The Magi

Poetry | William Butler Yeats

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The Magi Key Facts

Key Facts Writer: William Butler Yeats (1865 – 1939) Original Title: The Magi Source: The Wild Swans at Coole (1919) Written Time: Around 1914-1916 Published Date: 1919 Form: Lyric poem Genre: Symbolist poetry Tone: Mysterious, contemplative, and reflective Point of View: First-person Total Lines: 8 lines Total Part: 1 part Setting:  Time Setting: Reflecting both Bibli...
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The Magi Character

Characters: The Magi – The three wise men, depicted as pale, unsatisfied figures with ancient faces. They are still searching for spiritual fulfillment.
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The Magi Summary

Background: "The Magi" by W.B. Yeats talks about the three wise men who visited Jesus at his birth. In this poem, they are shown as unhappy and still searching for answers. Even after seeing Jesus, they were not satisfied. The poem shows their long journey and how they are still looking for the truth. Yeats uses simple images to show their disappointment and Summary:  The Appearance of the Magi: I...
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The Magi Literary Device

Figures of Speech: Simile: The faces of the Magi are compared to "rain-beaten stones," showing their age and weariness. Metaphor: The "uncontrollable mystery" refers to the divine or spiritual mystery surrounding the birth of Christ. It symbolized as something powerful and beyond human control. Imagery: Vivid images like "blue depths of the sky," "helms of silver," and "bestial floor" help...
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The Magi Quotations

Quotes: "Pale unsatisfied ones" Explanation: This refers to the Magi, who remain unfulfilled in their search for spiritual understanding. "Hoping to find once more" Explanation: The Magi continue their quest for deeper spiritual meaning, feeling unsatisfied with past revelations. "Being by Calvary's turbulence unsatisfied" Explanation: Despite witnessing Christ's crucifixion, they still long f...
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