On Mr. Nettleship's Picture at the Royal Hiberni
The poem explores themes of nature, existence, and the interplay between the divine and the earthly. It begins with a vivid image of the moon and a lioness nurturing her cub, symbolizing both tenderness and the inevitability of death. The lion, representing strength and solitude, expresses a deep, almost existential roar that resonates with the unknown. This roar contrasts with the gentle imagery of a dew-drop, highlighting the tension between power and fragility. The lion's magnificence is juxtaposed with the concept of the "flaming circle of the outer Law," suggesting a cosmic order that governs existence. The lion's roar, while powerful, is also a lament for the inner heart's protest against this order. The poem reflects on the eternal struggle between the individual spirit and the overarching laws of nature and existence, emphasizing the complexity of life and the divine will that shapes it. Through rich imagery and symbolism, the work invites contemplation on the relationship between the individual and the universe, the transient nature of life, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of existence. The lion's duality as both a fierce creature and a symbol of deeper existential questions encapsulates the poem's exploration of life's profound mysteries.
By W.B. Yeats · First published 1902 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Symbolism, Nature Poetry · 191 words
First lines
Yonder the sickle of the moon sails on, But here the Lioness licks her soft cub Tender and fearless on her funeral pyre; Above, saliva dripping from his jaws, The Lion, the world's great solitary, bends Lowly the head of his magnificence And roars, mad with the touch of the unknown, Not as he shakes the forest; but a cry Low, long and musical. A dew-drop hung Bright on a grass blade's under side, might hear Nor tremble to its fall. The fire sweeps round Re-shining in his eyes. So ever moves The flaming circle of the outer Law, Nor heeds the old, dim protest and the cry The orb of the most inner living heart Gives forth. He, the Eternal, works His will.
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On Mr. Nettleship's Picture at the Royal Hibernian Academy is listed on Textopian as a poem by W.B. Yeats, dated 1902 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: W.B. Yeats
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Symbolism, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Imagism
- Length: 191 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its musicality and emotional expression, typical of lyric poetry.
- Symbolism — The poem employs rich imagery and symbols, such as the lion and the moon, to convey deeper meanings.
- Nature Poetry — Nature is a central theme, with vivid descriptions of the moon and the lion, reflecting the relationship between the natural world and human emotion.
- Philosophical Poetry — The poem explores existential themes and the nature of existence, indicative of philosophical inquiry.
Tags
Poetry · Art · Criticism · Literary Analysis · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Personification · Allusion · Irony · Satire