A Lover's Quarrel Among the Fairies
The poem unfolds in a moonlit moor where fairies engage with a child, inviting her to join their world. The male fairies assure her of safety and lead her through enchanting landscapes, promising delightful experiences with mythical beings like the banshee. They express their joy in her company, despite their small stature, and celebrate with a dance. However, the female fairies exhibit jealousy and disdain towards the child, feeling overshadowed by her presence. They criticize the male fairies for their attention to the newcomer and express a desire to return to their own playful activities, reminiscing about the past and the simplicity of their existence. The narrative contrasts the carefree nature of the fairies with the complexities introduced by the child's arrival. The male fairies' playful antics and the female fairies' scorn create a dynamic tension, highlighting themes of jealousy, companionship, and the fleeting nature of joy. The poem ultimately reflects on the interplay between innocence and the darker undertones of fairy life, suggesting that the arrival of the child disrupts their established order, leading to a quarrel among the fairies.
By W.B. Yeats · First published 1918 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Mythology · 506 words
First lines
A moonlit moor. Fairies leading a child.
Male Fairies.
What this Textopian page supports
A Lover's Quarrel Among the Fairies is listed on Textopian as a poem by W.B. Yeats, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: W.B. Yeats
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Mythology, Romance, Children's Literature
- Length: 506 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Danaan Quicken Tree by W. B. Yeats
- Song Of The Faeries by W. B. Yeats
- Fairy Song by Louisa May Alcott
- Chorus Of Fairies by John Keats
- Enchantment by Madison Cawein
- Song Of The Elf by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Fantasy — The poem features fairies and magical elements, central to the fantasy genre.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Mythology — It incorporates themes and characters from folklore and mythology, particularly Irish.
- Romance — The title suggests themes of love and relationships, typical of the romance genre.
Tags
Fairy Tales · Irish Literature · Poetry Collection · Symbolism · Mythology · Fantasy · Romance · Love · Quarrel · Fairies · Magic · Nature