Critically comment in about 150 words each on the following passages: (a) Marbles of the dancing floor Break bitter furies of complexity, Those images that yet Fresh images beget, That dolphin-torn, that gong-tormented sea. (Yeats)

Central Imagery and Symbolism

The opening line, “Marbles of the dancing floor,” immediately establishes a sense of refined elegance and controlled movement. ‘Marbles’ suggest smoothness, precision, and perhaps a superficiality. This is sharply contrasted with “bitter furies of complexity,” introducing a chaotic and emotionally charged element. The juxtaposition highlights a tension between outward composure and inner turmoil. The subsequent lines, “Those images that yet / Fresh images beget,” suggest a continuous cycle of creation and renewal, but one born from the ‘furies’ – implying that even beauty arises from struggle.

The Oceanic Realm

The concluding line, “That dolphin-torn, that gong-tormented sea,” is particularly potent. The sea, a recurring motif in Yeats’s work, often represents the unconscious, the realm of dreams, and the vastness of the unknown. The ‘dolphin,’ traditionally a symbol of grace and intelligence, is here ‘torn,’ suggesting a disruption of harmony. Similarly, the ‘gong,’ an instrument associated with ritual and spiritual awakening, is ‘tormented,’ indicating a painful or unsettling experience. This imagery evokes a sense of a primal, untamed force – the sea – being subjected to violence and suffering.

Yeats’s Poetic Technique

Yeats employs a fragmented, almost impressionistic style in this passage. The lack of conventional punctuation and the use of enjambment create a sense of fluidity and momentum, mirroring the movement of the sea. The alliteration (“dolphin-torn,” “gong-tormented”) adds to the musicality and emphasizes the violent imagery. The use of strong adjectives (“bitter,” “fresh”) intensifies the emotional impact. The poem doesn’t offer a clear narrative; instead, it relies on the evocative power of images to convey a mood of restless energy and underlying anxiety.

Critical Assessment

The passage is a masterful example of Yeats’s ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a few carefully chosen lines. While the imagery is striking, its interpretation remains open-ended. Some critics might view it as a reflection of the political turmoil in Ireland during Yeats’s lifetime, with the ‘furies’ representing the forces of conflict and the ‘sea’ symbolizing the nation itself. Others might see it as a more personal exploration of the artist’s inner struggles and the creative process. The poem’s strength lies in its ambiguity and its ability to resonate with readers on multiple levels. However, the density of symbolism could be seen as a potential weakness, requiring significant interpretive effort from the reader.