Poem Analysis - Under Ben Bulben

“Under Ben Bulben” is William Butler Yeats's testamentary poem, a final declaration of artistic and philosophical principles delivered with the gravity of a last will. The poem, while seemingly instructional, is deeply personal, reflecting on life, death, art, and the Irish identity. The tone is authoritative and assertive, punctuated by moments of intense passion and artistic fervor, but ultimately resolves into a stoic acceptance of mortality. The poem moves from grand historical sweeps to intimate personal instructions, culminating in a stark epitaph.

Yeats's Ireland: A Legacy Forged in History and Art

Written near the end of Yeats's life, "Under Ben Bulben" is steeped in the historical and cultural context of early 20th-century Ireland. Yeats was deeply invested in Irish nationalism and saw art as a crucial component of shaping a national identity. This poem reflects that commitment, urging Irish artists to draw inspiration from their heritage and to contribute to the ongoing creation of a vibrant and resilient Irish culture. The references to Irish figures like Mitchel, as well as to classical and Renaissance art, demonstrate Yeats's desire to connect Ireland to a broader artistic and intellectual tradition, while simultaneously emphasizing its unique spirit.

Cycles of Existence: The Eternal Dance of Life and Death

One of the central themes of "Under Ben Bulben" is the cyclical nature of life and death. Yeats explores this in the second section, suggesting that individual lives are merely brief interludes between the "two eternities" of race and soul. Death, according to Yeats, is not an end but a re-integration into the collective human consciousness. This is underscored by the imagery of the grave-diggers, whose "toil is long" but ultimately serves only to return the buried "Back in the human mind again." This cyclical view provides a sense of continuity and diminishes the fear of mortality, positioning death as a necessary part of a larger, ongoing process.

The Artist's Task: Bridging the Mortal and the Divine

Art serves as a crucial bridge between the mortal realm and the divine. Yeats emphasizes the artist's responsibility to elevate the human spirit and connect individuals to something greater than themselves. The poem is filled with artistic allusions, from Phidias and Michael Angelo to Blake and Claude, each representing a different facet of artistic achievement. The imagery here is potent, with the Sistine Chapel described in visceral terms, showing Adam stirring "globe-trotting Madam" and creating a physical response. This underscores the artist's power to tap into primal energies and shape the human experience. The poem urges artists to create works that inspire, elevate, and instill a sense of purpose in humanity.

Defining Irish Identity: A Call to Artistic Authenticity

The poem expresses a strong desire to define and perpetuate a distinct Irish identity. In the fifth section, Yeats directly addresses Irish poets, urging them to "Sing whatever is well made" and to scorn contemporary artists whom he perceives as lacking authenticity and rootedness. He calls for poets to celebrate the various facets of Irish society, from the peasantry to the "hard-riding country gentlemen," and to remember the "lords and ladies gay" who shaped the nation's history. By embracing the entirety of Irish experience, Yeats hopes to ensure the survival of the "indomitable Irishry" into future generations. The use of the term "indomitable" is a powerful statement of national pride and resilience.

A Stark Farewell: Accepting Mortality Under Ben Bulben

The poem concludes with Yeats's own epitaph, a final, powerful image of stoic acceptance. Ben Bulben, the mountain overlooking Drumcliff churchyard, serves as a constant reminder of the natural world and the passage of time. The instructions for his tombstone are stark and unadorned: "Cast a cold eye / On life, on death. / Horseman, pass by!" This epitaph encapsulates Yeats's lifelong struggle to reconcile passion with reason, and his ultimate embrace of a detached, almost fatalistic perspective. It leaves the reader with a sense of the poet's strength and his willingness to face mortality with unflinching honesty. The horseman represents the passage of time and the indifference of the universe, urging us to confront life and death with similar detachment.

Legacy in Stone

In conclusion, "Under Ben Bulben" is a powerful and multifaceted poem that serves as Yeats's final artistic testament. It is a reflection on life, death, art, and the Irish identity, delivered with the authority and conviction of a poet who has wrestled with profound questions throughout his life. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to resonate with readers on both a personal and a cultural level, reminding us of the importance of art, heritage, and the acceptance of our own mortality.