Lake Isle of Innisfree by William Butler Yeats

“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is a famous poem written by William Butler Yeats, one of the greatest poets in the English language. The poem was first published in 1890 and is considered one of Yeats’ most beloved works. The poem reflects Yeats’ deep longing for the peace and tranquility of a natural setting away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

About the Author:

William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish poet, playwright, and literary figure, widely considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. Born in Dublin, Yeats was raised in a highly artistic and intellectual family and Yeats began writing poetry at a young age. As a young man, he became deeply involved in the Irish literary and cultural revival, which sought to revive and celebrate Irish language, literature, and traditions.

The Romantic poets heavily influenced Yeats’ early poetry, and he often explored themes of love, nature, and the supernatural. Later in his career, his poetry became more complex and philosophical, as he grappled with politics, religion, and the human condition.

In addition to his poetry, Yeats was also an accomplished playwright, and he wrote many plays that are still performed today, including “Countess Cathleen” and “The Wild Swans at Coole”. He founded the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, which is one of Ireland’s most important cultural institutions.

Throughout his life, Yeats remained deeply committed to Irish nationalism and cultural identity, and he was an important figure in the Irish literary and political scene. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923 and remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of poetry and literature. Some of his most famous poems include “The Second Coming,” “Sailing to Byzantium,” and “Easter, 1916.”

 

Summary of the Poem

“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is a beautiful and contemplative poem by William Butler Yeats. In this poem, Yeats expresses his longing for a peaceful and idyllic place away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The poem is structured in three quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a simple and rhythmic pattern, reflecting the tranquil mood of the speaker’s contemplation.

 

Desire to go to Lake Isle of Innisfree:

In the first stanza, the speaker expresses his desire to go to the “Lake Isle of Innisfree,” a small and secluded island in a lake. He vividly describes the landscape of this tranquil haven, with its “bee-loud glade” and “midnight’s all a glimmer.” The speaker yearns to escape the noise and chaos of urban life and find solace in the peaceful surroundings of Innisfree.

Simple and Serene Life at Lake Isle of Innisfree:

In the second stanza, the speaker elaborates on the simple and serene life he envisions himself on the island. He longs to build a “small cabin” made of “clay and wattles,” where he can live in harmony with nature. He dreams of planting “nine bean rows” and creating a “hive for the honey bee,” suggesting a life of self-sufficiency and connection to the land.

Leave the Urban World behind and Journey to the Lake Isle of Innisfree:

In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on the enduring presence of Innisfree in his imagination, even when he is far away. He declares, “I will arise and go now, for always night and day / I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore,” emphasizing his persistent longing for a peaceful retreat. The poem concludes with the speaker affirming his intention to leave the urban world behind and journey to the Lake Isle of Innisfree, where he can find solace and tranquility amidst the beauty of nature.

Conclusion:

Overall, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is a poignant and evocative poem that captures the universal human desire for a place of peace and refuge from the complexities of modern life. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poem conveys a sense of longing and nostalgia for a simpler existence in harmony with nature.

Rhyme Scheme and Style:

“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by William Butler Yeats follows a specific rhyme scheme and poetic style. The poem consists of three quatrains, or we can say that it is divided into three stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme- scheme of the poem is AABB, meaning that the first and second lines of each quatrain rhyme with each other, as do the third and fourth lines.

Here’s an example of the rhyme scheme from the first stanza of the poem:

I will arise and go now, (A)

And go to Innisfree, (A)

And a small cabin built there, (B)

Of clay and wattles made; (B)

This pattern continues throughout the poem, maintaining a consistent AABB rhyme scheme in each stanza.

Conclusion:

In terms of style, Yeats employs vivid imagery and sensory language to create a strong sense of place and atmosphere. He uses descriptive language to evoke the sights and sounds of the natural world, painting a picture of the tranquil island setting of Innisfree. Additionally, Yeats’, use of repetition, particularly the phrase “I will arise and go now,” adds a rhythmic quality to the poem, enhancing its musicality and overall lyrical style.