The Seeker by W.B. Yeats (1939)
The poem unfolds in two scenes, beginning in a woodland valley where three shepherds gather around a fire. They express their weariness and dreams, with one shepherd attempting to play a flute, only to find it possessed by a mournful spirit. An Old Knight enters, having wandered for decades, seeking a long-lost forest rumored to be filled with spirits. The shepherds warn him against seeking this forest, describing it as a place of danger and despair, where even the bravest do not tread. In the second scene, the setting shifts to a ruined palace within the forest. The Old Knight returns, now desperate and aged, addressing a mysterious, motionless figure that embodies a spirit he has long sought. He pleads for the figure to speak, revealing his life has been filled with longing and unfulfilled desires. As he approaches the figure, he feels a chilling presence that seems to drain his life force. The figure, identified as Infamy, reveals herself and acknowledges her role in summoning the Knight. Despite his yearning for connection and understanding, the Knight realizes the figure embodies his own failures and regrets. In a moment of despair, he collapses, and the figure, now holding a mirror, reflects his own image back at him. The Knight dies, overwhelmed by the realization of his lost potential and the haunting nature of his quest. The poem explores themes of longing, the search for meaning, and the confrontation with one's own infamy and mortality.
By W.B. Yeats · First published 1939 · Genre: Dramatic Poetry, Fantasy, Symbolism · 1,301 words
First lines
A Dramatic Poem in Two Scenes Scene I
A woodland valley at evening. Around a wood-fire sit three shepherds; without a curve rises the smoke.
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The Seeker 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: Dramatic Poetry, Fantasy, Symbolism, Romanticism, Tragedy
- Length: 1,301 words
- Structure: 1 section, 61 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Seeker by W.B. Yeats
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Dramatic Poetry — The work is structured as a dramatic poem with dialogue and scenes, focusing on the emotional and spiritual journey of the characters.
- Fantasy — The themes involve mystical elements, such as spirits and a magical forest, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
- Symbolism — The poem employs symbolic language and imagery to convey deeper meanings about life, death, and the human experience.
- Romanticism — The work reflects Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and the individual's quest for meaning.
Tags
Fantasy · Mystery · Adventure · Coming-of-age · Self-discovery · Spirituality · Philosophy · Poetry · Symbolism · Mythology · Folklore · Dreams