What does the poem No second Troy revel about Yeat's attitude to Maud Gonne, who

was married to another man, when Yeats wrote this Poem?

Yeats's poem "No Second Troy" reveals his complex, ambivalent attitude toward Maud
Gonne, who had married another man (John MacBride) by the time he wrote the poem in 1910. The
poem expresses a mixture of admiration, frustration, and resignation in relation to Gonne,
highlighting both his enduring infatuation with her and his critique of her passionate, idealistic
nature.

Yeats portrays Gonne as extraordinary, emphasizing her beauty and grandeur. He compares
her to a figure from a heroic past, describing her as not belonging to the modern, mundane world.
This idealization suggests that Yeats continues to hold her in high regard, even as he wrestles with
his personal feelings.

Gonne was a fervent Irish nationalist and activist, and Yeats hints at frustration with her role
in stirring unrest. This alludes to her tendency to incite passionate responses and chaos, likening
her to Helen of Troy, whose beauty led to the Trojan War. Yeats seems to criticize the consequences
of her idealism and her inability to conform to a peaceful or domestic life.
Yeats subtly addresses his unrequited love and the emotional toll it has taken on him. Her
marriage to MacBride and her rejection of Yeats are implicit sources of his melancholy, but he
chooses not to dwell on personal grievances directly. Instead, he focuses on her as a larger-than-
life figure, almost absolving her of blame.
Yeats's attitude toward Maud Gonne in "No Second Troy" is one of conflicted reverence, as
he admires her extraordinary beauty and passionate idealism while feeling frustrated by the chaos
and personal misery her nature and actions have caused him, ultimately accepting her as a larger-
than-life figure whose impact he cannot blame or deny.

What is the significance of the reference to human as mammals without feathers in the
poem 'So Many Oaks' by Sujata Bhatt?

In Sujata Bhatt's poem "So Many Oaks," the reference to humans as "mammals without
feathers" carries multiple layers of meaning, contributing to the poem's themes of connection,
identity, and environmental consciousness. This phrase emphasizes the shared biological and
existential essence between humans and other living beings, while also subtly highlighting
humanity's distinct yet fragile position in the natural world.

Referring to humans as "mammals without feathers" strips away the layers of cultural,
intellectual, and technological superiority often associated with humanity. It places humans
squarely within the animal kingdom, emphasizing their shared vulnerability and
dependence on the natural world. This phrasing encourages readers to view humans as
 part of the Earth's ecosystem rather than its dominators, aligning with themes of ecological
awareness and interconnectedness.
The absence of feathers highlights a physical distinction from birds, particularly oak-
dwelling ones like jays, crows, or woodpeckers, which play crucial roles in dispersing acorns and
nurturing oak forests. This contrast may underline how humans, despite their intelligence, lack
certain instinctual roles or harmonious relationships with nature that other creatures possess. It
draws attention to the human detachment from the cycles of nature while also suggesting a need
to acknowledge and restore those connections.

By reducing humanity to its basic biological classification, the phrase subtly critiques
anthropocentrism and calls attention to the fragile and transient nature of human existence
compared to the enduring strength of oaks and the ecosystems they support. This perspective
aligns with the poem’s broader themes, which often explore the fragility of life and the endurance
of the natural world.

Oaks are symbols of longevity, stability, and resilience, while humans are portrayed here
as simpler, more transient beings in comparison. This juxtaposition may serve to remind readers of
their responsibility toward preserving the environment and fostering a sense of awe and respect
for nature's grandeur.

In summary, the reference to humans as "mammals without feathers" in "So Many Oaks"
encourages a humble perspective on humanity’s place in the natural world, emphasizing biological
continuity, ecological interconnectedness, and the need for environmental awareness. It reinforces
the poem's exploration of humanity's relationship with nature, urging readers to reconsider their
role within it.

Point out the ambiguity in the poem “This is a Photograph of me”.

At first, the speaker describes the photograph as a typical pastoral scene—a lake, a small
hill, and a background of trees. However, the later revelation that the speaker's drowned
body is beneath the surface of the water disrupts this idyllic image. This shift challenges
readers to question whether the photograph truly captures the "essence" of the speaker or
merely offers a superficial depiction.
The speaker’s voice in the poem comes from beyond death, but the poem never clarifies
whether this voice is metaphorical or literal. Is the speaker truly dead, or is the drowning a
metaphor for being overlooked, forgotten, or marginalized? This ambiguity leaves room for
multiple interpretations, including feminist readings that view the poem as a critique of how
women’s identities are erased or submerged in patriarchal society.

The poem invites questions about the nature of photography and its ability (or inability)
to represent truth. While the photograph captures a serene landscape, it fails to reveal
the tragedy of the drowned speaker. This raises broader questions about how images
and narratives are constructed, interpreted, and manipulated.
 The phrase "If you look long enough, eventually you will see me" is ambiguous. It
suggests the possibility of discovering the speaker’s presence but also implies that this
recognition requires effort and deeper perception. Does this submersion symbolize
literal death, or does it represent the speaker’s invisibility and marginalization in
society? The poem leaves this question unresolved.
The poem’s tone is deceptively calm and matter-of-fact, yet it describes a haunting
and tragic event. This dissonance between tone and content adds to the ambiguity, as
readers must interpret whether the speaker has come to terms with their fate or if the
tone is a deliberate attempt to mask underlying pain and resentment.

Critical Appreciation of "No Second Troy" by W.B. Yeats

In "No Second Troy," Yeats reflects on his complex feelings for Maud Gonne, his unrequited love.
The poem expresses both admiration and frustration toward Gonne, who is depicted as a
beautiful yet destructive figure. Yeats compares her to Helen of Troy, suggesting that her beauty
and revolutionary zeal bring chaos and suffering, both to him personally and to the larger world.
Through this comparison, he critiques her involvement in Irish nationalism, which, in his eyes,
causes destruction like the fall of Troy.

The poem’s structure and diction reflect Yeats’s emotional conflict, with irregular line lengths and
a reflective tone that conveys both admiration and resignation. The central image of Gonne as a
“tightened bow” evokes her potential for both beauty and destruction, while the reference to
"another Troy" heightens the sense of inevitable ruin. The tone is one of quiet acceptance and
intellectual clarity, as Yeats acknowledges that Gonne is not to blame for her actions—she is
simply being true to her nature.

In conclusion, the poem explores themes of idealism, the pain of unrequited love, and the
destructive nature of beauty and passion, highlighting Yeats's emotional ambivalence toward
Gonne.

Critical Appreciation of "The Palanquin Bearers" by Sarojini Naidu (For 5 Marks)

Sarojini Naidu's "The Palanquin Bearers" is a beautifully lyrical poem that depicts the journey of a
bride, carried in a palanquin by bearers. The poem captures the cultural richness of India,
symbolizing the bride’s transition from childhood to womanhood. Through vivid imagery,
rhythmic language, and a sensuous portrayal of the scene, the poem emphasizes the grace,
beauty, and solemnity of this ritual.

The poem’s central theme is the journey of the bride, symbolizing both physical movement and
emotional transition. The bearers, while merely servants, play a significant role in carrying the
bride tenderly, highlighting themes of tradition, community, and respect. The repeated rhythm in
the poem mirrors the gentle swaying of the palanquin, adding a musical quality to the narrative.

Naidu uses rich imagery and symbolism throughout the poem. The palanquin is compared to a
“swan” or “flower,” emphasizing its elegance and the care with which the bride is transported. The
bride is portrayed as fragile and beautiful, reinforcing her dignity and grace during this transition.
The tone is tender and reverential, with the mood evoking both the beauty of the ritual and the
emotional weight of the bride’s journey.

In conclusion, "The Palanquin Bearers" is a celebratory yet reflective poem that highlights the
emotional depth and cultural significance of the bride’s journey, using vivid imagery and
rhythmic language to create a sense of grace and reverence.