The Magi - WB Yeats Flashcards
About WB Yeats
1865-1939
led the Irish literary revival
interested in the occult
symbolism of the journey of the Magi
the poem uses the journey of the Magi to symbolise the journey people make in their life towards faith
double meaning of “stiff, painted clothes”
depicts the Magi as stock figures - static and emotionless (does not flesh them out as people)
also refers to people who have dedicated their lives to gaining success in their careers, with ‘stiff’ referring to the typical corporate attire.
quote about people without faith lacking real joy and sustenance
“pale unsatisfied”
double meaning of “ancient faces like rain-beaten stones”
creates a sense of timelessness, highlighting that the nativity story has been passed on from generation to generation, and is known by most
also refers to the people without faith who have become disillusioned with their mundane lives and have been affected by the strains of life, which has worn them out
parallel sentence structure of “And all their…”
highlights the time taken on the Magi’s journey to see Jesus.
highlights the repetitiveness of a monotonous existence
suggests a tiring journey, for both the Magi and the people of faith
double meaning of the gifts of the Magi: “helms of silver”
‘helms’ can refer to a part of the boat, described as “hovering side to side” which mimics motion, like waves. This suggests that the gifts are like cargo, making them appear less precious.
the silver may also refer to the earnings of those who have dedicated their lives to accumulating wealth which guides their every move and decision
quote about a continuous longing, yearning desire for Christ
END OF POEM
“still fixed”
- suggests it is desperate
quote about the fact that Christ must be paid attention to
END OF POEM
“uncontrollable mystery”
- unstoppable force
- cannot be forgotten
- faith cannot be ignored
quote about the manger
END OF POEM
“the bestial floor”
- places more emphasis on the animals than Christ, ‘beast’ creates a savage image rather than the one usually associated with the birth of Jesus
- suggests that the image of the nativity has been tainted by adulthood and a loss of faith
biblical reference
although the poem is a clear retelling of Luke’s narrative of the nativity, it is a very loose reimagining
- there is no star, no King Herod, no real mention of gifts or details of the journey, or rejoicing of the miracle.
It is a static version with no emphasis on the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Instead uses the journey of the Magi as a mirror to people coming to faith and grappling with the truth of Jesus.
