In my last blog I talk about the fact that I am making a game for this semester of college. I also mentioned that part of our brief requires us to connect our game to a provided poem. The reason for that is because of the local Junction Festival and by driving inspiration from this poem we will have the chance to show off our games in a public setting.
So sit tight, buckle your seat belt and maybe click here to read the poem first... this is my interpretation of W.B Yeats's poem, 'The Stolen Child'.
General Narrative & Meaning of the poem :
The narrative of the poem follows a child who is brought away by fairies.
I believe it explores a contrast. This idea of the supernatural or the unknown being inviting and attractive but turning out to be quite sinister.
The narrative of the poem follows a child who is brought away by fairies.
I believe it explores a contrast. This idea of the supernatural or the unknown being inviting and attractive but turning out to be quite sinister.
Structure of the poem :
The look of the poem is very rhythmic. Each stanza almost mirrors the last in it's shape. I believe it is to get across the idea that the unknown is inviting because it doesn't look strange on the surface.
That is until you reach the last line of each stanza, which sticks out like a warning sign, both in it's presence on the page and message. "For the world's more full of weeping than he can understand."
The look of the poem is very rhythmic. Each stanza almost mirrors the last in it's shape. I believe it is to get across the idea that the unknown is inviting because it doesn't look strange on the surface.
That is until you reach the last line of each stanza, which sticks out like a warning sign, both in it's presence on the page and message. "For the world's more full of weeping than he can understand."
Wording of the poem :
I notice that there is a lot of 'w' words put into this poem, possibly to lull the reader which emphasizes the allure of the unknown. Words that start with 'w' tend to be quite slow and soft sounding.
I notice that there is a lot of 'w' words put into this poem, possibly to lull the reader which emphasizes the allure of the unknown. Words that start with 'w' tend to be quite slow and soft sounding.
There is a lot of water imagery, bathe, bubbles, waving, pools and even water rats. Water is often used as a metaphor for life or rebirth, say, Baptisms. It could also be a romantic notion. There is that classic film trope of taking a long walk by the beach or waiting at a bridge for your date to arrive. This is helped by the image of roses and the 'reddest' 'cherries'. Most likely, Yeats is trying to further sell the appeal of the unknown in these patterns.
All the child like imagery such as leaping, bubbles and chasing are trying to convey an innocence and a curiosity. Referring to the landscape as having a 'young stream', for example, definitely hammers home the appeal of the place. The young 'child' would be right at home.
The poem itself seems to suggest that curiosity and innocence caused a tragedy.
The fact that the child is only referred to as such and is not given a name suggest to me that this can happen to any of us.
I also noted that the last line of the last stanza is different to the last line of the other stanzas. It goes from saying :
"For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand."
To saying :
To saying :
"For the world's more full of weeping than he can understand."
This suggests he is no longer one of us or he is no longer with us...
In Conclusion :
Perhaps this poem can be viewed as having a positive moral. Be thankful for what you have. What you want may not be what you expect, or maybe, to seek a different life means sacrifice?
I believe this poem expresses the fallibility of man and how we can be so easily and predictably seduced, acting before thinking. I believe the poem explores our thirst for the unknown and suggest that we are but children. Unaware of the dangers and so very fragile. In need of guidance or maybe protection.Perhaps this poem can be viewed as having a positive moral. Be thankful for what you have. What you want may not be what you expect, or maybe, to seek a different life means sacrifice?
For the world's more full of weeping than we can understand.
We shall 'shlaters',
Richard.
__________
Blog Notes :
This blog is part of my Game Design Journal for a college video game project.
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