SALLEY_GARDENS_ANALYSIS

The poem is written in the first person that draws the reader strongly into the theme, relating it to personal events. The reader is captured by the folk-like story telling approach and relates his/her own experiences and knowledge to the poem’s theme. e such a short poem to express so much as he did in Down by the Salley Gardens, for he could have equally chosen to write a much lengthier poem on such grave topics. Within the poem, there is some simple attempt at imagery: “with little snow-white feet”, “laid her snow-white hand”. However, he has chosen a repetitive and simplistic approach, which disarms the reader immediately. In fact it resembles typical conversational language. There is also much use of repetition, almost like a lamenting refrain at the end of each “verse” as seen in: “She bid me take life easy…But I, being young and foolish”. I found it to be a little dull and uninspired.

The overall tone of the poem is regret at having been so foolish as to lose something as precious as genuine love. With these words, Yeats has the woman deliver the advice and the young man foolishly not take it, so the point is driven home by this repetition.

The poem has very little special poetic language or use of devices. At the same time, I can see how many people would like it, relating to the experiences dealt with by the rejected lover. It has a flowing natural rhythm that rhymes at the end of each line that adds to the feeling of lyricism. Personally, I did not like the poem. It is written in a single stanza, with a rhythmic pattern of rhyming couplets.