A Prayer for My Daughter by William Butler Yeats | A Prayer for My Daughter | William Butler Yeats | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
A Prayer for my Daughter
Once more the storm is howling, and half hid
Under this cradle-hood and coverlid
My child sleeps on. There is no obstacle
But Gregory’s wood and one bare hill
Whereby the haystack- and roof-levelling wind,
Bred on the Atlantic, can be stayed;
And for an hour I have walked and prayed
Because of the great gloom that is in my mind.
I have walked and prayed for this young child an hour
And heard the sea-wind scream upon the tower,
And under the arches of the bridge, and scream
In the elms above the flooded stream;
Imagining in excited reverie
That the future years had come,
Dancing to a frenzied drum,
Out of the murderous innocence of the sea.
May she be granted beauty and yet not
Beauty to make a stranger’s eye distraught,
Or hers before a looking-glass, for such,
Being made beautiful overmuch,
Consider beauty a sufficient end,
Lose natural kindness and maybe
The heart-revealing intimacy
That chooses right, and never find a friend.
Helen being chosen found life flat and dull
And later had much trouble from a fool,
While that great Queen, that rose out of the spray,
Being fatherless could have her way
Yet chose a bandy-leggèd smith for man.
It’s certain that fine women eat
A crazy salad with their meat
Whereby the Horn of Plenty is undone.
In courtesy I’d have her chiefly learned;
Hearts are not had as a gift but hearts are earned
By those that are not entirely beautiful;
Yet many, that have played the fool
For beauty’s very self, has charm made wise,
And many a poor man that has roved,
Loved and thought himself beloved,
From a glad kindness cannot take his eyes.
May she become a flourishing hidden tree
That all her thoughts may like the linnet be,
And have no business but dispensing round
Their magnanimities of sound,
Nor but in merriment begin a chase,
Nor but in merriment a quarrel.
O may she live like some green laurel
Rooted in one dear perpetual place.
My mind, because the minds that I have loved,
The sort of beauty that I have approved,
Prosper but little, has dried up of late,
Yet knows that to be choked with hate
May well be of all evil chances chief.
If there’s no hatred in a mind
Assault and battery of the wind
Can never tear the linnet from the leaf.
An intellectual hatred is the worst,
So let her think opinions are accursed.
Have I not seen the loveliest woman born
Out of the mouth of Plenty’s horn,
Because of her opinionated mind
Barter that horn and every good
By quiet natures understood
For an old bellows full of angry wind?
Considering that, all hatred driven hence,
The soul recovers radical innocence
And learns at last that it is self-delighting,
Self-appeasing, self-affrighting,
And that its own sweet will is Heaven’s will;
She can, though every face should scowl
And every windy quarter howl
Or every bellows burst, be happy still.
And may her bridegroom bring her to a house
Where all’s accustomed, ceremonious;
For arrogance and hatred are the wares
Peddled in the thoroughfares.
How but in custom and in ceremony
Are innocence and beauty born?
Ceremony’s a name for the rich horn,
And custom for the spreading laurel tree.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
First Stanza
Once more the storm is howling, and half hid
Under this cradle-hood and coverlid
My child sleeps on.
Explanation
This line introduces the speaker’s child, who is asleep in a cradle covered with a blanket. The word “half hidden” suggests that the child is protected from the storm but still aware of it.
There is no obstacle
But Gregory’s wood and one bare hill
Whereby the haystack- and roof-levelling wind,
Bred on the Atlantic, can be stayed;
Explanation
This line describes the landscape surrounding the speaker’s home. The wood and the bare hill are the only things standing between the house and the Atlantic Ocean, where the storm originated. The word “haystack- and roof-levelling” emphasizes the destructive power of the wind.
And for an hour I have walked and prayed
Because of the great gloom that is in my mind.
Explanation
This line reveals the reason for the speaker’s actions. He is worried and anxious due to the storm and their thoughts about their daughter’s future.
Figurative language
Metaphor: “haystack- and roof-levelling wind” compares the wind to a destructive force.
Personification: “Bred on the Atlantic” gives the wind life and origin.
Second Stanza
I have walked and prayed for this young child an hour
Explanation
This line reiterates the speaker’s anxiety and worry for their child, emphasizing the duration of their concern.
And heard the sea-wind scream upon the tower,
And under the arches of the bridge, and scream
In the elms above the flooded stream;
Explanation
These lines introduce the sound of the storm of sea wind screaming on the tower, under the bridge’s arches and through the elms above a flooded stream. The repetition of “scream” emphasizes the intensity and persistence of the storm. This imagery adds to the feeling of chaos and destruction caused by the storm.
Imagining in excited reverie
That the future years had come,
Explanation
These lines shifts the focus from the external storm to the speaker’s internal thoughts. The speaker begins to imagine the future years in a state of “excited reverie,” suggesting a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. He is envisioning the future years as if they are already present.
Dancing to a frenzied drum,
Out of the murderous innocence of the sea.
Explanation
It depict the future as a time of frenzied activity and chaos, symbolized by the image of dancing to a wild drumbeat. This line connects the imagery of the storm and the speaker’s anxieties about the future. The “murderous innocence of the sea” suggests a powerful force that is both beautiful and destructive, representing the potential dangers the child may face in life.
Figurative language
Metaphor: “murderous innocence of the sea” compares the sea to a force that is both beautiful and destructive.
Personification: “sea-wind scream” gives the wind human-like qualities.
Third Stanza
May she be granted beauty and yet not
Beauty to make a stranger’s eye distraught,
Or hers before a looking-glass,
Explanation
The speaker expresses a desire for his daughter to possess beauty, but not to such an extent that it attracts unwanted attention from strangers or becomes her primary focus. He suggests that excessive beauty can be distracting and potentially lead to vanity and self-absorption. He wishes for her to have an inner beauty that shines through and is not solely defined by her physical appearance.
for such,
Being made beautiful overmuch,
Consider beauty a sufficient end,
Explanation
These lines warn against the dangers of excessive beauty. They suggest that people who are “made beautiful overmuch” may come to believe that their beauty is enough and neglect other important aspects of life, such as kindness, intellectual pursuits, and meaningful relationships. This can lead to a shallow and ultimately unfulfilling existence.
Lose natural kindness and maybe
The heart-revealing intimacy
That chooses right, and never find a friend.
Explanation
These lines warn against losing “natural kindness” and the “heart-revealing intimacy” that guides us towards choosing the right path. They suggest that without these qualities, finding true friendship might become impossible. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining these inherent human traits for building genuine connections and navigating life with clarity and purpose.
Figurative language
Metaphor: “heart-revealing intimacy” compares true friendship to a state of openness and vulnerability.
Hyperbole: “beauty to make a stranger’s eye distraught” exaggerates the potential impact of the daughter’s beauty.
Fourth Stanza
Helen being chosen found life flat and dull
And later had much trouble from a fool,
Explanation
Helen of Troy, who was chosen to be a king’s wife, found life with him very boring; later, she suffered at the hands of her lover, Paris, a foolish man.
While that great Queen, that rose out of the spray,
Being fatherless could have her way
Explanation
Meanwhile, the queen Aphrodite, who was born in the ocean waves, had no father and could have chosen any man.
Yet chose a bandy-leggèd smith for man.
Explanation
Yet, she chose Hephaestus, a crippled blacksmith, as her husband.
It’s certain that fine women eat
A crazy salad with their meat
Whereby the Horn of Plenty is undone.
Explanation
Without a doubt, beautiful women waste the gift of their natural beauty by doing crazy things.
Figurative language
Metaphor: “Horn of Plenty” symbolizes abundance and prosperity.
Juxtaposition: Contrasting descriptions of Helen and the Queen highlight societal expectations and unconventional choices.
Symbolism: “Crazy salad” could symbolize rebellion and embracing individuality.
Fifth Stanza
In courtesy I’d have her chiefly learned;
Explanation
The speaker expresses his desire for his daughter to be primarily skilled in courtesy. This suggests that he value respectfulness, consideration, and good manners above other qualities.
Hearts are not had as a gift but hearts are earned
By those that are not entirely beautiful;
Explanation
These lines emphasize the effort required to gain someone’s love. It challenges the idea of love at first sight and suggests that true affection comes through actions and genuine connection, not merely outward appearance.
Yet many, that have played the fool
For beauty’s very self, has charm made wise,
Explanation
These lines introduce the idea that individuals who initially prioritize beauty may eventually learn and appreciate other qualities. It suggests that a person’s focus on outward appearance may eventually give way to a deeper understanding of what truly matters in a relationship. Charm, in this context, likely refers to a combination of positive qualities that go beyond physical appearance, such as wit, kindness, and intelligence.
And many a poor man that has roved,
Loved and thought himself beloved,
Explanation
These lines introduce a new perspective, that of a less fortunate individuals who have experienced love and self-deception. They have traveled and loved, believing themselves to be loved in return.
From a glad kindness cannot take his eyes.
Explanation
The final line reveals the source of the poor man’s unwavering affection. He is captivated by “a glad kindness,” suggesting that genuine acts of kindness and compassion have earned his lasting admiration and love. This reinforces the poem’s central theme that true love arises from genuine connection and positive qualities, not just outward beauty.
Figurative language
Metaphor: “hearts are earned” compares gaining someone’s love to a process of earning something valuable.
Personification: “charm made wise” suggests that charm can have a transformative effect on a person, making them wiser and more understanding.
Juxtaposition: The contrast between “beauty” and “glad kindness” emphasizes the importance of inner qualities over outward appearance.
Sixth Stanza
May she become a flourishing hidden tree
Explanation
This line begins by expressing the speaker’s wish for their daughter to grow and thrive, like a strong and healthy tree. However, the word “hidden” suggests that the speaker desires this growth to occur quietly and without seeking attention.
That all her thoughts may like the linnet be,
And have no business but dispensing round
Their magnanimities of sound,
Explanation
The speaker compares their daughter’s thoughts to a linnet, a small songbird known for its beautiful melodies. This comparison suggests a desire for her thoughts to be pure, innocent, and filled with positive energy, like the joyful sound of a linnet’s song. He hopes she will be focused on spreading kindness and joy to others, rather than pursuing personal gain or worldly ambitions. The speaker uses a powerful metaphor, “magnanimities of sound,” to describe the positive effects of their daughter’s thoughts and actions. These “magnanimities” represent small acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion that have a ripple effect, spreading positivity and improving the lives of those around her.
Nor but in merriment begin a chase,
Nor but in merriment a quarrel.
Explanation
He hopes she will engage in life with enthusiasm and find pleasure in simple activities and playful pursuits. And even in disagreements or conflicts, his daughter will approach them with a playful and good-natured attitude. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships even during challenges.
O may she live like some green laurel
Rooted in one dear perpetual place.
Explanation
The poem shifts to the image of a laurel tree, a symbol of longevity, strength, and victory. The speaker now wishes for their daughter to live a long and fulfilling life, remaining firm in her values and principles like the roots of a strong tree.
Figurative Language:
Metaphor: “thoughts may like the linnet be” compares the daughter’s thoughts to the beauty and innocence of a linnet’s song.
Personification: “magnanimities of sound” attributes human qualities like generosity to the sounds produced by the daughter’s thoughts and actions.
Seventh Stanza
My mind, because the minds that I have loved,
The sort of beauty that I have approved,
Prosper but little, has dried up of late,
Explanation
The speaker’s current state is revealed. Previous sources of inspiration and joy have dwindled, leading to a feeling of barrenness and unproductiveness.
Yet knows that to be choked with hate
May well be of all evil chances chief.
Explanation
These lines emphasize the dangers of hatred, considered the worst possible outcome. A strong commitment to avoiding its grip is suggested.
If there’s no hatred in a mind
Explanation
A hypothetical scenario is introduced, contrasting it with the potential dangers of hatred. A mind free from hatred is presented as a positive state, offering a pathway to healing and renewal.
Assault and battery of the wind
Can never tear the linnet from the leaf.
Explanation
The poem concludes with a hopeful image. A linnet, a small but resilient bird, clinging to a leaf, symbolizes the enduring strength of a mind free from hatred. This suggests that even amidst adversity, a positive and compassionate mind can remain grounded and unyielding.
Figurative Language
Metaphor: “assault and battery of the wind” compares life’s challenges to a physical attack.
Personification: “the minds that I have loved” suggests that the speaker’s past relationships have an independent existence and influence.
Juxtaposition: The contrasting themes of love and hate, beauty and barrenness, and wind and leaf create a sense of tension and depth.
Eighth Stanza
An intellectual hatred is the worst,
Explanation
This opening line establishes the central theme of the stanza: intellectual hatred is inherently harmful and destructive.
So let her think opinions are accursed.
Explanation
The speaker suggests that dismissing opinions altogether might be preferable to engaging in intellectual hatred. This implies a cautious approach towards forming strong opinions or judging others based on theirs.
Have I not seen the loveliest woman born
Out of the mouth of Plenty’s horn,
Explanation
The speaker presents a personal observation. He has seen a woman of remarkable beauty, born out of abundance and good fortune. The “mouth of Plenty’s horn” represents a source of unlimited good things, symbolizing the woman’s potential for happiness and fulfillment.
Because of her opinionated mind
Explanation
This line identifies the potential source of the woman’s problems. Her strong opinions are presented as a potential obstacle to her well-being.
Barter that horn and every good
By quiet natures understood
For an old bellows full of angry wind?
Explanation
The speaker describes the potential consequences of the woman’s strong opinions. She risks losing the abundance and other positive aspects of life symbolized by “Plenty’s horn”. “Quiet natures” are implied to possess a deeper understanding of true happiness and fulfillment, which the woman might lose by focusing on strong opinions. The final line uses a metaphor to depict the potential outcome of the woman’s strong opinions if they become destructive. The “old bellows” represent a tool for producing negativity and anger, ultimately leading to emptiness and dissatisfaction.
Figurative Language
Metaphor: “horn of Plenty” symbolizes abundance and prosperity, “old bellows” symbolizes negativity and anger.
Personification: “quiet natures understood” suggests that “quiet natures” have a deep understanding of the world.
Hypothetical question: “Have I not seen…” encourages the reader to consider the speaker’s observation and its implications.
Ninth Stanza
Considering that, all hatred driven hence,
Explanation
This line sets the stage for the stanza by introducing a hypothetical scenario where all hatred has been eliminated.
The soul recovers radical innocence
And learns at last that it is self-delighting,
Self-appeasing, self-affrighting,
Explanation
These lines describe the transformative effect of letting go of hatred. The soul, freed from negativity, rediscovers its inherent wholeness and untainted perspective. It discovers the ability to experience happiness and fulfillment independently, without relying on external sources. It can not only comfort itself but also acknowledge its potential for self-criticism and fear.
And that its own sweet will is Heaven’s will;
Explanation
This line signifies a powerful realization. The soul recognizes that its own desires, guided by its newfound self-awareness, are ultimately aligned with a force greater than itself, often referred to as Heaven’s will.
She can, though every face should scowl
And every windy quarter howl
Or every bellows burst, be happy still.
Explanation
These lines introduce a hypothetical situation to test the soul’s resilience. Even when faced with external disapproval and negativity, represented by “every face scowling,” the soul remains undeterred. The stanza concludes with a triumphant declaration. Despite potential hardships and external negativity, symbolized by the ‘windy quarter howling’ and ‘bursting bellows’, the soul remains steadfast in its newfound happiness and inner peace.
Figurative Language
Metaphor: “radical innocence” represents the soul’s purity and untainted perspective, “bellows burst” symbolizes external negativity and challenges.
Personification: “every face should scowl” and “every windy quarter howl” give human attributes to external forces.
Tenth Stanza
And may her bridegroom bring her to a house
Where all’s accustomed, ceremonious;
Explanation
These lines detail the desired characteristics of the woman’s future home. It emphasizes the importance of established routines and traditions, suggesting stability and order.
For arrogance and hatred are the wares
Peddled in the thoroughfares.
Explanation
These lines introduce a contrasting perspective. The “thoroughfares” represent the outside world, where negativity and hatred are readily available and potentially harmful.
How but in custom and in ceremony
Are innocence and beauty born?
Explanation
These lines pose a rhetorical question, suggesting that custom and ceremony are the only paths to achieving innocence and beauty. It implies a connection between these established practices and the preservation of positive qualities.
Ceremony’s a name for the rich horn,
And custom for the spreading laurel tree.
Explanation
This line uses a metaphor to further emphasize the importance of ceremony. It compares ceremony to the “rich horn,” symbolizing abundance and prosperity. This suggests that ceremony is a source of nourishment and positive outcomes. This line uses another metaphor to equate custom with the “spreading laurel tree.” The laurel tree symbolizes victory, success, and immortality. This suggests that custom provides a lasting foundation for achieving these positive outcomes.
Figurative Language
Metaphor: “rich horn” symbolizes abundance and prosperity of tradition and ceremony.
“spreading laurel tree” symbolizes victory, success, and immortality associated with custom.
Rhetorical question: “How but in custom and in ceremony are innocence and beauty born?” emphasizes the importance of tradition for nurturing positive qualities.
Personification: “wares are peddled” suggests that negativity is actively promoted and sold in the outside world.
Summary
“A Prayer for My Daughter” by W. B. Yeats is a reflective and contemplative poem where the speaker, presumably Yeats himself, expresses his hopes and fears for his newborn daughter. The poem is structured as a prayer, addressing various themes.
The poem begins with the speaker observing a storm and contemplating the difficulties his daughter might face in life. He prays for her to have a balanced and moderate amount of physical beauty, as excessive beauty may lead to vanity and a loss of natural kindness.
The speaker reflects on historical examples, such as Helen of Troy, to caution against the potential pitfalls of beauty and the troubles it might bring. He desires intellectual growth for his daughter, hoping she becomes learned and avoids the arrogance that can come with excessive beauty.
The poem delves into the idea of intellectual hatred and the importance of avoiding strong, divisive opinions. The speaker wishes for his daughter to be free from such negative influences and to embrace a life filled with kindness and happiness.
The concluding part of the poem expresses the speaker’s desire for his daughter to live in a house marked by customary and ceremonious living, suggesting a wish for stability, tradition, and a sense of belonging.
Overall, “A Prayer for My Daughter” is a heartfelt plea from a father for his daughter to navigate the complexities of life with grace, balance, and a strong moral compass. The poem explores the themes of beauty, wisdom, kindness, and the challenges of maintaining one’s values in the face of societal pressures.
Key Points
Author: The author of the poem is William Butler Yeats, an Irish poet and one of the most important figures of 20th-century literature.
Form: The poem is written in octave form.
Speaker: The speaker of the poem is usually read as Yeats himself.
Setting: The poem was written in 1919, two days after the birth of Yeats’ daughter, Anne. The setting of the poem is during a storm as his daughter sleeps.
Theme: The poem explores themes of parenthood, Irish politics, and reflections on Yeats’s own past. It expresses a father’s heartfelt wishes for his newborn daughter.
Plot: The poem begins with the speaker describing a storm while his daughter sleeps. He walks and prays for an hour, expressing his hopes and fears for his daughter’s future. He wishes for her to grow with wisdom, to be beautiful but not overly so, to be well-mannered and full of humility.
Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative and filled with the universal concerns of a parent for their child.
Style: Yeats’s style in this poem is deeply touching, demonstrating his concern and anxiety over the future wellbeing and prospects of his daughter.
Message: The central message of the poem is a father’s profound desire for his daughter to grow with wisdom. It not only expresses the helplessness of Yeats as a father but all fathers who had to walk through this situation.
Structure and Rhyme Scheme
Structure
“A Prayer for my Daughter” is written in the lyric form containing ten eight-line stanzas. Each stanza has eight lines written in iambic pentameter or iambic tetrameter.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of AABBCDDC. This form could be considered a variation on ottava rima.
Word Meaning
| Line | Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| First Stanza | |||
| 1 | storm | very bad weather, with a lot of rain, strong winds | तूफान |
| 1 | howling | to make a long loud sound | गरजना / हूकना |
| 1 | half-hid | partially hidden | आधा छिपा हुआ |
| 2 | cradle-hood | a small bed for a baby | पालना |
| 2 | coverlid | A bedspread | कम्बल |
| 3 | obstacle | obstruction, hindrance | बाधा |
| 4 | Gregory’s wood | Name of Forest | वन का नाम |
| 4 | one bare hill | Single hill | एकल पहाड़ी |
| 5 | haystack | a large firmly packed pile of hay | सूखी घास का ढेर |
| 5 | roof-levelling wind | Destructive wind | विनाशकारी हवा |
| 6 | Bred | To originate | पैदा करना |
| 8 | gloom | sadness | उदासी |
| Second Stanza | |||
| 2 | scream | cry loudly and harshly | चीखना |
| 2 | tower | a tall, narrow building (Speaker’s House) | मीनार (वक्ता का घर) |
| 3 | arches | curved supports | मेहराब |
| 4 | elms | a type of tree with large, branching leaves | एल्म के पेड़ |
| 4 | flooded stream | overflowing river | बाढ़ की धारा |
| 5 | excited reverie | a daydream or fantasy that is full of excitement | उत्साहित दिवास्वप्न |
| 7 | frenzied drum | a drum that is played in a wild and uncontrolled way | उन्मादी ढोल |
| 8 | murderous innocence | seemingly innocent but potentially harmful | जानलेवा मासूमियत |
| Third Stanza | |||
| 1 | granted | bestowed, given | प्रदान किया |
| 2 | distraught | deeply upset and troubled | व्याकुल |
| 3 | looking-glass | mirror | दर्पण |
| 4 | overmuch | too much | बहुत अधिक |
| 5 | sufficient end | ultimate goal | अंतिम लक्ष्य |
| 6 | natural kindness | inherent compassion | स्वाभाविक दया |
| 7 | heart-revealing intimacy | deep emotional connection | दिल से जुड़ा हुआ अंतरंगता |
| 8 | chooses right | makes the correct decisions | सही चुनाव करता है |
| Fourth Stanza | |||
| 1 | Flat and dull | uninteresting, lacking excitement | नीरस, उबाऊ |
| 2 | trouble | difficulty, problems | परेशानी, मुसीबत |
| 3 | spray | Ocean Wave | समुद्र की लहर |
| 4 | could have her way | could do whatever she wanted | अपनी मर्जी से कर सकती थी |
| 5 | bandy-legged | having legs that are bowed outwards | टेढ़े पैर वाला / विकलांप |
| 5 | smith | a person who makes metal objects by hammering them | लोहार |
| 6 | fine women | beautiful women | खूबसूरत महिलाएं |
| 7 | crazy salad | strange thing | असामान्य चीज |
| 8 | Whereby | by which, by this means | जिससे |
| 8 | Horn of Plenty | a symbol of abundance and prosperity | समृद्धि का प्रतीक |
| 8 | undone | ruined, destroyed | बर्बाद, नष्ट |
| Fifth Stanza | |||
| 1 | courtesy | polite behavior | शिष्टाचार |
| 4 | played the fool | acted foolishly | मूर्खतापूर्ण काम किया |
| 5 | beauty’s very self | the essence of beauty | सुंदरता का सार |
| 5 | charm | attractiveness, grace | आकर्षण, अनुग्रह |
| 6 | roved | wandered, traveled | घूमा हुआ, यात्रा किया हुआ |
| 7 | beloved | someone who is loved | प्रिय, प्रेमी |
| 8 | cannot take his eyes | cannot stop looking | अपनी आँखें नहीं हटा सकता |
| Sixth Stanza | |||
| 1 | flourishing | thriving, prosperous | फलता-फूलता |
| 2 | linnet | a small songbird with brown plumage and a sweet song | भूरा पंख और मधुर गीत वाला छोटा पक्षी |
| 3 | dispensing | distributing, giving out | वितरित करना, देना |
| 4 | magnanimities | generosity, noble qualities | उदारता, महान गुण |
| 5 | merriment | mirth, gaiety, joyfulness | उत्साह, उल्लास, आनंद |
| 5 | chase | pursuit, a race to catch something | पीछा, किसी चीज को पकड़ने की दौड़ |
| 6 | quarrel | a dispute, an argument | झगड़ा, विवाद |
| 7 | green laurel | a small evergreen tree with fragrant leaves and berries | सुगंधित पत्तियों और जामुन के साथ एक छोटा सदाबहार पेड़ |
| 8 | rooted | firmly fixed or established in one place | एक जगह में मजबूती से तय या स्थापित |
| 8 | perpetual | continuing forever, without end | अनन्त, बिना अंत के |
| Seventh Stanza | |||
| 2 | approved | Found worthy or acceptable | मंजूर की |
| 2 | sort | Kind, type | प्रकार |
| 3 | Prosper | Grow and flourish | समृद्ध होना |
| 3 | late | Recently | हाल ही में |
| 4 | choked | Filled or overwhelmed with something unpleasant | घुटना |
| 5 | chief | Most important or significant | प्रमुख |
| 6 | hatred | hate | घृणा |
| 7 | assault | A violent attack | आक्रमण |
| 7 | battery | A repeated attack | बार-बार हमला |
| 8 | tear | To pull apart or break something by force | फाड़ना |
| 8 | linnet | A small songbird with brown plumage | लिननेट |
| Eighth Stanza | |||
| 1 | intellectual hatred | hatred based on reason or beliefs | बुद्धि के आधार पर घृणा |
| 2 | accursed | cursed, condemned | शापित, निंदित |
| 3 | loveliest | superlative of lovely | सबसे प्यारी |
| 3 | born | come to life | जन्म लेना |
| 4 | Plenty horn | abundance, prosperity | बहुतायत, समृद्धि |
| 5 | opinionated | having strong opinions | विचारधारा वाला |
| 6 | barter | trade, exchange | व्यापार करना, आदान-प्रदान करना |
| 7 | quiet natures | calm and peaceful personalities | शांत और शांतिपूर्ण व्यक्तित्व |
| 8 | bellows | device used for blowing air | धौंकनी |
| 8 | angry wind | strong, forceful wind | क्रोधित हवा |
| Ninth Stanza | |||
| 1 | driven hence | expelled, removed, chased away | निकाला गया, हटाया गया, भगा दिया गया |
| 2 | radical innocence | fundamental, original, uncorrupted purity | मूलभूत, मूल, अविभाजित पवित्रता |
| 3 | self-delighting | finding joy and satisfaction within oneself | अपने आप में आनंद और संतुष्टि पाना |
| 4 | self-appeasing | able to bring oneself comfort or peace | खुद को सुकून या शांति लाने में सक्षम |
| 4 | self-affrighting | able to cause fear or anxiety within oneself | अपने आप में भय या चिंता पैदा करने में सक्षम |
| 5 | sweet will | true desires, deepest wishes | सच्ची इच्छाएं, गहरी इच्छाएं |
| 6 | scowl | frown or look angry | मुंह बनाना या गुस्से से देखना |
| 7 | windy quarter | direction from which the wind is blowing | वह दिशा जहां से हवा चल रही है |
| 7 | howl | scream | चीख़ |
| 8 | bellows burst | explode or break apart with a loud noise | जोर से फटना या टूटना |
| Tenth Stanza | |||
| 1 | bridegroom | a man about to be married | दूल्हा |
| 2 | accustomed | familiar by long use or experience | अभ्यस्त |
| 2 | ceremonious | marked by or requiring formal ceremony | औपचारिक |
| 3 | arrogance | an attitude of superiority and disdain | अहंकार |
| 3 | hatred | intense dislike or aversion | घृणा |
| 3 | wares | goods offered for sale | माल |
| 4 | peddled | sold in small quantities | फेरी लगाना |
| 4 | thoroughfares | main streets or roads | चौराहे, गुज़रगाह |
| 5 | custom | a long-established practice | रिवाज |
| 6 | innocence | the state of being innocent | मासूमियत |
| 7 | rich horn | a symbol of abundance and prosperity | प्रचुरता और समृद्धि |
| 8 | custom | a long-established practice | रिवाज |
| 8 | spreading laurel tree | a symbol of victory, success, and immortality | फैलता लॉरेल का पेड़ |
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of the poem “A Prayer for my Daughter”?
The author is William Butler Yeats.
What is the form of the poem?
The poem is written in octave form.
Who is the speaker of the poem?
The speaker of the poem is usually read as Yeats himself.
When was the poem written?
The poem was written in 1919.
What is the setting of the poem?
The setting of the poem is during a storm as his daughter sleeps.
What are the themes of the poem?
The poem explores themes of parenthood, Irish politics, and reflections on Yeats’s own past.
What is the tone of the poem?
The tone of the poem is contemplative.
What is the style of the poem?
Yeats’s style in this poem is deeply touching.
What is the central message of the poem?
The central message of the poem is a father’s profound desire for his daughter to grow with wisdom.
What is the structure of the poem?
The poem is written in the lyric form containing ten eight-line stanzas.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of AABBCDDC.
What does the poet pray for in “A Prayer for My Daughter”?
The poet prays for his daughter’s future, wishing her to grow with wisdom.
What does the storm symbolize in Yeats’s poem “A Prayer for My Daughter”?
The storm symbolizes the tumultuous world that his daughter will grow up in.
What virtues does the poet wish for his daughter in “A Prayer for My Daughter”?
The poet wishes for his daughter to be beautiful but not overly so, to be well-mannered and full of humility.
What does W. B. Yeats mean by “intellectual hatred” in A Prayer for My Daughter?
“Intellectual hatred” refers to the destructive power of hatred that arises from intellectual disagreements.
How does the storm in “A Prayer For My Daughter” reflect the poet’s mind?
The storm reflects the poet’s turbulent thoughts and fears for his daughter’s future.
How does “A Prayer for My Daughter” reveal a father’s concern for his daughter?
The poem reveals a father’s concern through his prayers for his daughter’s future.
Why is the poet concerned about his newborn daughter’s future?
The poet is concerned about his daughter’s future due to the tumultuous world she will grow up in.
According to W. B. Yeats’s “A Prayer for My Daughter,” which hatred is the worst?
According to Yeats, “intellectual hatred” is the worst form of hatred.
Where is the child sleeping in “A Prayer for My Daughter”?
The child is sleeping in her cradle during a storm.
What is the background and main theme of W. B. Yeats’ “A Prayer for my Daughter”?
The background of the poem is the birth of Yeats’ daughter during a tumultuous time in history. The main theme is a father’s concern for his daughter’s future.
In “A Prayer for My Daughter,” who does the line “While the great queen that rose out of the spray…” refer to?
The line refers to the mythological figure Helen of Troy.
How does Yeats exhibit modernist aspects in “A Prayer For My Daughter”?
Yeats exhibits modernist aspects through his exploration of personal anxieties and the tumultuous state of the world.
How do the references to ‘Helen’ and ‘that great Queen’ in Yeats’ “A Prayer for my Daughter” relate to its themes?
The references to ‘Helen’ and ‘that great Queen’ serve as warnings of the dangers of beauty and the chaos it can cause.
Summarize the poet’s vision of “radical innocence” in “A Prayer for My Daughter.”
The poet’s vision of “radical innocence” is his hope that his daughter will maintain her innocence and humility as she grows up.
Short Answer Questions
Discuss the themes of the poem “A Prayer for my Daughter”.
The poem explores several themes including parenthood, Irish politics, and reflections on Yeats’s own past. The central theme is a father’s profound desire for his daughter to grow with wisdom. The poem also explores the theme of beauty and its potential dangers, as seen in the references to Helen of Troy.
Analyze the form and structure of “A Prayer for my Daughter”.
“A Prayer for my Daughter” is written in the lyric form containing ten eight-line stanzas. Each stanza has eight lines written in iambic pentameter or iambic tetrameter. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of AABBCDDC, which could be considered a variation on ottava rima.
How does Yeats use symbolism in “A Prayer for my Daughter”?
Yeats uses symbolism extensively in the poem. The storm symbolizes the tumultuous world that his daughter will grow up in. The references to ‘Helen’ and ‘that great Queen’ serve as warnings of the dangers of beauty and the chaos it can cause.
Discuss the tone and style of “A Prayer for my Daughter”.
The tone of the poem is contemplative and filled with the universal concerns of a parent for their child. Yeats’s style in this poem is deeply touching, demonstrating his concern and anxiety over the future wellbeing and prospects of his daughter.
What is the central message of “A Prayer for my Daughter”?
The central message of the poem is a father’s profound desire for his daughter to grow with wisdom. It not only expresses the helplessness of Yeats as a father but all fathers who had to walk through this situation.
Discuss the use of imagery in “A Prayer for my Daughter”.
Yeats uses vivid imagery to convey his thoughts and emotions in the poem. The storm raging outside as his daughter sleeps peacefully is a powerful image that sets the tone for the poem. The references to Helen of Troy and the great queen also create strong visual images.
How does “A Prayer for my Daughter” reflect Yeats’s personal life and experiences?
The poem reflects Yeats’s personal life and experiences in several ways. It was written two days after the birth of his daughter, Anne, and expresses his hopes and fears for her future. The poem also reflects Yeats’s experiences with Irish politics and his own past.
Analyze the role of nature in “A Prayer for my Daughter”.
Nature plays a significant role in the poem. The storm symbolizes the tumultuous world that his daughter will grow up in. The poem also uses natural imagery to convey its themes and messages.
Discuss the influence of Irish politics on “A Prayer for my Daughter”.
The influence of Irish politics can be seen in the poem’s exploration of the tumultuous world that Yeats’s daughter will grow up in. The poem reflects Yeats’s concerns about the political situation in Ireland at the time.
How does “A Prayer for my Daughter” explore the theme of beauty?
The poem explores the theme of beauty through its references to Helen of Troy and the great queen. Yeats warns of the dangers of beauty and the chaos it can cause. He wishes for his daughter to be beautiful but not overly so.
Essay Type Questions
1. Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction
“A Prayer for my Daughter” is a deeply moving and thought-provoking poem by William Butler Yeats, one of the most important figures of 20th-century literature. Written in 1919, two days after the birth of his daughter Anne, the poem captures Yeats’s hopes and fears for his newborn child. Set against the backdrop of a storm, the poem explores themes of parenthood, beauty, wisdom, and the tumultuous world that his daughter will grow up in.
Structure, Form, and Rhyme Scheme
The poem is written in the lyric form containing ten eight-line stanzas. Each stanza has eight lines written in iambic pentameter or iambic tetrameter, giving the poem a rhythmic quality that enhances its emotional depth. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of AABBCDDC, which adds to its musicality and helps to emphasize key ideas.
Theme
The central theme of the poem is a father’s profound desire for his daughter to grow with wisdom. Yeats expresses his hopes that his daughter will lead a life of humility and kindness, and that she will not be overly influenced by beauty. The poem also explores the theme of beauty and its potential dangers, as seen in the references to Helen of Troy. Through these themes, Yeats reflects on the challenges and joys of parenthood, and the hopes and fears that all parents have for their children.
Imagery
Yeats uses vivid imagery to convey his thoughts and emotions in the poem. The storm raging outside as his daughter sleeps peacefully is a powerful image that sets the tone for the poem. This contrast between the storm and the sleeping child symbolizes the tumultuous world that his daughter will grow up in, and the peace and innocence of childhood. The references to Helen of Troy and the great queen also create strong visual images, serving as warnings of the dangers of beauty and the chaos it can cause.
Poetic Devices
Yeats uses a variety of poetic devices to enhance the meaning and impact of the poem. Symbolism is used extensively, with the storm symbolizing the tumultuous world that his daughter will grow up in, and the references to ‘Helen’ and ‘that great Queen’ serving as warnings of the dangers of beauty. The use of iambic pentameter and tetrameter gives the poem a rhythmic quality, while the regular rhyme scheme helps to emphasize key ideas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “A Prayer for my Daughter” is a rich, complex reflection on the joys and struggles of parenthood, the challenges of growing up in a tumultuous world, and the hopes and fears that all parents have for their children. Through its vivid imagery, thoughtful exploration of themes, and effective use of poetic devices, the poem captures the universal concerns of a parent for their child. It not only expresses the helplessness of Yeats as a father but all fathers who had to walk through this situation.
2. Write long note on Poetic devices used in Poem.
“A Prayer for My Daughter” by William Butler Yeats is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the poet’s hopes and fears for his daughter’s future. The poem is rich with poetic devices, which contribute to its emotional depth and complexity. Here, we delve into some of the most prominent poetic devices used in the poem:
1. Imagery:
Visual: The poem is filled with vivid visual imagery that allows the reader to visualize the concepts and emotions explored. The “thoroughfares” bustling with negativity, the “rich horn” symbolizing abundance, and the “spreading laurel tree” representing success and immortality are all examples of concrete details that create a strong visual impression.
Abstract: The poem also uses abstract imagery effectively to evoke deeper meanings and prompt reflection. Concepts like “innocence,” “beauty,” “arrogance,” and “ceremony” are used to explore complex themes without being overly specific, allowing the reader to interpret them in their own way.
2. Figurative Language:
Metaphors: The poem uses several powerful metaphors that enrich its meaning and create memorable images. Comparing “ceremony” to a “rich horn” and “custom” to a “spreading laurel tree” emphasizes the positive outcomes associated with tradition and stability. Additionally, metaphors like “wares are peddled” suggest that negativity is actively spread and sold in the outside world.
Rhetorical Questions: The speaker poses several rhetorical questions, such as “How but in custom and in ceremony are innocence and beauty born?” These questions invite the reader to consider the importance of tradition in nurturing these positive qualities and engage with the poem’s themes on a deeper level.
Personification: The poem uses personification to give human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. For example, “thoroughfares howl” and “bellows burst” suggest that negativity and anger are active forces in the world.
3. Sound Devices:
Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, such as in “thoroughfares” and “wares,” creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, adding to the poem’s emotional impact.
Enjambment: Lines often run over without a pause, forcing the reader to continue reading and creating a sense of flow and connection between the ideas.
Caesura: The use of pauses, such as the one after “innocence” in line 6, emphasizes the importance of certain words and phrases, adding weight to the speaker’s message.
4. Other Devices:
Conditional Clauses: The poem starts with a conditional clause, “And may her bridegroom bring her to a house,” setting the stage for the poem’s message and highlighting the dependence on external factors.
Descriptive Phrases: Phrases like “accustomed,” “ceremonious,” and “rich horn” provide details that paint a clear picture of the desired characteristics of the daughter’s future home and the qualities associated with tradition.
Symbolism: The poem uses symbols to represent complex ideas and emotions. The “thoroughfares” symbolize the outside world, potentially filled with negativity and danger. In contrast, the “rich horn” and “spreading laurel tree” symbolize the positive outcomes associated with tradition and custom.
Overall:
The masterful use of poetic devices in “A Prayer for My Daughter” elevates it from a simple poem to a complex and thought-provoking work of art. The vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and other devices work together to create a rich and immersive experience for the reader. Through these devices, Yeats crafts a lasting testament to his love for his daughter and his hopes for her future, offering a timeless message about the importance of tradition, inner peace, and finding beauty in a challenging world.
3. Discuss the role of tradition and custom in “A Prayer for My Daughter” and how they are presented as both positive and negative forces.
Tradition and custom play a complex and multifaceted role in “A Prayer for My Daughter.” While Yeats initially presents them as positive forces that can nurture innocence and beauty, he also acknowledges their potential negative aspects.
Positive aspects:
Protection: Yeats believes that tradition and custom offer a safe haven for his daughter, protecting her from the negativity and chaos of the outside world.
Stability: The rituals and traditions provide a sense of order and stability, which Yeats believes is essential for a happy and fulfilling life.
Nurturing positive qualities: He believes that tradition and custom can help his daughter cultivate positive qualities like innocence, beauty, and inner peace.
Negative aspects:
Restriction: Yeats recognizes that tradition and custom can also be restrictive and limiting, potentially stifling individuality and preventing personal growth.
Exclusion: The emphasis on specific traditions can lead to exclusion and discrimination against those who fall outside their boundaries.
Blind adherence: Blind adherence to tradition can hinder critical thinking and prevent progress.
4. Explore the speaker’s anxieties and fears about the world his daughter will inherit, and analyze how these anxieties shape the poem’s tone and message.
The poem is filled with the speaker’s anxieties and fears about the world his daughter will face. He worries about the negativity, hatred, and arrogance that permeate society, as seen in lines like “For arrogance and hatred are the wares / Peddled in the thoroughfares.” He fears that these negative forces could corrupt his daughter and prevent her from experiencing true happiness and fulfillment.
These anxieties contribute to the poem’s somber and introspective tone. The speaker grapples with the uncertainties of the future and expresses his desire to protect his daughter from the harsh realities of the world. This is evident in the urgent pleas and protective language he uses throughout the poem.
Moreover, the speaker’s anxieties influence the poem’s message. He emphasizes the importance of shielding his daughter from the negativity of the outside world and nurturing her innocence and beauty within the confines of tradition and custom. He believes that this is the best way to ensure her future happiness and well-being.
While the poem is ultimately driven by hope and love for his daughter, it cannot escape the shadow of the speaker’s anxieties. This creates a complex and nuanced tone that resonates with readers who share similar concerns about the world they live in.
5. Discuss the poem’s portrayal of beauty and its connection to innocence and happiness.
The poem presents a multifaceted view of beauty, exploring its connection to both innocence and happiness. While the speaker clearly desires beauty for his daughter, he also expresses concerns about the potential downsides of excessive beauty. He warns against the dangers of vanity and superficiality, suggesting that these can lead to unhappiness and a shallow heart.
Instead, the poem emphasizes the connection between beauty and innocence. The speaker believes that true beauty arises from within, nurtured by purity of heart and a genuine connection to life. This kind of beauty is enduring and resilient, capable of withstanding the challenges of the world.
Happiness, in the poem’s view, is intimately linked to both beauty and innocence. The speaker believes that a simple life grounded in tradition and protected from negativity is the key to finding true happiness. He desires for his daughter to find contentment within herself, drawing upon her inner beauty and innocence rather than seeking external validation.
Through its exploration of beauty, innocence, and happiness, the poem offers a timeless message about the importance of inner peace and finding joy in simple things. It encourages readers to look beyond superficial beauty and strive for a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life.
