Question

What are some metaphors in the poem The Song of Wandering Aengus?

Answer 1

"The Song of Wandering Aengus" is a poem written by W.B. Yeats, and it contains several metaphors throughout the text. Here are some metaphors in the poem:

"I went out to the hazel wood"
This line presents the hazel wood as a metaphor for a mystical, enchanted realm or a symbolic representation of the subconscious mind.
"I will find out where she has gone, / And kiss her lips and take her hands"
Here, the act of finding the person and kissing her lips and taking her hands can be seen as a metaphor for the pursuit of love and a deep connection with someone.
"Though I am old with wandering / Through hollow lands and hilly lands,"
This line uses the metaphor of being "old with wandering" to convey the idea of feeling weary or exhausted from a long journey or search.
"The silver apples of the moon, / The golden apples of the sun"
This metaphor compares the elusive and unattainable nature of the desired love interest to the mythical and ethereal qualities associated with the moon and the sun.
"But I, being poor, have only my dreams"
Here, the metaphor of dreams represents the speaker's aspirations and desires. It suggests that dreams are the only valuable possession the speaker has despite their material poverty.
"And when white moths were on the wing / And moth-like stars were flickering out"
This metaphor compares the flight of white moths to the flickering of stars, creating a sense of magical and ethereal imagery.
These metaphors enhance the imagery and convey deeper emotions and ideas within the poem, adding layers of meaning and inviting readers to interpret the text beyond its literal interpretation.

Answer 2

The apples are silver and gold.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speaker states that the apples are silver and gold, which suggests that they represent something more than simple apples. Silver and gold are not only inorganic materials, but also they are colors full of symbolism.