Poem Analysis - The Song Of Wandering Aengus

An Enchanting Quest for Eternal Beauty

William Butler Yeats' "The Song of Wandering Aengus" is a captivating poem that blends reality and dream, creating a sense of longing and perpetual pursuit. The poem begins with a tangible, almost mundane act of fishing but quickly transitions into a mystical experience. The tone shifts from one of deliberate action to one of enchanted yearning. Ultimately, it leaves the reader with a sense of timeless, unattainable desire.

A Glimpse into Irish Mythology

While not explicitly stated, the poem deeply resonates with Irish folklore. Aengus is himself a figure from Irish mythology, the god of love, youth, and beauty. The inclusion of hazel, a tree revered in Celtic tradition for its wisdom and magical properties, further grounds the poem within this mythological context. Understanding this background enriches the interpretation, suggesting that the "glimmering girl" may represent a fairy or spirit, making Aengus's quest not merely romantic but also a search for something beyond the mortal realm.

The Pursuit of Ideal Beauty

One of the central themes is the relentless pursuit of ideal beauty and love. Aengus abandons his caught trout, symbolizing a rejection of the tangible, for the ephemeral vision of the girl. His subsequent wandering "through hollow lands and hilly lands" highlights the exhausting, never-ending nature of this search. The poem suggests that true beauty and fulfillment are often unattainable, existing just beyond our grasp, forever beckoning us onward.

The Blurring of Reality and Dream

The poem masterfully blurs the lines between reality and dream, reflecting the theme of illusion and the power of the imagination. The transformation of the trout into a "glimmering girl" is a pivotal moment, highlighting the power of Aengus's desire to reshape his perception of reality. The "silver apples of the moon" and "golden apples of the sun" symbolize the impossible dreams that drive him, blurring the boundary between the earthly and the fantastical. This dreamlike quality adds to the poem's enchanting and elusive nature.

The Enduring Power of Love and Memory

Another significant theme is the enduring power of love and memory. Despite aging and wandering, Aengus remains fixated on the memory of the glimmering girl. His determination to find her, even in his old age, speaks to the unwavering nature of true love. The poem implies that the memory of a profound connection can sustain a person throughout their life, fueling a perpetual quest even when faced with the harsh realities of time and distance. The act of plucking the apples represents an attempt to seize and hold onto the beauty he once experienced, even if it exists only in his memory.

Symbolism of Nature's Enchantment

The poem is rich with symbolism, particularly in its use of natural imagery. The hazel wood, the berry, and the trout all contribute to the poem's enchanted atmosphere. The "hazel wand" symbolizes Aengus's connection to the natural world and his ability to manipulate it. The "silver trout," initially a concrete object, quickly transforms into something ethereal. The recurring image of "apples" relates to tales of immortality and forbidden knowledge. Are these apples, the silver ones and the golden ones, real objects he hopes to find, or are they symbols of a spiritual, intellectual, and emotional completeness, which may explain why Aengus's quest is not fulfilled?

A Final Quest for Transcendence

"The Song of Wandering Aengus" is a poignant exploration of longing, love, and the elusive nature of beauty. It suggests that the pursuit of an ideal, even if ultimately unattainable, can give meaning to a life. The poem’s enduring power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of timeless yearning and to remind us of the profound impact of memory and desire. It leaves the reader contemplating the transformative power of love and the enduring human quest for something beyond the ordinary.