Yeats’s “Song of Wandering Aengus” concludes with the verses: “And pluck till time and times are done/The silver apples of the moon/The golden apples of the sun.” Which of the options below is NOT a symbolic interpretation of these apples ?
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Answer: C. They symbolize the coming apocalypse.
Explanation
Yeats concluded his lyric poem with magical celestial fruit symbolizing otherworldly pursuits and timeless longing. The silver apples of the moon and golden apples of the sun represent enchanting mythical rewards. Literary scholars interpret these glowing fruits as enduring spiritual quests rather than catastrophic prophecies. William Butler Yeats drew heavily upon Celtic mythology and esoteric symbolism throughout his poetic career. The Song of Wandering Aengus follows an old man searching endlessly for a transformed magical maiden. Magical fruit features prominently in various global folklore traditions representing immortality and ultimate desire.
Analyzing poetic symbols allows readers to uncover deeper layers of meaning within modernist verse. Students examine these literary devices to understand how authors convey complex philosophical concepts. Irish literary revival works often incorporate ancient folklore to forge a distinct cultural identity. Some critics view the mystical fruit as representing a nostalgic return to an idealized lost paradise. Alchemical interpretations link these celestial apples directly to traditional symbols representing the human body and soul. Interpreting the glowing fruits as a fulfilled longing reflects the eternal quest of the wandering protagonist.
- Subject
- English
- Category
- English Literature
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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