Poem Analysis - A Man Young And Old 8 Summer And Spring

A Fleeting Moment of Unity and the Sting of Jealousy

Yeats' "Summer and Spring," from his "A Man Young and Old" sequence, captures a brief, idealized moment of connection followed by a sharp descent into jealousy and disillusionment. The poem begins with a tone of wistful nostalgia, describing shared memories and a desire for wholeness. However, this idyllic atmosphere quickly turns sour as the specter of past relationships and the pain of exclusion intrude. The poem ultimately explores the complex and often contradictory nature of love and memory.

The Thorn Tree: Witness to Shared History

The poem is steeped in Irish folklore and tradition. Yeats was deeply interested in Irish mythology and rural life. The "old thorn-tree" itself is a significant symbol in Irish folklore, often associated with faeries, liminal spaces, and ancient stories. In this poem, the thorn tree acts as a silent witness to the characters' past and present, emphasizing the enduring power of memory and the weight of history in their relationships. Its presence suggests that the past is never truly gone, but rather continues to shape their interactions.

Love, Memory, and the Inevitable Disillusionment

One of the central themes of the poem is the idealization of love and memory, juxtaposed with the harsh reality of human relationships. The initial image of two souls "halved" seeking wholeness through union is a romantic and optimistic one. They attempt to recapture a shared past to solidify their bond. However, this idyllic vision is shattered by the introduction of Peter, whose "murdering look" reveals the undercurrent of jealousy and the realization that their shared history is not exclusive. This hints at the theme of exclusion, as not everyone shares the same memories or experiences, creating a sense of separation. The abrupt shift in tone demonstrates the poem's exploration of the painful reality that love is not always a unifying force, and memories can be sources of division and resentment.

Seasonality as Symbolism

The title "Summer and Spring" introduces a powerful metaphor. Summer, often associated with maturity, fullness, and fruition, is contrasted with spring, the season of youth, new beginnings, and potential. The line "When we had all the summer-time / And she had all the spring!" suggests a disparity in the relationship dynamic. Perhaps "summer" represents the man's maturity and experience, while "spring" embodies the woman's youth and freshness. However, this may also indicate a temporal separation; they are experiencing different stages of life or phases in their relationship. It's also important to note the lack of winter and fall seasons. This suggests a desire to remain in a state of perpetual growth and happiness, which is ultimately impossible.

A Bitter Harvest of Memory

In conclusion, "Summer and Spring" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love, memory, and jealousy. Yeats masterfully uses vivid imagery and symbolic language to depict a fleeting moment of unity that is ultimately overshadowed by the weight of the past and the pain of exclusion. The poem suggests that even the most idyllic moments are vulnerable to the intrusion of reality and the inevitable disillusionment that comes with navigating the intricate landscape of human relationships. The ending leaves the reader with a sense of unresolved tension, questioning whether the initial hope for wholeness can ever truly be achieved.