Poem Analysis - The Wild Old Wicked Man

Introduction: A Dance with Mortality

William Butler Yeats' "The Wild Old Wicked Man" is a complex exploration of aging, desire, and the search for meaning. The poem unfolds as a series of exchanges, revealing a character grappling with his own mortality and seeking solace in earthly pleasures, specifically women. The tone is both defiant and melancholic, shifting between bawdy pronouncements and moments of profound reflection. Throughout the poem, the speaker contemplates his relationship with both the divine and the human, ultimately choosing a path that acknowledges suffering while embracing the temporary comforts of the physical world.

Themes: Love, Faith, and the Inevitability of Decline

The poem explores the multifaceted nature of love, contrasting spiritual love with earthly desire. The old man is "mad about women," a phrase suggesting a passionate, almost frenzied, pursuit of physical intimacy. This contrasts sharply with the woman's devotion to "that old man in the skies," representing a faith-based love. The poem subtly critiques both extremes: the old man's reliance on fleeting pleasure and the woman's potential denial of earthly connection. Furthermore, the poem is steeped in the theme of mortality. The repeated phrase "Daybreak and a candle-end" serves as a constant reminder of the passage of time and the fading of life. The old man's preoccupation with death, his wish "not to die on the straw at home," underscores his awareness of his own impending end. His search for warmth and connection can be interpreted as a way of staving off the encroaching cold of death.

Symbols: Light, Dark, and the Sea

Several symbols recur throughout the poem, contributing to its overall meaning. Light and dark are used to represent different states of being. The old man is "a wild old man in the light," suggesting a public persona, a boldness and defiance. In contrast, he claims to be "a young man in the dark," implying a hidden, perhaps more vulnerable, side. The sea serves as a backdrop for the old man's encounters, especially with the "girls down on the seashore." The sea is often associated with the subconscious and the untamed. The girls "who understand the dark" suggest an acceptance of the primal and instinctual, a rejection of conventional morality. The "stout stick under his hand" could symbolize virility or support, something he leans on as he navigates the world. It's both a weapon and a source of stability.

A Unique Interpretation: The Choice of Second-Best

The old man's declaration, "But a coarse old man am I, / I choose the second-best, / I forget it all awhile / Upon a woman's breast," is a crucial moment of self-awareness. He acknowledges that faith might offer a way to transcend suffering, but he actively chooses earthly comfort instead. This choice isn't presented as purely hedonistic, but rather as a pragmatic response to the inevitability of pain. One might question: Is this acceptance of "second-best" a form of resignation or a form of rebellion against the perceived austerity of religious devotion? This line invites us to consider the complexities of human desire and the different ways in which people seek meaning and comfort in the face of mortality.

Conclusion: Significance of a Fleeting Embrace

"The Wild Old Wicked Man" is a poignant exploration of aging, desire, and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering. The poem challenges us to consider the different paths we take to cope with mortality, whether through religious faith, earthly pleasures, or a combination of both. Yeats, through the voice of this complex character, acknowledges the limitations of both the spiritual and the physical realms, ultimately suggesting that the act of choosing, even if it's "second-best," is a way of affirming life in the face of death. The poem's enduring power lies in its honest portrayal of human vulnerability and its celebration of the fleeting moments of connection that make life bearable.