Poem Analysis - Under The Moon

Introduction: A Weariness of Dreams

William Butler Yeats' "Under the Moon" is a poem steeped in the melancholy of romantic dreams and legendary figures. The speaker expresses a profound weariness, a rejection of the enchanting but ultimately burdensome world of myth and fantasy. The tone is initially listless, almost dismissive, as the speaker catalogues these alluring realms. However, this gives way to a more burdened, even despairing tone as the poem progresses, revealing the emotional cost of indulging in such idealized visions.

Rejecting Enchantment: The Burden of Beauty

One of the central themes of "Under the Moon" is the rejection of escapism. The poem begins with a litany of enchanting places – Brycelinde, Avalon, Joyous Isle, Uladh – all drawn from Celtic and Arthurian legends. The speaker declares "I have no happiness in dreaming of" these locations, suggesting a disillusionment with the promises of fantasy. This theme is further developed through the descriptions of Land-under-Wave, Land-of-the-Tower, and Wood-of-Wonders, places filled with magical beings and impossible events. However, instead of finding solace in these realms, the speaker finds them a "burden not to be borne," emphasizing the emotional weight of dwelling on unattainable ideals.

The Disappointing Allure of Myth: Beauty and Dismay

Another prominent theme is the complex relationship between beauty and sorrow. The poem populates these dream landscapes with legendary queens and figures like Branwen, Guinevere, Niamh, and Fand. These women are renowned for their beauty, but the speaker connects them to "dismay," suggesting that their beauty is intertwined with suffering and tragedy. The line "To dream of women whose beauty was folded in dismay" encapsulates this connection. It highlights the speaker's inability to separate the allure of these figures from the pain and hardship associated with their stories. The speaker is weighed down by the knowledge of their fates, making their beauty a source of sorrow rather than joy.

The Moon as a Symbol: Illumination and Madness

The image of the moon, particularly the "famished horn / Of the hunter's moon," functions as a powerful symbol in the poem. The hunter's moon, positioned "between the night and the day," suggests a liminal space, a threshold between reality and illusion. Its "famished horn" evokes a sense of hunger, perhaps a hunger for meaning or fulfillment that the speaker believes cannot be satisfied by these romantic dreams. The fact that the "something" that causes the speaker's disillusionment is "told under" the moon further emphasizes its symbolic importance. The moon, often associated with madness and emotional intensity, seems to cast a shadow over these dreams, revealing their inherent limitations and the potential for heartbreak.

Conclusion: Escaping the Dream

"Under the Moon" is a poignant exploration of the limitations of romantic escapism. Yeats, through the weary voice of the speaker, suggests that dwelling on idealized versions of the past, even those filled with beauty and magic, can become a source of profound sadness. The poem ultimately argues for a grounding in reality, a rejection of the alluring but ultimately unsustainable world of dreams. The speaker's weariness serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of becoming too lost in the intoxicating, yet ultimately disappointing, embrace of myth and legend. The poem leaves the reader to consider: is it better to face the imperfections of reality, or to be forever burdened by the impossible standards of an idealized past?