditionally to be constant is connected to 'change' through an 'aching heart'.

Soul's Beauty: The Enduring Appeal of Inner Truth

Another key theme that emerges is that of inner beauty and the limitations of outward appearance. The poem suggests that true beauty resides in the soul, not in material possessions or social standing. The "rich inheritor" who is obsessed with inferior art suffers because he knows that earthly riches cannot guarantee access to "Heaven's door." His "aching heart" is a sign of his spiritual longing and his dissatisfaction with superficial values. The image of "Juno's peacock screamed" symbolizes the emptiness and superficiality of outward show, contrasted with the deeper meaning that true art seeks to capture.

Sword and Table: Anchors in a Transient World

Several key symbols appear in the poem. The sword and the table are both anchors in a world of flux. The sword represents enduring tradition, while the table is the physical space where the poet contemplates these ideas. The "embroidered dress" covering the sword sheath perhaps symbolizes the attempt to beautify and preserve the past, adding a layer of human touch to the cold steel. The moon, as previously mentioned, is used to show the contrast between permanence and change and the constant struggle to find beauty.

Concluding Thoughts: The Enduring Power of Art

In conclusion, "My Table" is a complex and insightful poem that explores the nature of art, tradition, and the human condition. Yeats uses the seemingly simple image of a table and its contents to delve into profound questions about permanence, change, and the role of the artist in a transient world. The poem suggests that true artistic creation arises from an awareness of impermanence and a longing for something that transcends time. Ultimately, it is a testament to the enduring power of art to capture and communicate the deepest truths of the human soul.