The Tower
Poetry
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William Butler Yeats
The Tower Summary
Summary
Part I – Conflict Between Old Age and Imagination: In the first part of the poem, Yeats speaks about the conflict between his old age and creative power. He says that his body is now weak, but his mind remains young, excited, and full of imagination. He feels that age has been tied to him “like a dog’s tail,” meaning that old age has become a heavy burden. He remembers his childhood days...
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The Tower Key Facts
Key Facts
Poet: W. B. Yeats (1865–1939)
Full Title: The Tower
Written Time: Around 1926
First Published: 1928 (in the poetry collection The Tower)
Form: Long Philosophical Lyric Poem (divided into three parts)
Genre: Autobiographical, Symbolic, and Philosophical Poetry
Tone: Reflective, Melancholic, Proud, and Transcendent
Structure:
Part I: Conflict between imagination and ol...
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The Tower Themes
Themes
Conflict Between Old Age and Imagination: The main theme of this poem is the struggle between the aging body and the youthful mind. Yeats says that although his body has grown weak, his mind still burns with energy, passion, and imagination. He feels that old age is an “absurdity”—a meaningless burden forced upon him. Yet, the fire of imagination will not let him rest; it continues to m...
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The Tower Literary Devices
Symbols:
The Tower: Symbol of isolation, wisdom, and spiritual refuge
Hanrahan: The artist’s double—symbol of passion and creative madness
The Swan: Symbol of artistic immortality and the soul’s final flight
The Bird’s Nest: Symbol of creation and continuity
The Transcendent Paradise: The ideal realm of imagination beyond death
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The Tower Quotes
Quotes
“What shall I do with this absurdity — O heart, O troubled heart?”
Explanation: The poet expresses his frustration with old age. Though his body is weak, his heart and imagination are still full of passion and youth. He feels trapped in an aging body.
“Does the imagination dwell the most / Upon a woman won or woman lost?”
Explanation: Yeats reflects on the power of imagination, wondering...
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