“Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats was first published in 1899 in his third volume of poetry, “The Wind Among the Reeds.”
Introduction: “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
“Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats was first published in 1899 in his third volume of poetry, “The Wind Among the Reeds.” The poem is notable for its simple yet profound language, expressing a yearning for love and the beauty of dreams. Aedh, the speaker, wishes he could offer his beloved the riches of heaven but, having nothing tangible to give, offers instead his dreams. The poem’s delicate imagery and rhythm create a melancholic tone, while the repetition of certain phrases emphasizes the speaker’s sincerity and devotion. Ultimately, “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the fragility of human connection.
Text: “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half-light, I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
Annotations: “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
Uses “dreams” to represent the speaker’s inner world and thoughts.
Cautionary Tone
“Tread softly because you tread on my dreams”
Creates a sense of gentle warning, emphasizing the fragility of the speaker’s dreams.
Themes: “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
Sacrifice and Love: Yeats explores the theme of sacrifice and love through the speaker’s desire to offer the most precious and celestial possessions to their beloved. The imagery of “the heavens’ embroidered cloths” symbolizes the vastness and magnificence of the universe, while “golden and silver light” suggests the richness and beauty of these celestial fabrics. Despite the speaker’s impoverished state, they long to give everything they have, even their dreams, to their beloved. This theme highlights the profound depth of the speaker’s love and their willingness to make sacrifices for the happiness of their beloved.
Desire and Longing: Throughout the poem, there is a palpable sense of desire and longing expressed by the speaker. They yearn for the ability to provide extravagantly for their beloved, to adorn their path with celestial beauty. The repetition of “I would spread the cloths under your feet” emphasizes the intensity of the speaker’s longing and their fervent desire to fulfill their beloved’s desires. However, the refrain “But I, being poor, have only my dreams” underscores the painful reality of their limitations, intensifying their longing and desire for something beyond their reach.
The Power of Dreams: The theme of dreams is central to the poem, serving as a metaphor for the speaker’s aspirations, hopes, and imagination. Despite lacking material wealth, the speaker finds solace in their dreams, which they metaphorically spread “under your feet” as a gesture of devotion. The act of spreading dreams suggests the speaker’s belief in the transformative power of imagination and the capacity of dreams to elevate and enrich the human experience. However, the plea to “Tread softly because you tread on my dreams” reveals the vulnerability inherent in sharing one’s deepest aspirations, highlighting the delicate nature of dreams and the need for sensitivity and care in handling them.
Inequality and Social Class: The poem subtly addresses themes of inequality and social class through the juxtaposition of the speaker’s poverty with their aspirations for opulence and grandeur. The contrast between the celestial imagery of “the heavens’ embroidered cloths” and the speaker’s humble reality underscores the disparities in wealth and privilege. Despite their lack of material wealth, the speaker’s love and devotion are no less genuine or profound. This theme prompts reflection on the arbitrary nature of societal hierarchies and the enduring power of love and imagination to transcend earthly limitations.
Literary Theories and “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
Literary Theory
Reference from the Poem
Explanation
Symbolism (Ferdinand de Saussure)
“Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths”
The cloths represent spiritual and divine beauty, and the speaker’s desire for them symbolizes their longing for transcendence.
Imagist Theory (T.E. Hulme)
“The blue and the dim and the dark cloths / Of night and light and the half-light”
The vivid and concise imagery in these lines exemplifies the Imagist focus on clear and precise language, evoking a sense of color and texture.
The speaker’s poverty and humility can be seen as a reflection of Ireland’s colonial status, with the poem expressing a desire for spiritual and cultural liberation.
Critical Questions about “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
Question 1: What is the significance of the “cloths of heaven” in the poem?
The “cloths of heaven” in the poem represent a longing for spiritual and divine beauty, as evident in the lines “Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths, / Enwrought with golden and silver light” (1-2). The speaker desires these cloths to spread under the beloved’s feet, symbolizing a desire to connect with something greater than themselves. The cloths may also represent the speaker’s aspirations for artistic or poetic expression, as they are “embroidered” with golden and silver light, suggesting a rich and precious quality.
Question 2: How does the speaker’s humility and poverty impact the tone of the poem?
The speaker’s humility and poverty are evident in the lines “But I, being poor, have only my dreams; / I have spread my dreams under your feet” (5-6). This humility creates a tone of reverence and devotion, as the speaker offers their dreams as a substitute for the divine cloths. The speaker’s poverty also highlights the contrast between their own limitations and the richness of the heavenly cloths, emphasizing the speaker’s sense of longing and yearning.
Question 3: What role does imagery play in conveying the speaker’s emotions and desires?
Imagery plays a crucial role in conveying the speaker’s emotions and desires, as seen in the lines “The blue and the dim and the dark cloths / Of night and light and the half-light” (3-4). These lines evoke a sense of color and texture, creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind. The imagery also suggests the speaker’s desire for a range of human experiences, from darkness to light, and the intermediate states.
Question 4: How does the poem’s use of symbolism and metaphor contribute to its themes of love and spirituality?
The poem’s use of symbolism and metaphor contributes significantly to its themes of love and spirituality, as seen in the comparison of the beloved’s feet to the heavens’ embroidered cloths. This metaphor suggests a deep reverence and adoration for the beloved, elevating them to a divine status. The symbolism of the cloths also represents the speaker’s longing for spiritual connection and transcendence, highlighting the interconnectedness of love and spirituality in the poem.
Topics, Questions and Thesis Statement about “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
How does the speaker’s desire for the cloths of heaven reflect their love and devotion to the beloved?
“Through his longing for the cloths of heaven, Yeats’ speaker embodies a profound love and devotion to the beloved, elevating them to a divine status.”
Spirituality and Transcendence
What role do the cloths of heaven play in the speaker’s quest for spiritual connection and transcendence?
“The cloths of heaven symbolize the speaker’s yearning for spiritual transcendence, representing a desire to connect with something greater than themselves.”
Poverty and Humility
How does the speaker’s poverty and humility impact their relationship with the beloved and the cloths of heaven?
“The speaker’s poverty and humility serve as a catalyst for their devotion, allowing them to offer their dreams as a humble substitute for the divine cloths.”
Imagery and Symbolism
How does Yeats’ use of imagery and symbolism in the poem convey the speaker’s emotions and desires?
“Through vivid imagery and rich symbolism, Yeats creates a dreamlike atmosphere, conveying the speaker’s deep longing and reverence for the beloved and the divine.”
Literary Works Similar to “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
“Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe: This poem, like Yeats’s work, explores themes of love and longing, albeit with Poe’s signature Gothic flair. It tells the story of a love so strong that even death cannot extinguish it.
“When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats: Since you appreciate Yeats, you might enjoy another of his poems. “When You Are Old” reflects on love, regret, and the passage of time, similar in theme to “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven.”
“Sonnet 18: Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” by William Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s sonnet is one of the most famous love poems in the English language. Like Yeats, Shakespeare uses vivid imagery to express the speaker’s affection for their beloved.
“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: While different in style from Yeats’s romantic lyricism, Eliot’s poem shares a similar depth of emotion and introspection. It delves into themes of love, insecurity, and the passage of time.
“She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron: Byron’s poem celebrates the beauty of a woman, much like Yeats celebrates the beauty of the heavens in “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven.” It’s a lyrical and romantic piece that captures the essence of admiration and reverence.
Suggested Readings: “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
Books:
Bloom, Harold. Yeats. New York: Oxford University Press, 1970.
Representative Quotations from “Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven” by William Butler Yeats
Quotation
Context
Theoretical Perspective
“Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths, / Enwrought with golden and silver light”
The speaker desires the beautiful and precious cloths of heaven, symbolizing spiritual and divine beauty.
Symbolism: The cloths represent a longing for transcendence and connection with the divine.
“The blue and the dim and the dark cloths / Of night and light and the half-light”
The speaker desires the full range of human experience, from darkness to light.
Imagist Theory: The vivid and concise imagery evokes a sense of color and texture, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
“But I, being poor, have only my dreams; / I have spread my dreams under your feet”
The speaker offers their dreams as a humble substitute for the divine cloths.
Postcolonial Theory: The speaker’s poverty and humility reflect the cultural and political implications of colonialism and imperialism.
“Tread softly because you tread on my dreams”
The speaker asks the beloved to tread carefully, as they are walking on the fragile and precious dreams.
Psychoanalytic Theory: The speaker’s dreams represent their inner world and thoughts, and the beloved’s tread symbolizes the fragility of the human psyche.
“I would spread the cloths under your feet: / But I, being poor, have only my dreams”
The speaker desires to offer the divine cloths to the beloved, but can only offer their dreams instead.
Feminist Theory: The speaker’s humility and devotion to the beloved can be seen as a reflection of patriarchal societal expectations and gender roles.
“Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake was first published in 1794 in his collection Songs of Experience. The poem is a brief but poignant meditation on the themes of time, desire, and the yearning for transcendence.
Introduction: “Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake
“Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake was first published in 1794 in his collection Songs of Experience. The poem is a brief but poignant meditation on the themes of time, desire, and the yearning for transcendence. Blake employs vivid imagery and symbolism, drawing upon the natural world to explore deeper philosophical questions. The sunflower, weary of time, represents the human soul longing for an eternal realm of fulfillment. The poem’s rhythmic structure and simple rhyme scheme contribute to its haunting and melancholic tone, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
The speaker addresses the sunflower, indicating familiarity and perhaps empathy.
weary of time,
The sunflower is described as tired or exhausted by the passing of time, suggesting a sense of longing for something beyond the temporal.
Who countest the steps of the Sun:
The sunflower metaphorically tracks the sun’s movement across the sky, symbolizing its attentiveness to the passage of time and its cyclical nature.
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
The sunflower is depicted as yearning for a distant, idealized place symbolized by the “sweet golden clime,” representing a paradise or utopia.
Where the travellers journey is done.
This place represents a destination where the journey of life ends, suggesting a longing for rest or resolution.
Where the Youth pined away with desire,
The speaker describes a place where young people have wasted away due to unfulfilled desires, evoking a sense of longing and melancholy.
And the pale Virgin shrouded in snow:
The mention of a “pale Virgin shrouded in snow” suggests purity and innocence enveloped in coldness or death, adding to the imagery of longing and mortality.
Arise from their graves and aspire,
The imagery of rising from graves implies a resurrection or awakening, suggesting a desire for renewal or transcendence.
Where my Sun-flower wishes to go.
The speaker reiterates the sunflower’s desire to reach this idealized destination, emphasizing its longing for something beyond its current existence.
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake
The continuation of a sentence or phrase across line breaks creates a sense of flow, propelling the reader forward and enhancing the poem’s rhythm and pacing.
10. Symbolic Imagery
“steps of the Sun”
The image of the sun’s steps represents the passage of time and cyclical nature, reinforcing the theme of longing for transcendence and eternity.
The juxtaposition of “sweet” and “golden” with “clime” creates a striking contrast, highlighting the idealized nature of the destination and its allure.
The sunflower’s desire to go to a place where the journey is done presents a paradox, as journeys typically imply movement and activity, adding depth to the poem’s themes.
Themes: “Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake
Theme 1: Longing for Transcendence The poem expresses a deep longing for transcendence and escape from the mundane world. The sun-flower is “weary of time” (1) and seeks a “sweet golden clime” (3) where the journey is done, indicating a desire to move beyond the earthly realm. This desire is echoed in the lines “Arise from their graves and aspire, / Where my Sun-flower wishes to go” (7-8), suggesting a yearning for a higher state of being.
Theme 2: Mortality and the Human Condition The poem touches on the themes of mortality and the human condition, referencing the “Youth pined away with desire” (5) and the “pale Virgin shrouded in snow” (6). These lines evoke a sense of sadness and loss, highlighting the fragility of human life. The sun-flower’s desire to escape the earthly realm can be seen as a metaphor for the human desire to transcend mortality.
Theme 3: Spiritual Aspiration The poem expresses a strong spiritual aspiration, with the sun-flower seeking a realm where the journey is done. The lines “Arise from their graves and aspire, / Where my Sun-flower wishes to go” (7-8) suggest a desire for spiritual rebirth and ascension. The poem implies that this aspiration is driven by a desire to connect with something greater than oneself.
Theme 4: The Quest for Unity The poem can be seen as a quest for unity and wholeness, with the sun-flower seeking a state of being where the journey is done. The “sweet golden clime” (3) represents a state of unity and perfection, where the sun-flower can be at one with the divine. The poem suggests that this unity can be achieved through spiritual aspiration and transcendence of the earthly realm.
Literary Theories and “Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake
Focuses on the reader’s interpretation and response to a text, emphasizing that meaning is created through the interaction between the reader and the text.
The reader’s interpretation of the sunflower’s weariness of time and longing for an idealized destination may vary based on individual experiences and perspectives.
Emphasizes close reading of the text to analyze its form, structure, and language, focusing solely on the text itself rather than external factors or authorial intent.
Close analysis of Blake’s use of imagery, symbolism, and poetic devices reveals the depth of the sunflower’s longing and the thematic richness of the poem.
Explores the unconscious desires, motivations, and conflicts of characters or authors, interpreting texts through the lens of psychological analysis.
The sunflower’s desire for transcendence and its weariness of time could be interpreted as symbolic of deeper psychological or existential conflicts within the human psyche.
Critical Questions about “Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake
Question 1: How does the poem’s use of imagery and symbolism convey the speaker’s longing for transcendence? The poem’s imagery and symbolism, such as the “Sun-flower” (1) and the “sweet golden clime” (3), convey the speaker’s longing for transcendence and escape from the mundane world. The sun-flower, a symbol of beauty and life, is “weary of time” (1), suggesting a desire to move beyond the earthly realm. The “golden clime” (3) represents a state of unity and perfection, emphasizing the speaker’s aspiration for a higher state of being. (References: lines 1, 3)
Question 2: What commentary does the poem offer on the human condition, particularly in regards to mortality and desire? The poem offers a poignant commentary on the human condition, highlighting the fragility of human life and the power of desire. The “Youth pined away with desire” (5) and the “pale Virgin shrouded in snow” (6) evoke a sense of sadness and loss, underscoring the transience of human existence. The speaker’s desire for transcendence can be seen as a metaphor for the human desire to overcome mortality. (References: lines 5, 6)
Question 3: How does the poem’s structure and use of repetition contribute to its themes and emotional impact? The poem’s structure and repetition of the phrase “Ah! Sun-flower” (1, 5) create a sense of urgency and emphasis, underscoring the speaker’s longing for transcendence. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, mirroring the natural cycles and renewal imagery throughout the poem. This repetition reinforces the speaker’s aspiration for a higher state of being, creating a sense of emotional resonance. (References: lines 1, 5)
Question 4: What role does the speaker’s address to the sun-flower play in the poem’s exploration of spiritual aspiration and unity? The speaker’s address to the sun-flower serves as a means of expressing spiritual aspiration and unity. By addressing the sun-flower, the speaker is able to articulate their desire for transcendence and connection with something greater than themselves. The use of the word “my” (8) also implies a sense of possession and unity, suggesting that the speaker sees themselves as connected to the divine. (References: lines 1, 8)
Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statement about “Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake
– How does Blake use the sunflower as a symbol in the poem?
In “Ah! Sun-flower,” William Blake employs the sunflower as a powerful symbol to explore themes of longing, mortality, and transcendence, revealing deeper layers of meaning through its symbolic significance.
2. Existential Themes
– How does the poem reflect existential themes such as the passage of time, longing for meaning, and the search for transcendence?
Through “Ah! Sun-flower,” Blake delves into existential questions surrounding the human condition, portraying the sunflower’s weariness of time and yearning for an idealized destination as symbolic of the universal quest for purpose and transcendence.
3. Romanticism in Blake’s Poetry
– How does “Ah! Sun-flower” embody characteristics of Romantic poetry, such as the emphasis on nature, emotion, and the individual’s imagination?
“Ah! Sun-flower” exemplifies Blake’s Romantic sensibilities through its vivid imagery, exploration of emotion, and symbolic portrayal of the natural world, showcasing the poet’s profound connection to nature and his celebration of individual expression.
4. Interpretations of Transcendence
– How can the sunflower’s desire for transcendence be interpreted in the context of Blake’s broader philosophical and religious beliefs?
In “Ah! Sun-flower,” Blake’s depiction of the sunflower’s longing for transcendence offers insight into his visionary worldview, reflecting his belief in the possibility of spiritual enlightenment and the attainment of higher truths.
Literary Works Similar to “Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake
“Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: Similarity: Both poems explore themes of longing and the desire for transcendence, albeit through different natural symbols (sunflower in Blake’s poem, nightingale in Keats’).
“To Autumn” by John Keats: Similarity: Like “Ah! Sun-flower,” this poem by Keats celebrates the beauty of nature but also contemplates the passage of time and the cycle of life.
“Daffodils” by William Wordsworth: Similarity: Both poems revel in the beauty of nature and its ability to evoke profound emotions in the observer, reflecting the Romantic poets’ fascination with the natural world.“The Tyger” by William Blake: Similarity: While focusing on a different natural element (the tiger), “The Tyger” shares themes of awe, wonder, and existential questioning, resonating with the philosophical undertones of “Ah! Sun-flower.”
“To a Skylark” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Similarity: Shelley’s poem, like Blake’s, explores themes of transcendence and the pursuit of the ideal, using the skylark as a symbol of inspiration and spiritual ascent.
Suggested Readings: “Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake
Books:
Bloom, Harold, ed. William Blake. New York: Chelsea House, 1985.
Grant, John E. “The Sun-Flower and the Clod.” In Blake’s Visionary Forms, eds. David V. Erdman and John E. Grant. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1970. 311-320.
The speaker addresses the sun-flower, expressing its weariness with time
Romanticism: The speaker’s focus on the natural world and the sun-flower’s weariness with time reflects the Romantic emphasis on nature and the human experience
“Who countest the steps of the Sun:”
The sun-flower is personified, counting the steps of the sun
Personification: The attribution of human qualities to the sun-flower emphasizes its connection to the natural world and the speaker’s desire for transcendence
“Seeking after that sweet golden clime”
The sun-flower seeks a higher state of being, a “sweet golden clime”
Symbolism: The “golden clime” represents a state of unity and perfection, emphasizing the speaker’s aspiration for transcendence
“Where the Youth pined away with desire,”
The speaker references the transience of human existence, the “Youth pined away with desire”
Mortality and the Human Condition: The poem highlights the fragility of human life and the power of desire, underscoring the speaker’s longing for transcendence
“Where my Sun-flower wishes to go.”
The speaker expresses their desire to follow the sun-flower to a higher state of being
Spiritual Aspiration: The speaker’s address to the sun-flower and desire to follow it reflects a deep spiritual aspiration and longing for unity with the divine
