The thematic rhymes in Section 3 of "In Memory of W. B. Yeats"

Thematic Rhymes and Grief

The opening lines of Section 3 immediately establish a tone of subdued grief, and the rhyme scheme (ABAB) contributes to this feeling of measured sorrow. The rhymes of “snow” with “now” and “ago” with “slow” create a sense of temporal suspension, mirroring the feeling of being stuck in the aftermath of loss. This isn’t a violent outburst of grief, but a quiet, lingering ache. The repetition of sounds subtly emphasizes the feeling of time stretching out endlessly without Yeats’s presence.

Rhyme as a Reflection of Public and Private Mourning

Auden contrasts the public performance of grief with the private experience of loss. This duality is reflected in the rhymes that connect seemingly disparate images. For example, the rhyme of “drum” with “become” in the lines “The words that seemed to drop from his tongue / Still cling to the air, become a drum” suggests a transformation of Yeats’s voice into a public symbol, a rhythmic beat that marks his absence. However, this public resonance doesn’t diminish the personal sense of loss; rather, it complicates it. The rhyme scheme subtly underscores this tension.

The Power of Poetry and the Rhyme of ‘Poet’ and ‘Know It’

The central concern of Section 3 is the enduring power of poetry, even in the face of death. Auden directly addresses this theme, and the rhyme of “poet” with “know it” is particularly significant. “For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives / In the valley of its making where everything winds to know it.” This isn’t a cynical dismissal of poetry’s efficacy, but a nuanced understanding of its function. Poetry doesn’t *change* the world, but it *endures* within it, offering a space for contemplation and remembrance. The rhyme emphasizes the inherent self-sufficiency of art, its ability to exist independently of external events. The repetition of the 'o' sound in 'poet' and 'know it' creates a sense of resonance, suggesting the lasting impact of Yeats's work.

Internal Rhyme and Echoes of Yeats’s Style

Auden doesn’t rely solely on end rhyme. He also employs internal rhyme and assonance to create subtle echoes of Yeats’s own poetic style. This is a deliberate act of homage, acknowledging Yeats’s influence while simultaneously asserting his own distinct voice. For instance, the repetition of vowel sounds in lines like “He became his admirers” creates a musicality that recalls Yeats’s lyrical verse. These internal rhymes aren’t always perfect, but they contribute to the overall sonic texture of the poem, creating a sense of continuity with Yeats’s legacy.

The Rhyme of ‘Mind’ and ‘Kind’ – A Reflection on Human Connection

The rhyme of “mind” and “kind” in the lines “For the necessary myth is a kind / Of mind that changes everything it touches” is crucial. It suggests that poetry, as a form of imaginative thought, has the power to reshape our perception of reality. The connection between “mind” and “kind” also hints at the importance of empathy and human connection in the face of loss. Yeats’s poetry, through its imaginative power, fostered a sense of shared understanding and compassion. The rhyme subtly reinforces this idea, suggesting that art can bridge the gap between individuals and create a sense of community.

The Final Couplet and the Acceptance of Loss

The section concludes with a rhyming couplet: “That we are never spent, never exhausted, / Never decayed.” This couplet offers a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing sense of grief. The rhyme emphasizes the enduring nature of the human spirit and the resilience of art. While Yeats is gone, his poetry – and the creative impulse that fueled it – continues to live on. The strong, definitive rhyme provides a sense of closure, suggesting a tentative acceptance of loss and a reaffirmation of the power of art to transcend mortality.