Poem Analysis - The Fascination Of Whats Difficult

Introduction: A Weary Resignation

William Butler Yeats' "The Fascination Of What's Difficult" is a lament, a cry of frustration from a soul weary of struggle. The poem begins with a tone of exhaustion, tinged with bitterness, and gradually builds towards a resolution, albeit one born of desperation. The speaker expresses a deep dissatisfaction with the complexities and burdens of his life, yearning for a simpler existence. This is not a poem of triumph, but rather a confession of defeat by the demands of artistic and worldly endeavors.

The Artist's Burden: A Central Theme

One of the central themes of the poem is the burden of the artist, specifically Yeats's own struggles with the practicalities of artistic creation and management. The opening lines directly address this, stating how "the fascination of what's difficult" has drained him. This "fascination" refers to the allure of complex artistic pursuits, but the consequences are dire: it has robbed him of "spontaneous joy and natural content." The "plays / That have to be set up in fifty ways" and "Theatre business, management of men" further emphasize the draining nature of these responsibilities. Yeats paints a vivid picture of the artist trapped in a cycle of constant labor and compromise.

Loss of Innocence and Freedom

Another key theme is the loss of innocence and freedom. The extended metaphor of the colt is crucial here. The colt, initially imagined as a creature of "holy blood" and Olympian heights, is now reduced to a beast of burden, forced to "shiver under the lash, strain, sweat and jolt / As though it dragged road-metal." This stark contrast highlights the gap between the idealized vision and the harsh reality. The colt represents the speaker's own spirit, once vibrant and free, now weighed down by the demands of his artistic and worldly responsibilities. The image of dragging "road-metal" is particularly powerful, suggesting a heavy, relentless, and ultimately soul-crushing task.

The Price of Worldly Engagement

A third theme can be identified as the price of worldly engagement. Yeats is not just lamenting the artistic process, but also "the day's war with every knave and dolt." This line suggests a weariness with the political and social battles he has to fight, likely referring to his involvement in Irish national identity and the struggles within the literary world. The use of the words "knave and dolt" convey the frustration and contempt the speaker feels for those he sees as obstacles to his artistic vision. This engagement, while perhaps seen as a duty, has ultimately cost him his personal happiness and peace.

Symbolism of the Stable: Escape or Resignation?

The final image of the "stable" and "bolt" is rich in symbolism. The stable could be interpreted as a place of retreat, a sanctuary from the pressures of the world. Pulling out the bolt represents a decisive act of escape, a rejection of the "fascination of what's difficult" in favor of a simpler, more authentic existence. However, the image also carries a hint of resignation. Is the speaker seeking genuine freedom, or simply succumbing to exhaustion and giving up the fight? The ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations, leaving the reader to ponder the ultimate meaning of this act of seeming defiance.

Conclusion: A Bitter Freedom

"The Fascination Of What's Difficult" is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices and disappointments inherent in the artistic life and worldly engagement. Yeats uses vivid imagery and a tone of weary resignation to convey the emotional toll of striving for artistic and political success. The poem serves as a reminder that the pursuit of excellence can sometimes come at the cost of personal joy, and that the promise of a simpler life can be both alluring and ultimately, perhaps, a form of surrender. The final image of the stable, a place of both refuge and potential stagnation, encapsulates the complex and unresolved nature of the speaker's desire for escape.