Poem Analysis - The Peacock

Introduction: Pride and Transcendence

Yeats's "The Peacock" is a short but powerful poem that celebrates the enduring power of artistic vision and the triumph of inner pride over external circumstance. The poem's tone is initially questioning, but quickly shifts to one of affirmation and even exultation. The poem suggests that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the unwavering dedication to one's creative passion, a passion that transcends even death.

The Enduring Power of Artistic Vision

One of the central themes of "The Peacock" is the enduring power of artistic vision. The poem posits that the artist, symbolized by the creator of the peacock, possesses something far more valuable than mere "riches." The opening question, "What's riches to him / That has made a great peacock / With the pride of his eye?" immediately establishes this contrast. The creation of the peacock, fueled by "the pride of his eye," becomes an act of self-expression and a testament to the artist's inner wealth. This inner wealth allows him to thrive, figuratively and literally, in even the most desolate environment.

Pride as a Source of Strength

The theme of pride as a source of strength and sustenance is intricately woven throughout the poem. The peacock's pride is not presented as arrogance, but as a vital force that sustains the artist's spirit. The image of the "wind-beaten, stone-grey, / And desolate Three Rock" suggests a harsh and unforgiving environment. Yet, this environment "would nourish his whim," because the artist's inner vision, his pride, transforms the desolation into a source of inspiration. The desolate landscape is not a barrier, but a canvas on which the artist can realize his creative vision.

Transcending Mortality Through Art

The poem explores the idea of transcending mortality through art. The lines "Live he or die / Amid wet rocks and heather, / His ghost will be gay / Adding feather to feather / For the pride of his eye" suggest that the artist's dedication to his craft extends beyond his physical existence. Even in death, his spirit continues to create, "adding feather to feather," driven by the same "pride of his eye" that animated him in life. This implies that art is a form of immortality, a way for the artist to leave a lasting legacy and continue to shape the world even after their death.

Symbolism of the Peacock and the Landscape

The peacock itself functions as a powerful symbol of beauty, artistry, and pride. Its elaborate feathers, painstakingly crafted, represent the dedication and skill of the artist. The "stone-grey" landscape, contrasted with the vibrant peacock, highlights the transformative power of art to bring beauty to even the most barren of places. The desolate landscape ("wind-beaten, stone-grey, / And desolate Three Rock") also serves as a symbol of the challenges and hardships faced by the artist, yet these challenges are ultimately overcome by the artist's unwavering commitment to their craft.

Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy of Vision

In conclusion, "The Peacock" is a concise and evocative poem that celebrates the enduring power of artistic vision and the ability of art to transcend the limitations of mortality and environment. Yeats suggests that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the inner pride and dedication that drive the artist to create. The poem's final image of the artist's ghost continuing to add "feather to feather" serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting legacy that art can create, a legacy that continues to inspire and enrich the world long after the artist is gone. The poem leaves the reader to ponder the nature of creativity itself, and what gives the artist the strength to pursue it in the face of hardship.