World War 1 Annotated

Upon first viewing, one will notice how this poem about World War 1 by William Butler
Yeates, goes much deeper and requires a much closer analysis to appreciate its full depth. For starters we can see that this poem is not a sonnet, at least not in the strict definition of using fourteen lines. Yeates instead chooses to use sixteen lines in one stanza to get his point across.
This will be the first feature to grab the eye’s attention. Along with that observation, we will notice how the rhyming structure is constant throughout (this is important and gives a deeper meaning than just “sounding good”). But before going further into analysis, we must not forget the title itself which is indeed, very important. Yeates specifically uses

This is meant to carry an emotionless and disconnected feeling similar to something one might read, even in current times, about the actual death of a soldier/airman in a war. Because even though us as readers usually are made aware of death, we are disconnected from the emotion of it when informed in such a bland way. However, his diction in the title is also important, as it is to speak for airmen of the Great War as a whole and not just one specific individual (even though the inspiration/subject for this poem is based on the specific death of Robert Gregory, son of Yeates’ close friend Lady Gregory). He is not trying to make this seen as a story about a specific individual, but rather of a feeling that is felt within oneself. As you read, you will notice the diction Yeates chooses to use is not all that unique/complicated, with the exception of “Kiltartan Cross” (5) and “Kiltartan’s poor” (6), along with maybe “bade” (9) and “tumult” (12). Also not unique or complicated, is the rhyming
Craver 2

pattern {abab} used throughout the entire poem. This poem is printed in only one stanza as

I believe he is describing patriotism of sorts as his reason for facing death, but a more selective form of it. The character is constantly dismissing common reasons most feel as justifiable for being willing to face death: “No likely end could bring them loss” (7) or “Or leave them happier than before” (8). He seeks not glory or reward for his actions, but is rather an individual driven by something much deeper felt within: “A lonely impulse of delight” (11). Furthermore, if you step back from viewing the poem, you see that there are in fact few words that repeat or stand out. You see the word “clouds” in both lines (2) and (12). You also see “balance” and “balanced” in lines (13) and (16) respectively. This repeat in certain words is
Craver 3

meant to draw the viewer’s attention, more so when it comes to “balance”, as that is essentially what this poem is about. A sense of irony is felt, because one would normally feel balance in one’s life after doing something or accomplishing something. Yet here, the character described throughout receives his “balance” in life from death. Again, somewhat ironic, but it also