Figures of Speech

• Metaphor: The old man is compared to a torn coat on a stick. It shows that he is weak and useless. This is not a real coat—it's a metaphor for an old body.
• Personification: The soul is given human actions like clapping and singing. But souls don’t really do this. So, this is personification.
• Imagery: The poet uses visual imagery to show a golden bird made by art. We can picture the bright, shining bird in our minds.
• Symbols:

• Byzantium: Byzantium is an old, holy city. It is a symbol of the spiritual world, art, and eternity. The poet wants to go there to escape death and become eternal.
• The Sailing (Journey): The journey to Byzantium means a journey of the soul. It is not real sailing. It is a symbol of leaving the body and going to a world of art and spirit.
• The Golden Bird: The golden bird is made by art. It is a symbol of immortality and perfect beauty. It does not die or grow old. It sings forever in the holy city.
• The Aged Man: The old man is weak and useless. He is a symbol of mortal life and decay. His body is like a torn coat on a stick.
• The Holy Fire: The holy fire in Byzantium means spiritual wisdom. It burns away the body and gives pure life to the soul.