Poem Analysis - Remorse For Intemperate Speech

Introduction: A Confession of Unruly Passion

William Butler Yeats' "Remorse For Intemperate Speech" is a powerful exploration of the poet's struggle with an "fanatic heart," a passionate and perhaps uncontrollable intensity that shapes his interactions and worldview. The poem moves from a sense of regret for past outbursts to an understanding of this fervor as an intrinsic part of his being, deeply rooted in his Irish identity. The tone is initially apologetic and reflective, gradually shifting towards acceptance, albeit tinged with a sense of resignation. This short poem, packs a powerful emotional punch, leaving the reader to question the source and impact of such fervour.

Ireland's Imprint: Shaping the "Fanatic Heart"

Yeats, deeply involved in the Irish literary and political scene, wrote during a period of intense nationalistic fervor and social upheaval in Ireland. The third stanza makes this connection explicit: "Out of Ireland have we come, / Great hatred, little room, / Maimed us at the start." This suggests that the historical and political context of Ireland, characterized by oppression, limited opportunities, and deep-seated animosities, has contributed to the development of this "fanatic heart." The phrase "maimed us at the start" speaks to the lasting damage inflicted on the Irish psyche, perhaps fostering a passionate, even zealous, commitment to national identity and liberation. This inherited trauma becomes a fundamental aspect of the speaker's inner self, a burden carried "from my mother's womb." The "little room" could be interpreted literally, referring to limited space, and also as a metaphor for limited opportunities for personal or national growth.

The Unruly Heart: A Central Theme

The most prominent theme is the struggle to control or reconcile with an inner "fanatic heart." This heart represents an intense, unwavering passion that seems impervious to reason or social influence. The speaker expresses remorse for having "ranted to the knave and fool," suggesting that this passion has led to inappropriate or uncontrolled expressions. Furthermore, the speaker admits that even when attempting to engage with "my betters," individuals with "fine manners, liberal speech," this inner passion remains unaffected. Nothing, neither social refinement nor rational discourse, can "reach / My fanatic heart." This highlights the sense of an intractable, deeply ingrained emotional force that dictates the speaker's actions and experiences. This suggests that Yeats views the heart as almost independent from the speaker himself, something that they're struggling to control, and perhaps cannot control at all.

The Bitter Fruit of Hatred: A Cycle of Discontent

Another key theme present in the poem is the destructive nature of hatred, both as a personal emotion and as a collective force shaping Irish identity. The lines "Great hatred, little room, / Maimed us at the start" directly link hatred to the speaker's Irish heritage. The phrase "little room" suggests limited opportunity and potential for growth, further emphasizing the constricting and damaging impact of this pervasive hatred. While the speaker attempts to transcend this hatred through interaction with others, the "fanatic heart" remains unchanged, implying that this cycle of hatred is deeply ingrained and difficult to escape. The poem implies that hatred, passed down through generations, is a corrosive force that hinders individual and collective well-being. Hatred becomes both the problem and the unsolvable truth of the speaker's existence.

Symbols of the Inner Self: Heart and Womb

The "fanatic heart" serves as a central symbol of the speaker's inner self, representing the powerful, often uncontrollable emotions that drive his actions and perceptions. It is not simply a repository of love or compassion but a source of intense passion, potentially fueled by hatred or a fervent commitment to ideals. The image of the "mother's womb" is equally symbolic, representing the origin of this "fanatic heart." It suggests that this passion is not merely a product of individual experience but is inherited, passed down through generations, deeply embedded in the speaker's cultural and familial heritage. This imagery reinforces the idea that the speaker's struggle with his "fanatic heart" is not an isolated personal battle but a reflection of a larger historical and cultural context. Is the speaker implying that Ireland itself is a kind of "mother" that has given birth to this fervor?

Conclusion: Embracing the Inescapable

"Remorse For Intemperate Speech" is a poignant exploration of the struggle to reconcile with an inner "fanatic heart," a passion deeply rooted in the speaker's Irish identity and historical context. The poem traces a journey from regret to acceptance, acknowledging the limitations of reason and social influence in controlling this ingrained emotional force. Ultimately, the poem suggests that this "fanatic heart," while potentially destructive, is an inextricable part of the speaker's being, a legacy of historical trauma and cultural identity that cannot be easily shed. This short poem is ultimately a powerful examination of the self and the complex interplay between personal identity, historical context, and uncontrollable emotions.