Poem Analysis - Nineteen Hundred And Nineteen

W.B. Yeats' "Nineteen Hundred and Nineteen" is a lament for lost ideals and a brutal reflection on the disillusionment following World War I and the Irish War of Independence. The poem begins with a sense of wistful recollection, progresses to outrage and despair, and ultimately ends in a state of bleak acceptance. Yeats uses potent imagery to convey the shattering of beauty, innocence, and the perceived progress of civilization. The overall tone is one of deep sorrow and cynical resignation, punctuated by moments of fierce indignation.

Historical Echoes and Personal Anguish

Written in the aftermath of World War I and during the tumultuous period of the Irish War of Independence, the poem is deeply rooted in the historical context of violence and political upheaval. Yeats, an Irish nationalist, witnessed firsthand the brutality and disillusionment that followed the promise of independence. The violence and betrayal experienced during this period profoundly influenced his perspective, leading to a sense of despair about the possibility of lasting peace and progress. This backdrop helps to explain the poem’s pervasive sense of loss and the collapse of previously held beliefs.

The Vanishing Ideal: Loss of Innocence and Progress

One of the central themes of the poem is the loss of innocence and the disintegration of idealized visions of progress. The opening lines establish a longing for a past where "ingenious lovely things" existed, seemingly protected from the harsh realities of the world. Yeats mourns the destruction of cultural and artistic achievements, symbolized by "Phidias’ famous ivories" and "golden grasshoppers and bees," representing a loss of beauty and refinement. This romanticized past contrasts sharply with the present filled with violence and chaos, where the promise of enlightenment and reason has been replaced by barbarity.

The Brutal Reality: A World Consumed by Violence

The poem poignantly explores the theme of the pervasiveness of violence and its corrupting influence. Yeats portrays a world where soldiers act with impunity, leaving "the mother, murdered at her door, / To crawl in her own blood, and go scot-free." This stark image exemplifies the breakdown of law and order, revealing a society where morality has been abandoned. The "dragon-ridden" days and the "nightmare / Rides upon sleep" further emphasize the pervasive fear and terror that have replaced the earlier belief in progress and stability.

Isolation and Despair: The Inevitable Human Condition

Another significant theme is the sense of isolation and the recognition of the futility of human endeavors. The lines, "He who can read the signs nor sink unmanned...Has but one comfort left: all triumph would / But break upon his ghostly solitude," suggest that even those who recognize the truth are ultimately left with a profound sense of loneliness. The poem questions whether any lasting achievement is possible in a world prone to destruction and decay. This theme is further reinforced by the concluding lines, "Man is in love and loves what vanishes," highlighting the inherent human tendency to cherish that which is fleeting and ultimately unattainable, leading to inevitable disappointment and despair.

Symbols of Lost Glory and Enduring Destruction

Several recurring symbols and vivid images contribute to the poem's overall message. The "olive wood" image, once representing an enduring symbol of ancient art, is now lost, symbolizing the fragility of even the most revered cultural artifacts. The "grasshoppers and bees" evoke a sense of idyllic beauty and craftsmanship, representing a lost age of refinement and artistic skill. The image of the "drunken soldiery" becomes a symbol of the brutal reality that has replaced the previous optimism. Furthermore, the poem's ending phrase "burn that stump on the Acropolis, / Or break in bits the famous ivories / Or traffic in the grasshoppers or bees" poses the haunting question of whether history will continue to repeat the cycle of violence and destruction, further eroding civilization's achievements. Is the ultimate commentary about human nature, the cyclical nature of violence, or something more profound?

A Bleak Legacy: Reflecting on the Ruins of Ideals

In conclusion, "Nineteen Hundred and Nineteen" is a powerful and deeply pessimistic reflection on the aftermath of war and the collapse of idealized visions of progress. Yeats masterfully uses vivid imagery, poignant language, and a shifting tone to convey a sense of loss, outrage, and ultimately, bleak acceptance. The poem serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilization and the enduring presence of violence and destruction in human affairs. It is a lament for a lost world and a stark reminder of the limitations and inevitable disillusionment of the human condition.