“In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

“In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden, first appeared in 1940 as part of Auden’s collection Another Time, reflects on the life and influence of William Butler Yeats, paying homage to the Irish poet’s impact on literature while also exploring broader themes of mortality, the role of the poet in society, and the enduring power of poetry. Structured in three parts, Auden moves from a personal lament for Yeats to a philosophical reflection on the nature of poetry and its ability to outlast individual lives. The poem is notable for its contemplative tone and memorable lines, such as “poetry makes nothing happen,” which has sparked considerable discussion about the political and social function of poetry. Auden’s nuanced approach to mourning—balancing admiration with a sober recognition of death’s finality—has contributed to the work’s lasting appeal and established it as one of the defining poetic elegies of the 20th century.

Text: “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

I

He disappeared in the dead of winter:
The brooks were frozen, the airports almost deserted,
And snow disfigured the public statues;
The mercury sank in the mouth of the dying day.
What instruments we have agree
The day of his death was a dark cold day.

Far from his illness
The wolves ran on through the evergreen forests,
The peasant river was untempted by the fashionable quays;
By mourning tongues
The death of the poet was kept from his poems.

But for him it was his last afternoon as himself,
An afternoon of nurses and rumours;
The provinces of his body revolted,
The squares of his mind were empty,
Silence invaded the suburbs,
The current of his feeling failed; he became his admirers.

Now he is scattered among a hundred cities
And wholly given over to unfamiliar affections,
To find his happiness in another kind of wood
And be punished under a foreign code of conscience.
The words of a dead man
Are modified in the guts of the living.

But in the importance and noise of to-morrow
When the brokers are roaring like beasts on the floor of the bourse,
And the poor have the sufferings to which they are fairly accustomed
And each in the cell of himself is almost convinced of his freedom
A few thousand will think of this day
As one thinks of a day when one did something slightly unusual.

What instruments we have agree
The day of his death was a dark cold day.

II

You were silly like us; your gift survived it all:
The parish of rich women, physical decay,
Yourself. Mad Ireland hurt you into poetry.
Now Ireland has her madness and her weather still,
For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives
In the valley of its making where executives
Would never want to tamper, flows on south
From ranches of isolation and the busy griefs,
Raw towns that we believe and die in; it survives,
A way of happening, a mouth.

III

Earth, receive an honoured guest:
William Yeats is laid to rest.
Let the Irish vessel lie
Emptied of its poetry.

In the nightmare of the dark
All the dogs of Europe bark,
And the living nations wait,
Each sequestered in its hate;

Intellectual disgrace
Stares from every human face,
And the seas of pity lie
Locked and frozen in each eye.

Follow, poet, follow right
To the bottom of the night,
With your unconstraining voice
Still persuade us to rejoice;

With the farming of a verse
Make a vineyard of the curse,
Sing of human unsuccess
In a rapture of distress;

In the deserts of the heart
Let the healing fountain start,
In the prison of his days
Teach the free man how to praise.

Annotations: “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

Stanza	Annotation	Literary Devices
I	The first stanza opens with a cold, stark setting that reflects the poet’s death in winter. Auden uses imagery of “frozen brooks” and “deserted airports” to evoke a bleak, unfeeling world. He juxtaposes the poet’s death with the indifference of nature and society, symbolized by the “wolves” and “peasant river” that continue unaffected. Auden suggests that Yeats’ influence is now in the hands of others (“he became his admirers”), hinting at how a poet’s legacy is reshaped by those who survive them.	– Imagery: “dead of winter,” “brooks were frozen” – Personification: “silence invaded the suburbs” – Symbolism: winter and frozen imagery represent death and emotional numbness – Juxtaposition: Yeats’ death vs. indifferent world – Metaphor: “the provinces of his body revolted”
II	In the second stanza, Auden speaks directly to Yeats, acknowledging his imperfections (“You were silly like us”) but celebrating the resilience of his poetry. He famously states, “poetry makes nothing happen,” suggesting that poetry’s value lies beyond political or social influence; it exists as “a way of happening.” Auden contrasts poetry with the daily grind of life, indicating that while poetry may not change the world, it endures and offers solace.	– Direct Address: Auden addresses Yeats as “You” – Irony: “poetry makes nothing happen” contrasts poetry’s cultural value – Metaphor: poetry as “a mouth” and “a way of happening” – Personification: “Mad Ireland hurt you into poetry” – Contrast: poetry’s endurance vs. the transient world
III	The final stanza offers a farewell to Yeats as Auden calls on nature (“Earth, receive an honoured guest”) to lay him to rest. This section evokes the political tensions of Europe, symbolized by “the dogs of Europe bark,” underscoring the dark and divided times Yeats leaves behind. Auden also calls upon Yeats to continue inspiring through poetry, encouraging a “rapture of distress” and “healing fountain” for the “deserts of the heart.” He concludes with an uplifting message, urging poetry to “teach the free man how to praise,” highlighting its redemptive power.	– Apostrophe: Auden addresses Earth and Yeats directly – Symbolism: “Irish vessel” represents Yeats’ poetic legacy – Alliteration: “sing of human unsuccess” – Imagery: “nightmare of the dark,” “dogs of Europe bark” – Metaphor: “vineyard of the curse” symbolizes finding beauty in pain – Oxymoron: “rapture of distress”

Literary And Poetic Devices: “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“As one thinks of a day when one did something slightly unusual.”	The repetition of the “s” sound emphasizes the musical quality of poetry, even when discussing failure.
Apostrophe	“Earth, receive an honoured guest”	Directly addressing Earth, Auden personifies it as a being capable of honoring Yeats.
Assonance	“parish of rich women, physical decay”	Repetition of the “i” sound creates a melodic quality, enhancing the mournful tone.
Consonance	“Let the Irish vessel lie / Emptied of its poetry”	Repetition of the “l” sound creates a subtle rhythm, reinforcing the finality of Yeats’ passing.
Direct Address	“You were silly like us”	Auden addresses Yeats directly, creating an intimate and reflective tone, as if speaking to a friend.
End-Stopped Line	“The current of his feeling failed; he became his admirers.”	The period at the end of the line halts the flow, underscoring the finality of Yeats’ transformation after death.
Enjambment	“Each in the cell of himself is almost convinced of his freedom”	The line flows into the next, reflecting the continuous nature of self-deception.
Epigram	“For poetry makes nothing happen”	A short, memorable statement that encapsulates a philosophical view on poetry’s practical impact.
Imagery	“The mercury sank in the mouth of the dying day”	Vivid image that portrays the coldness and stillness of Yeats’ final day, setting a somber scene.
Irony	“poetry makes nothing happen”	Auden states this paradoxically; poetry is, in fact, deeply influential on an emotional and cultural level.
Juxtaposition	“wolves ran on through the evergreen forests” vs. “silence invaded the suburbs”	Contrasts the indifference of nature with the personal sorrow of Yeats’ death.
Metaphor	“The provinces of his body revolted”	The breakdown of Yeats’ body is likened to rebellious provinces, symbolizing his loss of control.
Mood	“The day of his death was a dark cold day”	Establishes a somber and reflective atmosphere, mirroring the sorrow of the poet’s passing.
Oxymoron	“rapture of distress”	Contrasts two opposing ideas, suggesting that poetry finds beauty in pain or tragedy.
Paradox	“Teach the free man how to praise”	Suggests that those who are “free” still need guidance in expressing gratitude or understanding life.
Personification	“Silence invaded the suburbs”	Silence is given agency, emphasizing the pervading stillness and solemnity following Yeats’ death.
Repetition	“The day of his death was a dark cold day”	The phrase is repeated, emphasizing the unchanging nature of the somber event.
Simile	“You were silly like us”	Yeats is compared to others in a relatable way, humanizing him and showing his vulnerability.
Symbolism	“Irish vessel”	Represents Yeats himself and his poetic legacy, now “emptied” after his passing.
Tone	Reflective, mournful, contemplative	The tone conveys respect and loss, as Auden mourns Yeats while contemplating the nature of poetry.

Themes: “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

1. The Legacy of the Poet: Auden reflects on the enduring influence of William Butler Yeats after his death, suggesting that although the poet has passed, his work lives on, shaped by his admirers and their interpretations. In the first stanza, Auden notes that Yeats “became his admirers,” implying that a poet’s legacy is held and transformed by others. Auden further explores this by stating, “The words of a dead man / Are modified in the guts of the living,” emphasizing that Yeats’ poetry will continue to evolve and resonate differently with future generations, ensuring his lasting presence in literary consciousness.
2. The Power and Limitations of Poetry: A significant theme is the nature of poetry and its role in society. Auden famously writes, “For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives,” reflecting a dual view that while poetry may not cause direct social change, it endures as a meaningful art form. Auden describes poetry as “a way of happening, a mouth,” suggesting that it provides a voice and an outlet for human emotion, offering solace and continuity even when it does not effect practical change. This line captures the idea that poetry’s power lies not in altering the world but in bearing witness to it and preserving human experiences.
3. Mortality and the Passage of Time: The theme of mortality pervades the poem, as Auden contemplates Yeats’ death against the coldness of winter, symbolizing the finality and stillness of life’s end. He writes, “The day of his death was a dark cold day,” repeating this line to underscore the somber and unchanging reality of death. Auden juxtaposes Yeats’ death with the unaffected world around him—“the wolves ran on through the evergreen forests”—implying that life and nature remain indifferent to individual mortality. This theme highlights the inevitability of death and the persistence of time, contrasting the fleeting human life with the continuous cycles of nature.
4. Political and Social Division: In the final stanza, Auden addresses the state of Europe, portraying a continent fractured by hatred and intolerance. He describes a Europe where “each sequestered in its hate,” indicating the pervasive nationalism and conflict of the era. Auden’s imagery of “dogs of Europe bark” and “the seas of pity…locked and frozen in each eye” conveys the sense of an unfeeling, hostile world in need of healing. In this context, Auden calls upon Yeats to “teach the free man how to praise,” suggesting that poetry has the potential to inspire compassion and understanding in divided times, offering a hopeful, if challenging, task for poets.

Literary Theories and “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

Literary Theory	Application to the Poem	References from the Poem
Formalism	Formalist criticism focuses on the structure, style, and use of literary devices within the text. In Auden’s poem, the structure is deliberate, with three distinct sections that each serve a unique purpose: mourning Yeats’ death, reflecting on poetry’s purpose, and offering a final farewell. Formalist critics would examine how Auden’s choice of meter, repetition, and imagery shape the reader’s response to Yeats’ death.	The repetition in “The day of his death was a dark cold day” emphasizes the somber tone, while the rich imagery, such as “the mercury sank in the mouth of the dying day,” conveys a sense of decay and finality.
New Historicism	New Historicism examines literature within its historical and cultural context. Auden’s poem reflects the tense political climate of 1930s Europe, with references to the political turmoil and division of the time, symbolized by “dogs of Europe bark” and “seas of pity…locked and frozen.” A New Historicist reading would explore how Auden’s concerns about societal and political conflicts influenced his reflections on Yeats’ poetry and the role of poets in turbulent times.	The lines, “And the living nations wait, / Each sequestered in its hate,” capture the fraught atmosphere of Europe, while “poetry makes nothing happen” suggests Auden’s view of the limited influence of poetry in a politically charged world.
Reader-Response Theory	Reader-Response Theory focuses on the reader’s interpretation and emotional engagement with the text. In “In Memory of W.B. Yeats,” Auden invites readers to grapple with the ideas of legacy, death, and the impact of art. The line “poetry makes nothing happen” can evoke varied responses, with some readers possibly finding it disheartening and others seeing it as a celebration of poetry’s lasting, non-political influence.	The line “Now he is scattered among a hundred cities / And wholly given over to unfamiliar affections” can lead readers to ponder Yeats’ legacy, shaping their personal reactions to the idea of a poet’s life and work continuing after death.

Critical Questions about “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

• How does Auden view the role of poetry in society, and what might he mean by the statement “poetry makes nothing happen”?
• Auden’s statement, “poetry makes nothing happen,” is one of the poem’s most thought-provoking lines, suggesting a nuanced view of poetry’s role in society. On the surface, this line implies that poetry lacks direct power to instigate social or political change. However, Auden does not dismiss poetry’s significance; he views it as an enduring art form that “survives / In the valley of its making.” Rather than effecting tangible outcomes, poetry provides a “way of happening” that resonates emotionally and intellectually with individuals, separate from societal structures. This perspective highlights poetry as a means of personal reflection and emotional survival, offering solace and insight even if it does not change practical realities. By positioning poetry as something that “flows on south / From ranches of isolation,” Auden implies that poetry’s true power lies in its ability to provide meaning and resilience amid life’s challenges.
• What is the significance of winter imagery in the poem, particularly in connection to Yeats’ death?
• Auden’s use of winter imagery establishes a bleak, somber atmosphere that reflects the finality of Yeats’ death. Opening with “He disappeared in the dead of winter,” Auden creates a scene of cold stillness, where “the brooks were frozen” and “snow disfigured the public statues,” representing the desolate impact of Yeats’ passing on the literary world. Winter traditionally symbolizes death and dormancy, and here it underscores the emotional void left by the poet’s absence. By noting that “The mercury sank in the mouth of the dying day,” Auden emphasizes the waning warmth and vitality as Yeats’ life fades. This winter setting mirrors the numbness of loss and reflects a world seemingly indifferent to individual suffering and mortality, heightening the poem’s reflective tone on the transience of life.
• In what way does Auden both praise and critique Yeats, and why might this duality be important to the poem’s message?
• Auden approaches Yeats with a blend of admiration and critical realism, acknowledging his achievements while not idealizing him. He addresses Yeats directly, stating, “You were silly like us,” emphasizing that, despite his genius, Yeats was fallible and human. This line invites readers to appreciate Yeats as a relatable figure, marked by the same personal flaws and societal limitations as others. Auden’s line “Mad Ireland hurt you into poetry” suggests that Yeats’ poetry was born out of Ireland’s historical turmoil, which both inspired him and inflicted pain. By presenting Yeats as both elevated and flawed, Auden enhances the elegy’s authenticity, illustrating that even great poets contend with personal and cultural challenges. This duality reinforces the poem’s message that a poet’s impact is enduring, yet shaped by human vulnerability.
• How does Auden address the political climate of Europe in the poem, and what effect does this have on his view of Yeats’ legacy?
• Auden subtly weaves references to Europe’s political unrest into his elegy, suggesting that Yeats’ legacy exists within a broader context of turmoil and division. In the final stanza, he describes a “nightmare of the dark” where “all the dogs of Europe bark,” symbolizing the nationalist tensions and fears engulfing the continent. The image of “each sequestered in its hate” evokes the isolation and hostility that pervade society, highlighting a climate in which nations and individuals are increasingly divided. This context affects Auden’s view of Yeats’ legacy, as it portrays the poet’s art as a potential balm or guide in dark times. By urging Yeats to “teach the free man how to praise,” Auden suggests that poetry can foster unity, resilience, and emotional freedom, even amid a fractured world. This juxtaposition between Yeats’ poetic legacy and the political turmoil underscores the poem’s reflection on the enduring power of art in uncertain times.

Literary Works Similar to “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

• “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” by Thomas Gray
  Like Auden’s poem, Gray’s elegy reflects on mortality and the legacy of those who have passed, contemplating how individuals are remembered after death.
• “Adonais” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
  Shelley’s elegy for John Keats, much like Auden’s for Yeats, honors a fellow poet and explores themes of loss, legacy, and the immortality of poetic influence.
• “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” by Walt Whitman
  Whitman’s poem, written in memory of Abraham Lincoln, mirrors Auden’s work in its exploration of national loss and the poet’s role in memorializing significant figures.
• “Lycidas” by John Milton
  Milton’s pastoral elegy mourns the death of a fellow poet and reflects on the impermanence of life, similar to Auden’s musings on the poet’s mortality and the resilience of art.
• “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A.E. Housman
  Housman’s poem considers the fleeting nature of fame and youth, akin to Auden’s reflections on the lasting impact of Yeats’ poetry after death.

Representative Quotations of “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“He disappeared in the dead of winter”	Opens the poem with a stark, somber setting to mirror Yeats’ death, symbolizing the end of warmth and vitality.	Formalism: Examines the use of seasonal imagery to reflect tone.
“The day of his death was a dark cold day.”	Repeated refrain that emphasizes the bleakness of Yeats’ passing, reinforcing the poem’s mournful tone.	Structuralism: Considers repetition as a means to underscore themes.
“He became his admirers.”	Suggests that Yeats’ legacy is now in the hands of those who interpret and continue his work.	Reader-Response Theory: Highlights how readers shape a poet’s legacy.
“You were silly like us; your gift survived it all.”	Auden acknowledges Yeats’ flaws while affirming that his poetic talent transcends human weaknesses.	Humanism: Emphasizes shared humanity and the endurance of art.
“Mad Ireland hurt you into poetry.”	References Ireland’s political turmoil as a source of Yeats’ inspiration, indicating how suffering shapes creativity.	New Historicism: Contextualizes the influence of cultural and political strife on art.
“For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives”	Auden’s famous line suggesting that while poetry may not cause change, it persists beyond immediate impact.	Existentialism: Explores the idea that art exists independently of social effects.
“A way of happening, a mouth.”	Describes poetry as a mode of expression rather than an agent of action, focusing on its intrinsic value.	Formalism: Examines how language and form define the role of poetry.
“The wolves ran on through the evergreen forests”	Uses nature’s indifference to suggest that life continues despite individual deaths, highlighting the theme of mortality.	Naturalism: Emphasizes nature’s impersonal, ongoing cycles.
“In the prison of his days / Teach the free man how to praise.”	Concluding lines, calling on poetry to offer guidance and foster gratitude even in difficult times.	Romanticism: Celebrates poetry as a means of transcending limitations.
“The words of a dead man / Are modified in the guts of the living.”	Reflects on how a poet’s work is transformed by those who read and reinterpret it after their death.	Post-Structuralism: Suggests that meaning is reshaped by individual interpretation.

Suggested Readings: “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” by W.H. Auden

1. Auden, Wystan Hugh. In memory of WB Yeats. Hamdset in type & printed at Virginia Arts of the Book Center, 2017.
2. Regan, Stephen. “W.B. Yeats: Irish Nationalism and Post-Colonial Theory.” Nordic Irish Studies, vol. 5, 2006, pp. 87–99. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/30001545. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
3. Harries, Owen. “Poets on Power (and Its Loss).” The National Interest, no. 33, 1993, pp. 115–20. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/42894903. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
4. Hildebidle, John. “Human Clay: Some People in Auden’s Poetry, 1936-1941.” Modern Language Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 1982, pp. 83–98. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3194297. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.