By W.B Yeats
Have thought to ignorant men most violent ways,
Or hurled the title streets upon the great,
Had they but courage equal to desire?
Reference:- The lines have been take from the poem “No Second Troy” written by W.B Yeats in 1916. This poem is undoubtedly about Maud Gonne, and her sudden decision to marry MacBride.
Context:- “No Second Troy” is a twelve line poem which is dedicated to Maud Gonne by Yeats. The poem is about Maud Gonne, who refuses Yeats proposals many times, and married to MacBride in 1903. Yeats wrote this poem to show his distress because of her unsuccessful marriage, which was just last for two year.
Explanation:- The poem has a typical lyric in that it expresses the poet’s personal feelings about his love and it remains focused on a single issue. The poet suggests through his questions that he should not blame his love for filling his life with misery because he is unable to find a proper outlet for her talents in the Ireland of her day.
Critical Comment:- In the “No Second Troy”, the poet describes by saying that, he believed Maud Gonne would lead a revolution by leading Ireland (Ireland) against the great nations (Britain). Maud was widely known for her revolutionary activities in Ireland. She campaigned for the nationalism in Ireland and held special functions for children. She wanted to preserve the Irish culture, in spite of British colonization. Many could talk big game, but few of them had the courage to back it up. Maud also wanted to instill a fighting spirit in her fellow Irishman.
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