The Danaan Quicken Tree
The poem explores themes of longing, enchantment, and the interplay between the mortal and the faery realms. The speaker recounts a journey from a familiar, earthly setting to a mystical experience, marked by the presence of a faery multitude. The imagery of the quicken tree serves as a symbol of both allure and danger, representing the duality of beauty and poison inherent in faery gifts. The speaker expresses a deep yearning for connection, addressing a beloved figure while reflecting on the bittersweet nature of their experiences. The act of plucking fruits on Innisfree signifies a search for fulfillment, yet the fruits are imbued with a sense of peril, suggesting that what is desired may also lead to ruin. As the narrative unfolds, the speaker grapples with the consequences of succumbing to faery temptations, hinting at a struggle between duty and desire. The mention of battle implies a conflict, both external and internal, where the speaker's resolve is tested by the enchanting pull of the faery world. The refrain of blaming the "Danaan whim" emphasizes the idea of fate and the influence of supernatural forces on human choices. The call to "cast out all hope, cast out all fear" invites a surrender to the experience, suggesting that true understanding and connection can only be achieved by embracing the unknown. Ultimately, the work encapsulates a tension between the allure of the faery realm and the responsibilities of the mortal world, leaving the reader to ponder the cost of such enchantment and the nature of desire itself. The quicken tree stands as a poignant reminder of the complexities of love, longing, and the choices that define one's path.
By W.B. Yeats · First published 1939 · Genre: Fantasy, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism · 286 words
First lines
Beloved, hear my bitter tale! --
Now making busy with the oar, Now flinging loose the slanting sail, I hurried from the woody shore, And plucked small fruits on Innisfree.
(Ah, mournful Danaan quicken tree! )
A murmuring faery multitude, When flying to the heart of light From playing hurley in the wood With creatures of our heavy night, A berry threw for me -- or thee.
What this Textopian page supports
The Danaan Quicken Tree is listed on Textopian as a poem by W.B. Yeats, dated 1939 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: 1939 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Mythology, Symbolism
- Length: 286 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Danaan Quicken Tree by W.B. Yeats
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fantasy — The poem features faeries and mythical elements, central to the fantasy genre.
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and the supernatural align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Mythology — References to faery creatures and the Danaan quicken tree connect to mythological themes.
Tags
Fiction · Poetry · Irish Literature · Symbolism · Mythology · Fantasy · Nature · Spirituality · Mystery · Philosophy · Psychological Insight · Dreams