Poem Analysis - The Phases Of The Moon

William Butler Yeats's "The Phases of the Moon" is a complex, philosophical dialogue carried out under the watchful eye of the moon. The poem's tone is initially conversational and almost conspiratorial, but it deepens into a more serious, almost mystical exploration of human nature and artistic creation. The mood shifts from observation to esoteric explanation, culminating in a blend of knowing amusement and somber acceptance. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem explores the cyclical nature of life, the artist's struggle, and the ultimate futility of seeking absolute truth.

The Cyclical Nature of Existence: From Crescent to Full Moon

One of the poem's central themes is the cyclical nature of existence, represented by the twenty-eight phases of the moon. Robartes's long speech elucidates how these phases correspond to stages in a human life, from the adventurous early stages marked by the crescent moon to the intense self-examination of the soul under the full moon. The poem suggests that life is not a linear progression, but a series of recurring patterns, influencing the soul's development. Each phase brings unique experiences and challenges, ultimately leading to a state of being "cast out and cast away" beyond the ordinary world.

The Artist's Torment and Inspiration: A Candle in the Tower

The image of the man reading in the tower, illuminated by a solitary candle, serves as a potent symbol of the artist's isolation and relentless pursuit of knowledge. This pursuit, according to Robartes, is ultimately fruitless, as the artist seeks something that cannot be found in books or manuscripts. The reference to "Milton's Platonist" and "Shelley's visionary prince" evokes the Romantic tradition of the artist as a solitary genius, driven by a higher calling but often misunderstood or rejected by society. The artist's struggle is both a source of torment and a catalyst for inspiration, shaping their unique vision of the world.

The Illusion of Truth: Laughter and Bats in the Night

The poem questions the nature of truth and the limits of human understanding. Aherne's repeated laughter highlights the absurdity of the scholar's quest and the simplicity of the truth he seeks. The bat circling in the hazels as the light in the tower is extinguished symbolizes the elusiveness of knowledge and the eventual return to darkness. The poem suggests that ultimate truth may be unattainable, and the pursuit of it can lead to madness or disillusionment. However, the artistic expression that stems from this pursuit holds value, creating images that resonate with the human experience.

Body, Soul, and the Phases of the Moon: A Timeless Cycle

Yeats's "The Phases of the Moon" is a meditation on life's cyclical nature, the burden of artistic creation, and the paradoxical quest for truth. The lunar phases offer a framework for understanding human development, while the isolated scholar embodies the artist's struggle. Through evocative imagery and symbolic language, the poem suggests that life, much like the moon, follows a predictable yet mysterious course, a journey from birth to self-discovery and, ultimately, to a transformation beyond the world. The poem emphasizes that the true escape comes from seeing the inherent perfection in the whole cyclical process, from the cradle to beyond the grave.