The Song of the Old Mother William Butler Yeats

1
The Song of the Old MotherWilliam Butler Yeats
2
Represents the mother of all Ireland or a
previous, more responsible generation.
I rise in the dawn, and I kneel and blow Till
the seed of the fire flicker and glow
Submissive attitude
Assonance helping the rhythm
A seed brings new life
Anapaests used di di dum rhythm
3
Repetition of and emphasises her continuous
labours
Domestic chores

• And then I must scrub and bake and sweep
• Till stars are beginning to blink and peep

Almost like a nursery rhyme fitting with the
mother image.
4
l alliteration highlights the laziness of her
young.

• And the young lie long and dream in their bed
• Of the matching of ribbons for bosom and head,

Trivial concerns
Difference in generations
5
Contrast to the industry in the first few lines

• And their day goes over in idleness,
• And they sigh if the wind but lift a tress

Dissatisfaction with life
Lock of hair
6
No choice -compelled to work

• While I must work because I am old,
• And the seed of the fire gets feeble and cold.

Symbolises the end of her life.
No young to take on the burden and to carry on
the culture and traditions