Poem Analysis - The Ladys Third Song

Introduction: A Song of Divided Love

William Butler Yeats' "The Lady's Third Song" is a complex and emotionally charged exploration of love, jealousy, and the tension between the spiritual and the physical. The poem speaks from the perspective of a woman addressing her lover's new paramour, proposing a strategy of divided affection. The tone is initially conversational, almost confessional, but quickly becomes laced with bitterness and a desire for control. The poem’s mood shifts from a seemingly rational proposition to a passionate plea to a demand, underscored by the use of vivid and unsettling imagery.

The Poet's Struggle with Body and Soul

While no specific footnote exists for this poem, Yeats was deeply concerned with the relationship between the body and the soul, a common theme in his work. Influenced by mystical traditions, he saw these as often being in conflict. This poem reflects that tension, not through a direct debate between these forces but through the speaker’s attempt to manipulate them to her advantage. The speaker seeks to manage the earthly expression of love to protect the unseen realm of "the soul." She’s battling not only a rival but also her own understanding of love as a unified experience.

The Theme of Possessive Love

The poem is primarily driven by the theme of possessive love. The speaker's desire to "split his love / Till either neither have enough" is a direct attempt to maintain control over her lover's affections. This isn't simply about romantic rivalry; it's about power. She aims to dilute the love he offers, ensuring that no one, including herself, experiences it fully. This strategy is born from jealousy and fear of losing him completely, highlighting the destructive potential of possessiveness in relationships. The speaker’s goal is not happiness but control.

Spiritual vs. Carnal Desire

A significant theme is the contrast between the spiritual and carnal aspects of love. The speaker urges the other woman not to "Speak no evil of the soul, / Nor think that body is the whole." She acknowledges the importance of both, implying that love is incomplete without acknowledging the spiritual component. However, she ironically suggests manipulating the physical ("hand explore a thigh") to elicit spiritual repercussions ("All the labouring heavens sigh"). This implies a belief that the physical act of love directly affects the spiritual realm, creating a strange blend of reverence and manipulation.

Jealousy and its Serpent's Kiss

The poem explores jealousy through the striking imagery of a "contrapuntal serpent hiss." The serpent, a traditional symbol of temptation and deceit, here represents the bitter, poisonous emotion of jealousy. The word "contrapuntal," suggesting a discordant harmony, indicates that this jealousy isn't a simple, straightforward feeling, but a complex, interwoven element within the relationship. The speaker wishes to hear this hiss, implying a desire to be reminded of the potential for betrayal and pain, a masochistic attachment to the knowledge of her lover's infidelity.

Symbolism of Heaven's Labour

The image of "All the labouring heavens sigh" is powerfully symbolic. "Heavens" often signify the realm of the divine and the pure. "Labouring" suggests effort, struggle, and even pain. The sighing heavens, prompted by the exploration of a thigh, implies a spiritual burden caused by earthly desires. It could be interpreted as the heavens lamenting the imperfection of human love or the corruption of something sacred by something profane. Alternatively, it could symbolize the immense emotional weight and consequences of the lovers' actions.

Conclusion: An Unsettling Bargain

"The Lady's Third Song" is a haunting exploration of love's darker aspects. Through vivid imagery and a tone that oscillates between reason and desperation, Yeats crafts a portrait of a woman grappling with jealousy and a fear of abandonment. The poem's enduring power lies in its refusal to offer easy answers, leaving us with a sense of unease about the complexities of love, the potential for manipulation within relationships, and the enduring tension between the physical and spiritual realms. The final question, and perhaps the most unnerving aspect of the poem, is whether such a bargain - to divide love to preserve it - can ever truly succeed, or if it ultimately destroys all involved.