Poem Analysis - A Nativity

A Dreamlike Nativity: Introduction

Yeats' "A Nativity" is a short, enigmatic poem that evokes a sense of wonder and unease around the traditional image of the Nativity. The poem reads like a series of dreamlike questions, layering artistic and historical allusions onto the scene. The tone is initially curious and almost playful, but it quickly shifts towards something darker, tinged with terror and uncertainty. This unsettling atmosphere challenges conventional interpretations of the birth of Christ, suggesting a more complex and perhaps even threatening reality beneath the surface.

Artistic and Historical Layers

Yeats draws heavily on artistic and historical figures to build his unique version of the Nativity scene. Delacroix, a famous Romantic painter, lends his artistry to the glisten of the drapery. Landor, a poet known for his classical style, ensures the ceiling is waterproof. The inclusion of Irving, likely a reference to the actor Henry Irving, with his "plume of pride," and Talma, a tragedian associated with dramatic thunderbolts, further imbues the scene with theatricality and power. These allusions emphasize that this is not a straightforward representation of the Nativity, but rather a highly stylized and artistically constructed one, filtered through the lens of human creation and performance. The poem, therefore, becomes a meditation on the very act of representing sacred events through art.

The Theme of Unconventional Divine Power

The poem subtly explores the theme of divine power presented in a peculiar form. The references to artistic and historical figures seem to highlight how human artistry and expression are intertwined with interpretations of divine events. Talma's "thunderbolt," for example, associated with theatrical performance, becomes a symbol for the dramatic and awe-inspiring nature of the event, suggesting that the power of the Nativity is not solely divine but is also reflected and amplified through human interpretation and performance. Furthermore, Landor's tarpaulin is a practical solution to a universal problem. Its presence might suggest a blending of the profane and sacred, where divine events are accommodated using ordinary, earthly means.

Recurring Images: Light, Terror, and Interrogation

The image of light, initially represented by the "drapery glisten," is a central motif. However, the question "Why is the woman terror-struck?" introduces a contrasting image of fear and unease. This stark contrast suggests an ambiguity surrounding the Nativity, implying that it is not simply a source of joy and salvation but also a potentially terrifying or incomprehensible event. The constant questioning throughout the poem further reinforces this ambiguity. Each stanza poses a question, prompting the reader to actively engage with the scene and grapple with its unsettling nature. The final question, "Can there be mercy in that look?" leaves the reader with a lingering sense of doubt and uncertainty, challenging the traditional association of the Nativity with unconditional love and forgiveness.

Concluding Thoughts: A Troubling Birth

In conclusion, "A Nativity" presents a complex and unsettling vision of the birth of Christ. By layering artistic and historical allusions onto the traditional scene, Yeats creates a sense of theatricality and artifice. The poem moves from curiosity to terror, questioning the very nature of the divine event and the woman's response to it. The poem questions the nature of mercy itself. Ultimately, "A Nativity" is not a celebration of faith but a deeply unsettling exploration of the mysteries and ambiguities surrounding a pivotal moment in religious history, challenging the reader to reconsider the comfortable narratives associated with the Nativity and view it through a lens of artistic representation and human perception.