It keeps the reader awake by interspersing sudden-sounding changes in sound in the first and second stanzas. It lulls the reader into an almost hypnotic state within the first line using words with soothing /o/ sounds in ‘you’, ‘old’, ‘full’ and ‘of’. The tone is also set by the way that the poem uses sound. This adds a sense of excitement to the poem and a sense that there is hope for the woman to still change her mind. Although this kind of meter can be used to make people feel very secure and easy in the beat, it is often interrupted by throwing off the stressed beats every once in a while. This idea of expectation is encouraged in the way that the speaker allows his thoughts to travel from the end of one line over into the next. This means each line has an odd number of stressed beats to it which introduces a sense of expectation in the reader. The meter used in the poem is iambic pentameter, which means that each line has five unstressed beats alternated with five stressed beats. The warning note in the poem comes through in the arrhythmic meter and often hollow sounds that establish a mournful tone.
Thus the imagery takes the reader from the present to the past to the present to the past in quick succession as the speaker takes the female listener from youth to age to youth to age. This is suggested as he suggests she is bending over the “glowing bars” of the fire and how her love “hid his face amid a crowd of stars” (9, 12). This image suggests that the woman, in not choosing wisely, is now left lonely and alone, despairing over the fire trying to capture a lost love out of the embers of her dying fire. This insincerity of the admirers is immediately contrasted against the image of “one man” who loved her “changing face” (7-8), indicating a man who was sincere in wanting to spend his life with her and watch as her face changed with the marks of time. The speaker reminds the woman of the many admirers “with love false and true” (6) she had who paid tribute to her happy moods and external beauty. From this point, the focus shifts to an image of the woman as a young woman – “the soft look / your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep” (3-4). This image is constructed throughout the first three lines through phrases such as “old and grey,” “full of sleep,” “nodding by the fire” and “slowly read” (1-3). The poem opens by presenting the reader with a mental image of an old woman dozing in a cozy chair by a warm fire reading. The poem begins it appeal to the reader through the careful imagery incorporated within its lines. In Yeats’ “When You are Old,” the speaker warns an unknown young woman of the regrets she will have as an older woman while the poem sends a message to all generations regarding the importance of choosing love through imagery, tone and metaphor.
Essentially, the poem traces the woman’s imagined feelings as an older woman looking back on a life in which she followed superficial adoration instead of sincere affection. We aim to process & ship all print only orders within 3 working days from date of order.However, this poem reaches out to all generations because of the way he uses tone, imagery and metaphor. High quality clear plexiglass which looks fantastic and wont break during shipping Invite Yeats's magic into your life and celebrate his literary contribution with Ó Maoláin's creation.Īll designs are printed on 200 gsm heavyweight Archival Art paper in a beautiful matt finish. Whether you're a Yeats enthusiast or wish to enrich your space with Irish literary heritage, our William Butler Yeats Framed Art Print is a must-have. From "The Wild Swans at Coole" to "He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven," it encapsulates Yeats's narratives, offering a unique way to engage with his work. This print comes in 30x40cm & 40x50cm, inviting you to immerse in Yeats's poetic world. The sophisticated framing enhances its allure, perfect for any room or office.
The fusion of visual and literary art transforms Yeats's verses into a captivating experience.ĭisplay this framed print as a tribute to Yeats's literary impact or infuse your surroundings with his magic. Ó Maoláin's artistry brings Yeats's spirit to life, embodying his enchanting themes and vivid imagery. Celebrate the renowned Irish poet and playwright with this masterpiece capturing Yeats's lyrical genius. 'When You Are Old' Art print by Irish Artist Barra Ó MaoláinĮlevate your space with our William Butler Yeats Framed Art Print, meticulously crafted by Irish artist Ó Maoláin.
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