By William Butler Yeats
He with body waged a fight,
But body won; it walks upright.
Then he struggled with the heart;
Innocence and peace depart.
Then he struggled with the mind;
His proud heart he left behind.
Now his wars on God begin;
At stroke of midnight God shall win.
commentary about The Four Ages Of Man
This evocative poem, entitled “The Four Ages of Man,” presents an allegorical depiction of the internal struggles one faces throughout life. The poem is structured in four couplets, each focusing on a different aspect of the human experience: the body, the heart, the mind, and the relationship with God. The simple rhyme scheme of AABBCCDD and concise lines lend an air of simplicity to the poem, but beneath this exterior lies a depth of emotion and thought-provoking complexity.
In the first couplet, the poem introduces the concept of the struggle between one’s will and the physical body. The personification of the body as an adversary to the self suggests a disconnection between the two, implying that physical desires and temptations can overpower one’s sense of self-control or spiritual aspirations. The phrase “it walks upright” signifies the dominance of the body in this battle, possibly highlighting the innate animalistic nature that often supersedes rationality.
The second couplet explores the emotional realm, as the protagonist grapples with the heart. The poem implies that the initial purity of the heart is compromised as one confronts the harsh realities of life. As innocence and peace depart, the heart becomes tainted by the complexities of the world, leaving the individual emotionally vulnerable.
In the third couplet, the poem delves into the realm of the intellect, as the protagonist wrestles with the mind. The relinquishing of the “proud heart” indicates the submission of emotions to the rational mind. This shift suggests that the individual has sought refuge in the intellect as a means of distancing themselves from the emotional pain experienced in the previous struggle.
The final couplet introduces the ultimate conflict: the battle with God. This struggle can be interpreted as the protagonist’s attempt to challenge divine authority or seek meaning in their suffering. The poem concludes with a resolute assertion that “at stroke of midnight God shall win.” This line may signify the eventual surrender of the individual to a higher power, finding solace in the acceptance of a divine plan. Alternatively, the “stroke of midnight” could represent the moment of death, where the individual ultimately succumbs to the natural order and the greater cosmic design.
In summary, “The Battle Within” is a poignant exploration of the various internal struggles one faces in the journey of life. Through its concise structure and vivid imagery, the poem offers a thought-provoking commentary on the challenges that arise from the tension between the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of human existence. Ultimately, the poem serves as a powerful reminder that surrendering to a higher power or accepting one’s place in the universe can bring solace amidst life’s battles.