Embarking on an exploration of “The Song of Wandering Aengus Answers,” this literary analysis delves into the intricacies of W.B. Yeats’s renowned poem, uncovering its profound themes, evocative imagery, and the enduring legacy it has left on the literary landscape.
Through a comprehensive examination of the poem’s structure, symbolism, and the influence of Irish mythology, this discourse unveils the complexities of the speaker’s quest for love and the transformative journey he undertakes along the way.
The Poem’s Central Themes: The Song Of Wandering Aengus Answers
W.B. Yeats’ “The Song of Wandering Aengus” explores the universal themes of love, longing, and the human connection to nature. The poem follows the speaker’s journey as he wanders in search of his beloved, symbolized by the “apples of the moon.”
This search represents the human desire for fulfillment and connection, and the obstacles and challenges he faces along the way symbolize the difficulties inherent in finding true love.
Symbolism of the “Apples of the Moon”
- The “apples of the moon” are a symbol of desire and fulfillment. They represent the speaker’s longing for love and his hope of finding his soulmate.
- The moon is often associated with mystery, magic, and the subconscious. The apples of the moon, therefore, also represent the speaker’s unconscious desire for love and his willingness to explore the unknown in order to find it.
Relationship between Nature and the Human Experience
The poem is set in a natural landscape, and the speaker’s journey takes him through a variety of natural settings. Nature is a constant presence in the poem, and it serves to reflect the speaker’s emotional state and his search for love.
The natural world is both beautiful and unforgiving, and it mirrors the speaker’s own journey as he experiences both joy and pain in his search for love.
Symbolism and Imagery
Symbols and Images
- The “apples of the moon” are the central symbol in the poem. They represent the speaker’s desire for love and his hope of finding his soulmate.
- The “hazel tree” is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. It represents the speaker’s search for understanding and his willingness to learn from his experiences.
- The “river” is a symbol of life and change. It represents the speaker’s journey as he moves through different stages of his life and his search for love.
Sensory Language
Yeats uses sensory language throughout the poem to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The poem is full of rich imagery that appeals to the senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch. This sensory language helps to create a strong emotional connection between the reader and the speaker, and it allows the reader to experience the speaker’s journey on a deeply personal level.
Poetic Structure and Form
Structure
The poem is written in eight stanzas of four lines each. The stanzas are unrhymed, but they are linked by a refrain that appears at the end of each stanza. The refrain, “I will find out where she has gone,” reinforces the speaker’s determination to find his beloved and it creates a sense of urgency and anticipation.
Meter, The song of wandering aengus answers
The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line consists of four iambs. An iamb is a metrical foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. The use of iambic tetrameter gives the poem a lilting, musical quality that is well-suited to its theme of love and longing.
The Influence of Irish Mythology
Irish Mythology
The poem is based on the Irish myth of Aengus and Caer Ibormeith. In the myth, Aengus, the god of love, falls in love with Caer Ibormeith, a mortal woman. Aengus searches for Caer Ibormeith for a year and a day, and finally finds her in the form of a swan.
The poem draws on this myth to explore the themes of love, longing, and the human connection to nature.
Mythological References and Allusions
- The speaker’s name, Aengus, is a reference to the god of love in Irish mythology.
- The “apples of the moon” are a reference to the fruit of the rowan tree, which is said to have magical properties in Irish folklore.
- The “hazel tree” is a reference to the tree of knowledge in Irish mythology.
The Speaker’s Journey
Emotional and Psychological State
The speaker’s emotional and psychological state changes throughout the poem as he progresses on his journey. At the beginning of the poem, he is full of hope and optimism. He believes that he will eventually find his beloved, and he is willing to face any obstacles that come his way.
However, as the poem progresses, the speaker’s hope begins to dwindle. He becomes increasingly frustrated and disillusioned, and he begins to doubt whether he will ever find his beloved.
Obstacles and Challenges
The speaker faces a number of obstacles and challenges on his journey. He must travel through a dangerous and unforgiving landscape, and he must overcome his own doubts and fears. The speaker’s journey is a metaphor for the challenges that we all face in our search for love.
It is a reminder that love is not always easy to find, and that we must be prepared to face challenges along the way.
FAQ Guide
What is the significance of the “apples of the moon” in the poem?
The “apples of the moon” symbolize the elusive object of the speaker’s desire, representing the unattainable nature of love and the bittersweet longing that accompanies it.
How does the poem explore the relationship between nature and the human experience?
The poem portrays nature as a mirror of the speaker’s inner emotions, reflecting his longing, despair, and eventual hope. The natural imagery creates a vivid backdrop against which the speaker’s journey unfolds.
What is the influence of Irish mythology on the poem?
The poem draws heavily on the legend of Aengus and Caer Ibormeith from Irish mythology, using mythological references and allusions to enhance the poem’s depth and richness.
