Poem Analysis - On Woman

An Ode to the Perplexing Nature of Woman

William Butler Yeats' "On Woman" is a complex and somewhat contradictory exploration of the speaker's fascination with women. The poem begins with a seemingly idealized, almost subservient view of women, but quickly evolves into a more nuanced and ultimately troubled reflection on their power and the speaker's own anxieties surrounding it. The tone shifts from admiration and gratitude to a lamenting awareness of the emotional turmoil that such relationships can bring, showcasing a profound ambivalence. It closes with a desire to repeat an experience, even knowing the suffering that will come with it, painting a portrait of a man caught in the inescapable allure of a particular kind of woman.

Solomon's Wisdom and the Power Dynamic

One central theme is the power dynamic in relationships between men and women. The speaker initially praises women for their apparent selflessness ("That gives up all her mind"), suggesting a willingness to subordinate themselves to their partners. However, the reference to Solomon and Sheba introduces a contrasting perspective. The speaker posits that Solomon's wisdom stemmed from his interactions with his queens, and specifically with Sheba, subtly implying that women are not merely passive companions but sources of knowledge and influence. The image of Sheba working iron suggests a powerful, even formidable figure, challenging the initial depiction of female submissiveness. The "Harshness of their desire" further hints at a complex, and potentially destructive, element to their relationship.

The Painful Allure of Passion

Another key theme is the intertwined nature of pleasure and pain in love. The speaker anticipates that a future relationship, mirroring Solomon and Sheba's, would bring not only "tenderness and care, / pity" but also "an aching head, / Gnashing of teeth, despair." This suggests a recognition that deep emotional connection, particularly with the type of "perverse creature of chance" he envisions, inevitably leads to suffering. The final stanzas emphasize the agonizing aspects of love: loss of sleep, despair, and a general sense of being driven mad by the intensity of the experience. Yet, despite this awareness, the speaker still desires to repeat the cycle, highlighting the irresistible allure of such passionate, even tumultuous, connections.

Rebirth and the Cyclical Nature of Desire

The poem employs several potent images, perhaps the most striking being "The Pestle of the moon / That pounds up all anew." This image evokes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, suggesting that the speaker believes he will be reborn into a similar pattern of attraction and suffering. The moon, often associated with feminine energy and change, is personified as a destructive force, highlighting the potential for women to disrupt and transform a man's life. The image also speaks to the power that women have to shape the lives of men. The pounding action of the pestle on this cycle suggests that it is both inevitable and agonizing, a constant cycle of attraction and suffering. Is this cycle truly inevitable, or is the speaker trapped by his own perception and expectations of women?

The Enduring Enigma of Womanhood

In conclusion, "On Woman" presents a multifaceted and ultimately unresolved view of women and their impact on men's lives. The poem begins with an idealized image of female self-sacrifice but quickly delves into the complexities of power dynamics and the inescapable blend of pleasure and pain in deep relationships. The enduring desire to repeat the experience, even with the full knowledge of the suffering it entails, underscores the powerful and somewhat frightening allure of women. The poem ultimately leaves the reader pondering the speaker's profound ambivalence and the enduring enigma of the female spirit, highlighting its destructive and transformative capabilities.