Transformation, “Sailing to Byzantium”
Though Yeats frequently mentions transformation in relation to the aging process, he also suggests that our bodies, spirits, souls, and minds can be transformed in unique ways. In this poem, Yeats suggests that transformations are not always for the best. He explains that the aging process entails far more than just a physical transformation. Rather, everything is affected by the aging process—just as everything must eventually be left behind. He suggests that, with old age, comes a loss of some of the more pleasurable experiences in life—sex, mental stimulation, pleasure, and the natural ability to regenerate. Yeats therefore uses this poem to suggest that the trauma of death and aging can be avoided. He toys with ideas of rebirth and self-transformation. The narrator of this poem is clearly terrified of watching his own body deteriorate and wither away before him. As a result, Yeats suggests that one can be even further transformed—beyond death and aging—when we use a talisman to anchor our physical souls to this earth. In other words, Yeats suggests that, through art, humans can undergo a transformation beyond death—one where our soul lives on the object we have created or imbued.
The Ambiguity of Blame, “No Second Troy”
The opening lines of this poem immediately position blame as a primary theme of this poem when the narrator asks himself why he should blame “her.” In this way, it’s clear that—though the narrator is perhaps unsure why—he still harbors a great deal of resentment towards this woman. As the remainder of the poem explores the narrator’s complicated feelings for and toward this woman, it becomes quite clear that the narrator struggles with his blame. He suggests that the woman is responsible for a great deal of political turmoil. This is perhaps the root of his anger and resentment towards the woman. And yet, despite the fact that the still blames her for her supposed wrongdoing and manipulation, it’s clear that the narrator has come to terms—in some way—with her actions. The ambiguity of his feelings for her leaves this poem up for interpretation. For example, he might never resolve these feelings of blame and guilty; he might accept that that this is the way things are; or he might truly forgive the woman for her transgressions. As these feelings are never resolved, however, Yeats offers readers a unique perspective into the destructive nature of blame. He seems to suggest that blame—when handled certainly—can be either destructive or helpful.
Man’s Relationship With the Natural World, “Sailing to Byzantium”
Though Yeats clearly admires the natural world, it’s also clear that he has a great deal of respect for the damage it can—and will—inflict upon all living persons. In this way, Yeats suggests that nature is just as brutal as it is beautiful. It is unavoidable, and its effects are inevitable. In this poem, Yeats explores in great detail the way the human body ages and decays. This exploration, when linked to his discussions of the natural world, make it clear that Yeats wants his readers to understand the brutal reality of nature. He emphasizes that, regardless of your status in life, your gender, your race, your religion, everyone is a soul contained in a body that will eventually grow old, die, and then decay. Perhaps Yeats’ most important lesson, however, is that we humans are, fundamentally, no different from other natural beings. Just like the bugs, mammals, and fish that we share this earth with, we too will die and decay. Yeats puts his readers on the same level as these animals and reminds them that—in the end—there’s no distinction between humans and all other manner of creatures. We all follow the same life cycle in the natural world.
The Complexity of Gender, “No Second Troy”
Given the way Yeats compares Maud Gonne to Helen of Troy—a notoriously beautiful and dangerous temptress—it’s clear that gender and femininity are important themes in this poem. Given the historical period of Yeats’ life and this poems authorization, it can be assumed that Yeats’ view on women—per the historical accounts—were likely rather conservative. And yet, this poem clearly depicts Maud Gonne as a strong and intelligent woman. Given her role in this poem, and the way he described her, it’s clear that Yeats was very attracted to Gonne—and her powerful personality. In this way, Yeats explores the complexity of powerful feminism. Though women of this historical period would not have been expected to fend for themselves (in the male-dominated world), Yeats is clearly attracted to a woman that could do just that—whilst maintaining her intelligence and femininity. And yet, Yeats idolizes Helen of Troy—a woman who was known for using her feminine beauty in a dangerous and manipulative way. By juxtaposing these two women, Yeats positions woman—and feminine beauty—as both powerful and dangerous (if not a bit manipulative).
Spiritually, “Sailing to Byzantium”
Though Yeats’ poems often emphasize the distinctly natural and human elements of the world, he also toys with ideas of spirituality. For Yeats, there is a strong connection between elements of spirituality and the natural body. Yeats’ discussions of aging and death are often linked back to spiritual questions about these processes and phenomenon. These discussions are often linked back to questions Yeats has about the aging process. He wonders not only what happens to the soul after it has escaped the human body, but also how the heart functions after death. Yeats is also very concerned about the way art is linked to the human body and spirituality. He seems to suggest that art is our way of expressing spirituality here on earth. Regardless of the questions Yeats poses in his poetry, it is clear that he is fascinated with spirituality and the role it plays in the aging and death process.
