Poem Analysis - The Mountain Tomb

An Elegy of Paradox: Introduction

Yeats's "The Mountain Tomb" is a short but potent elegy, a lament for the figure referred to as "Our Father Rosicross." The poem creates a paradoxical atmosphere, simultaneously celebrating life and mourning death. Its tone oscillates between a call for revelry and a somber acceptance of mortality. This tension makes it a compelling meditation on how to confront loss, not with despair, but with a heightened embrace of existence, while also acknowledging the enduring power of death.

Rosicrucian Roots: Contextual Considerations

While the poem's footnote is undefined, "Our Father Rosicross" strongly suggests a connection to the Rosicrucian Order, a mystical brotherhood rumored to possess ancient secrets. Yeats himself was deeply involved in esoteric societies, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which drew inspiration from Rosicrucianism. This context implies that the poem isn't simply about the death of an individual, but the passing of wisdom, knowledge, and perhaps even a particular spiritual tradition. The poem functions as a eulogy for something larger than a single person.

Celebrating Life in the Face of Death: A Central Theme

One of the poem's central themes is the confrontation with mortality and the choice of how to respond. The first two stanzas are dominated by imperatives: "Pour wine and dance," "Bring roses," "Pull down the blinds, bring fiddle and clarionet." These commands urge the living to actively engage with life's pleasures. The images of wine, roses, music, and kissing represent sensory experiences and human connection. This deliberate pursuit of joy serves as a direct counterpoint to the presence of death, symbolized by the "tomb." This juxtaposition highlights the importance of cherishing life while acknowledging its inevitable end.

The Enduring Power of Nature: Symbolism of the Cataract and the Taper

The poem uses vivid imagery to reinforce its themes. The "cataract smokes upon the mountain side" serves as a powerful symbol. The cataract, a forceful and ceaseless waterfall, represents the ongoing, relentless nature of life and the passage of time. It "cries" even "in vain, in pain," suggesting an unyielding force that continues despite suffering. In contrast, the "everlasting taper" represents the enduring spiritual flame, or perhaps the lingering presence of the deceased's wisdom. The contrast between the active, natural image of the cataract and the still, symbolic image of the taper encapsulates the poem's tension between life's vitality and the serenity of death.

Wisdom Encased: Mortality and Meaning

Another prominent theme is the nature of wisdom and its relationship to mortality. The line "All wisdom shut into his onyx eyes" is particularly striking. Onyx, a dark and opaque stone, symbolizes the finality of death but also suggests the preservation of wisdom within the deceased. The wisdom remains, though inaccessible. This image invites contemplation: Does death truly extinguish wisdom, or does it merely transform it? Is wisdom inherently tied to the living, or can it exist independently? The ambiguity of this line adds depth to the poem's reflection on what is lost when someone dies.

An Elegy for Living: Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Mountain Tomb" is more than just a lament for a deceased Rosicrucian figure; it is a powerful exploration of how to live in the face of death. By juxtaposing images of revelry and mourning, Yeats crafts a poem that embraces the paradox of existence. The vivid imagery, particularly the cataract and the onyx eyes, deepens the poem's meditation on the relationship between life, death, wisdom, and the enduring power of nature. Ultimately, the poem urges us to celebrate life's fleeting moments while acknowledging the eternal presence of mortality.