Leda and the Swan

Poetry | William Butler Yeats

Leda and the Swan Quotations

Quotes:

"A sudden blow: the great wings beating still." (Octave)

Explanation: This shows the sudden, violent attack by the swan.

 

"He holds her helpless breast upon his breast." (Octave)
Explanation: Leda is helpless and trapped by the swan.

"How can those terrified vague fingers push

The feathered glory from her loosening thighs?" (Octave)

Explanation: Leda is too scared to fight the swan's power.

"A shudder in the loins engenders there

The broken wall, the burning roof and tower." (Sestet)

Explanation: The act will lead to the destruction of Troy.

"Did she put on his knowledge with his power

Before the indifferent beak could let her drop?" (Sestet)

Explanation: This asks if Leda gained any knowledge from Zeus before he dropped her.

 

 

Download Options
From this writer
W
William Butler Yeats
Literary Writer
More Topics