POLITICS
(W. B. Yeats)
CRITICAL APPRECIATION OF THE POEM
This poem conveys the idea that emotional satisfaction derived out of the pleasurable experience of love dominates rational faculty of man. The poem is a contrast between the reality of politics and that of live. The poet advocates the power of imagination reason.
According to the poet, love is a (data copied from vusolutions.com) might and powerful thing. It exercises a deep influence on the mind, heart and soul of man. The poet himself has the opportunity to make love to many women in his life. Many o f his poems are addressed to Maud Gonne and Lady Gregory, the women whom he loved and admired. His knowledge of love centers round his personal experience. That is why he depicts the various moods of love in realistic and power manner.
Modern age is remarkable for its interest in politics. Politics has entered into every field of life. Religion, art and culture have been corrupted by politics. It has raised quarrels and disputes among the nations of the world. In spite of its wickedness, the influence of politics in the modern world cannot be ruled out. However, there is something better in the world than politics. It is love. Love is supreme and excellent. It is above petty quarrels and bickering.
The poet refuses to be dragged into the dirty game of politics. He does not shoe any interest in Roman, Russian or Spanish politics. He does not want to know that is happening in these countries.
The girl standing there symbolizes youth and beauty. She offers a better alternative to the world of politics the world of politics and wars. The world of power politics appears meaningless in the face of this.
The poet builds his point of view from (data copied from vusolutions.com) another angle. He does not deny the power of politics. He points out that a well developed person may have a broad vision of life. He may have an adequate knowledge of the political situation of different countries.
He is well read and a well thought person. His arguments on politics are weighty. His knowledge of the current affairs of life is sound. His analysis of the world politics may be correct. (data copied from vusolutions.com) But in spite of all his sound knowledge and judgment, he cannot be considered better than that of a true lover. True love conquers all fields of life and enlightens out mind and soul. It moves our heart to things of nobility and grandeur. Politics in spite of tis influence holds inferior position to the power of love.
CREATIVE EXERCISE
- 1. How does the poet distinguish between a traveled man and politics
- 2. Why does the poet wish to be young again?
Quotations and references for this poem
1) “Bliss was it in those days to be alive but to be young was very heaven.”
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Modern English Essays
The Old Man & The Sea
One Act Plays
Paper B
Anthology of English Poetry
Short Stories
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