Poem Analysis - The Mother Of God

Introduction: A Mother's Bewilderment

William Butler Yeats' "The Mother of God" presents a strikingly human portrayal of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The poem is steeped in a sense of awe mingled with confusion and even terror. It captures the profound paradox of bearing the divine within a mortal body. The tone shifts from initial descriptions of the annunciation's strangeness to a more personal and questioning reflection on motherhood and the nature of her child.

Historical Context and Yeats' Spirituality

While not explicitly political, the poem reflects Yeats' complex spirituality and his interest in the mystical. Yeats was deeply involved in occult and esoteric traditions, and he often explored themes of the divine intersecting with the human realm. This background informs his portrayal of Mary not as a purely divine figure, but as a woman grappling with an extraordinary and overwhelming experience. He frames this experience within a context familiar to Irish women of the time.

Theme 1: Divine Incarnation and Human Understanding

One central theme is the challenge of comprehending the divine incarnation through human eyes. The poem opens with descriptions of the annunciation as a “threefold terror of love,” portraying the divine visitation as something overwhelming and even frightening. The image of a "fallen flare / Through the hollow of an ear" suggests a sudden and intrusive experience, far removed from gentle serenity. This emphasizes the idea that encountering the divine can be disruptive and unsettling, particularly for a young woman accustomed to simple, everyday life. The poem highlights the incomprehensibility of holding "The Heavens in my womb," underscoring the vast gulf between the divine and the mortal.

Theme 2: Motherhood: A Paradox of Love and Fear

The poem also explores the paradox of motherhood, particularly in the context of bearing a child of divine significance. The speaker questions, "What is this flesh I purchased with my pains?" This line acknowledges the physical and emotional toll of motherhood, while also highlighting the mystery of the child she brought forth. The phrase "fallen star my milk sustains" is a powerful juxtaposition, linking the celestial with the earthly and suggesting the immense responsibility that comes with nurturing a child who is both human and divine. The contradictory feelings of love – "This love that makes my heart's blood stop / Or strikes a sudden chill into my bones" – capture the complex emotions of a mother who is both deeply connected to her child and profoundly awed by his nature.

Theme 3: Longing for Simplicity and the Familiar

A significant theme is the longing for the simplicity and familiarity of everyday life. The speaker contrasts her extraordinary experience with the ordinary joys and routines of "Every common woman." The images of "Chimney corner, garden walk, / Or rocky cistern where we tread the clothes" evoke a sense of peace and contentment found in domesticity and community. This highlights the speaker's human desire for normalcy amidst the overwhelming circumstances of her divine pregnancy. The speaker is asking for an understanding of her predicament and questioning her own worthiness to bear such a burden, rather than any pride in her situation.

Symbolism: Flesh and Stars

Recurring symbols play a crucial role in conveying the poem's themes. "Flesh" symbolizes mortality and the human condition, contrasting sharply with the divine nature of the child. The "fallen star" is a potent image that represents the divine essence brought down to earth, made vulnerable and dependent on human care. It also speaks to the sacrifice inherent in Christ's incarnation. The "milk" could be interpreted as the symbol of human nurturing, but in the poem it is the medium sustaining a fallen star.

Conclusion: The Human Face of Divinity

In conclusion, "The Mother of God" offers a poignant and deeply human perspective on the Virgin Mary. Yeats does not present her as an untouchable icon, but as a woman struggling to comprehend the extraordinary circumstances of her life. The poem grapples with the themes of divine incarnation, the paradox of motherhood, and the longing for simplicity, using vivid imagery and a shifting tone to convey the speaker's awe, confusion, and ultimately, her profound commitment to the child she bears. It leaves the reader contemplating the immense weight and wonder of being chosen for such a divine task, seen through the eyes of a relatable, questioning woman.