Poem Analysis - In Memory Of W B Yeats

A Cold Farewell: Introduction to Auden's Elegy

W.H. Auden's "In Memory of W.B. Yeats" is a complex elegy, a poem of mourning that grapples with the death of a literary giant and the role of poetry in a world on the brink of war. The poem begins with a stark, detached observation of Yeats's death, then shifts to a more personal reflection on his legacy and influence. The tone transitions from cold objectivity to a more hopeful, almost urgent plea for the enduring power of art. The overall impression is one of profound loss tempered by a belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of poetry as a source of solace and guidance.

The Impersonal Impact of Death

One of the primary themes explored in the poem is the surprisingly impersonal nature of death. The first section meticulously details the bleak winter landscape surrounding Yeats's passing: "The brooks were frozen, the airports almost deserted,/ The snow disfigured the public statues." This imagery suggests a world indifferent to individual tragedy. The line "The death of the poet was kept from his poems" highlights the separation between the man and his work, implying that art exists independently of its creator. Even the line "he became his admirers" illustrates that in death the individual is replaced with the collective interpretation and memory of them held by others. This section underscores the idea that life continues, seemingly unaffected, even after a significant loss.

Poetry's Enduring Power: A Paradoxical Force

A central theme revolves around the contradictory nature of poetry's influence. Auden writes, "For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives." This seemingly dismissive statement acknowledges that poetry lacks the immediate power to alter political events or prevent suffering. However, the poem simultaneously argues that poetry possesses a different kind of strength – the power to endure, to offer solace, and to inspire. The image of poetry flowing "south/ From ranches of isolation and the busy griefs,/ Raw towns that we believe and die in" suggests that poetry originates from and permeates the very fabric of human existence, offering a continuous source of meaning amidst hardship. This is further reinforced by the image of poetry as a "mouth," suggesting that poetry is a means of expression and communication, a way to make sense of the world.

Healing in a Time of Darkness: The Urgency of Art

The poem also explores the theme of hope and healing in the face of impending doom. The third section, with its more formal, almost hymn-like structure, directly addresses Yeats and implores him to "persuade us to rejoice." In the "nightmare of the dark" where "all the dogs of Europe bark," Auden sees the need for poetry to offer a counter-narrative, to "make a vineyard of the curse." This imagery suggests that art can transform suffering into something fruitful and life-affirming. The call to "teach the free man how to praise" is a powerful assertion that even in times of oppression and despair, the human capacity for appreciation and joy must be cultivated and celebrated.

Frozen Seas and Healing Fountains: Vivid Symbolism

Recurring symbols throughout the poem reinforce its central themes. The image of frozen water, initially used to describe the winter landscape, reappears in the line "And the seas of pity lie/ Locked and frozen in each eye." This suggests an emotional paralysis, a widespread inability to empathize or offer compassion. In contrast, the poem concludes with the image of "healing fountains" springing forth "in the deserts of the heart." This powerful juxtaposition suggests that even in the most desolate emotional landscapes, art has the potential to unlock empathy and provide a source of renewal and hope. The desert represents emotional barrenness, while the fountains represent the life-giving power of art.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Remember and to Hope

"In Memory of W.B. Yeats" is more than just a lament for a deceased poet; it is a profound meditation on the role of art in a world facing unprecedented challenges. The poem acknowledges the limitations of poetry's immediate impact but ultimately affirms its enduring power to offer solace, inspire hope, and cultivate empathy. By juxtaposing images of cold detachment with those of healing and renewal, Auden creates a complex and nuanced elegy that resonates with both grief and a defiant belief in the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder to remember the legacy of those who came before us and to embrace the transformative power of art in even the darkest of times. The poem invites us to contemplate how the words of the dead can indeed be modified in the guts of the living and used for good.