• I will arise and go: The speaker is determined to leave his current location and embark on a journey to Innisfree, emphasising a desire for a different, more tranquil environment—an allusion to the King James Version of the Bible.

• Innisfree: Refers to a small, uninhabited island in Lough Gill, County Sligo, Ireland. In the context of the poem, it symbolises a haven of peace and natural beauty.

• Wattles: Interwoven sticks or twigs used in building, suggesting a simple and traditional construction material for the small cabin the speaker plans to build on Innisfree.

• Bean-Rows: Beans to be cultivated on Innisfree, representing a self-sustaining and agricultural aspect of the speaker’s envisioned life on the island.

• Bee-Loud Glade: A glade/meadow or clearing where the buzzing of bees is prominent, creating a lively and natural atmosphere. 

• Dropping: The gradual descent or falling used to describe the slow arrival of peace on Innisfree. It conveys a sense of calm settling over the landscape.

• Veils: Symbolic of the morning mist or dew, representing peace’s ethereal and transformative quality as it descends upon Innisfree.

• Lapping: The gentle, rhythmic sound of lake water against the shore highlights the speaker’s deep connection to nature and the sensory experience associated with the lake on Innisfree.

Summary “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”:

‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ by W.B. Yeats expresses the speaker’s desire to escape the hustle of urban life and find solace on the peaceful Isle of Innisfree in County Sligo, Ireland. In the first stanza, the speaker envisions building a simple cabin and cultivating a serene life surrounded by nature.

The second stanza emphasises the tranquillity of Innisfree, where peace gradually descends with the morning veils and the sounds of nature create a harmonious atmosphere.

In the final stanza, the speaker expresses a persistent longing to return to Innisfree, highlighting the enduring impact of the idyllic island on the speaker’s deep emotional core.

Stanza-Wise Explanation “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”:

‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ by William Butler Yeats is a reflective and yearning poem that expresses the speaker’s desire for a simple and peaceful life on the uninhabited island of Innisfree in Lough Gill, Sligo, Ireland.

Stanza 1:

The speaker announces their intention to leave the bustling city and journey to Innisfree. They plan to build a modest cabin there using natural materials like clay and wattles. The speaker envisions cultivating nine rows of beans and establishing a beehive. The desire is to lead a solitary life surrounded by the soothing sounds of buzzing bees in the tranquil glade.

Stanza 2:

The speaker anticipates finding peace in Innisfree, where tranquillity arrives gradually, like dew descending in the morning. The imagery of veils evokes a gentle and gradual descent of peace. The surroundings on the island are described, from the glimmering midnight to the purple glow of noon, creating a serene atmosphere. The tiny bird linnet adds to the peaceful ambience in the evening.

(Note: Readers should question why the colour purple was used to describe the noon at Innisfree) 

Stanza 3:

In the final stanza, the speaker reiterates their resolve to leave the urban life, emphasising the constant yearning for the peaceful sounds of nature on Innisfree. The mention of “lake water lapping with low sounds” suggests a rhythmic and comforting natural melody that contrasts with the harsh noises of the city.

The poem concludes with the profound statement that the speaker hears the calming sounds of Innisfree in their “deep heart’s core,” emphasising the deep and enduring yearning for a harmonious connection with nature.

To summarise, the poem explores the theme of escapism, the yearning for a simpler life in harmony with nature, and the enduring impact of such desires on the speaker’s innermost being.

Analysis “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”:

‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ by William Butler Yeats is a celebrated poem consisting of three quatrains that vividly express the poet’s desire for a simple and idyllic life on the uninhabited island of Innisfree.

In the first quatrain, the speaker declares his intention to leave his current life and build a small, rustic cabin on Innisfree. The mention of “clay and wattles” emphasises the simplicity of the dwelling, while the reference to “nine bean-rows” and a hive for the honey-bee suggests a self-sufficient and harmonious existence in nature.

The second quatrain portrays Innisfree as a haven of peace. The imagery of peace “dropping slow” from the morning veils and the tranquil scenes of midnight, noon, and evening create a serene atmosphere. The reference to the “cricket sings” adds to the natural ambience, while the linnet’s wings evoke a sense of beauty and freedom.

In the final quatrain, the speaker reaffirms his determination to go to Innisfree, highlighting the perpetual allure of the island. The sensory experience of hearing “lake water lapping” emphasises the connection between the speaker and the natural surroundings. The repetition of the phrase “I hear” in the last two lines highlights the profound impact the imagined sounds of Innisfree have on the speaker’s innermost being.

First Quatrain:

• Tone: Determined and yearning.
• Description: The speaker resolves to leave his life and build a simple cabin on Innisfree. The tone is driven by a strong desire for change and a more rustic existence. The mention of materials like “clay and wattles” suggests a return to basics.

Second Quatrain:

• Tone: Tranquil and reflective.
• Description: The speaker describes the peace he expects to find in Innisfree. The tone becomes more contemplative as the imagery shifts to the slow descent of peace and the tranquil scenes of different times of the day. Nature, with its sounds of the cricket and visuals of noon and evening, is depicted as a source of serenity.

Third Quatrain:

• Tone: Continuing yearning with a touch of resignation.
• Description: The speaker reaffirms his intention to go to Innisfree, emphasising the persistent allure of the island. The tone becomes more reflective as the speaker hears the sounds of the lake water lapping, creating a sense of connection with the natural world. The repetition of “I hear” intensifies the emotional impact, revealing a profound longing in the speaker’s “deep heart’s core.”

‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ by William Butler Yeats is a poem that falls into the categories of lyric and pastoral poetry. As a lyric poem, it is characterised by its expression of personal thoughts, emotions, and reflections. The poem serves as a lyrical expression of the speaker’s deep longing for a peaceful and idyllic life on the island of Innisfree.

The speaker’s introspective musings and emotional yearning are typical features of lyric poetry. Simultaneously, the poem exhibits pastoral elements, idealising a simple life close to nature.

The speaker envisions creating a rustic dwelling, cultivating bean-rows, and living in a bee-loud glade. These pastoral themes evoke a romanticised vision of rural life and reflect the desire to escape the complexities of urban existence.

Therefore, ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ combines lyric poetry’s personal and emotional qualities with the pastoral theme of seeking solace in a natural, rural setting.

The structure of ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ by William Butler Yeats can be analysed as follows:

Form:

• The poem is written in three quatrains (four-line stanzas).

• The quatrain form gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance.

Rhyme Scheme:

• The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF for each quatrain.

• This consistent rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s musical and rhythmic quality.

Imagery:

• The poem is rich in sensory imagery, particularly visual and auditory.

• Imagery vividly depicts the natural surroundings and the speaker’s envisioned life in Innisfree, creating a strong mental image for the reader.

Repetition:

• The poem emphasises repetition, particularly in the refrain “I will arise and go now,” which is repeated in the first and third quatrains.

• The repetition adds a rhythmic quality and highlights the speaker’s determination to pursue the imagined haven. 

• The poem opens with the declaration, “I will arise and go,” an echo that resonates with Biblical language. 

• This specific phrase, identical in wording, appears in the King James Bible, a text likely familiar to Yeats due to his Protestant affiliation and potential use for religious worship.

(Note: For more clarity on the refrain/repetition, go through the Literary Devices Section down below.)

1. Escapism and Nature: Yeats’s poem is deeply infused with themes of nature, emphasising the poet’s desire to escape urban life and connect with the natural world. The serene setting of Innisfree, with its reference to the small cabin, bean rows, and the bee-loud glade, reflects a longing for a harmonious existence in a tranquil, natural environment.

2. Solitude and Spirituality: The poem subtly explores spiritual themes, particularly seeking inner peace and fulfilment. Innisfree is portrayed as a place where the speaker can attain spiritual tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The peace that “comes dropping slow” suggests a deeper, more contemplative state of being.

3. Labour and Fulfillment: Building a small cabin and cultivating nine bean rows indicates a desire for a simple and self-sustaining life. The mention of a hive for the honeybee suggests a connection to labour and productivity. The poem implies that engaging in purposeful, meaningful work, such as building and tending to one’s surroundings, can lead to fulfilment and contentment.

In summary, ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ intertwines themes of nature, spirituality, and the connection between labour and fulfilment, vividly portraying the poet’s yearning for a harmonious and meaningful existence in a natural haven.

1. Innisfree:

• Symbolism: Represents a utopian escape, a place of tranquillity and harmony with nature.
• Significance: Yeats longs for a simpler, more peaceful life away from urban chaos.

2. Small Cabin of Clay and Wattles:

• Symbolism: Humble and natural dwelling.
• Significance: The poet desires a simple, sustainable lifestyle close to nature.

3. Nine Bean-Rows:

• Symbolism: Agricultural abundance and self-sufficiency.
• Significance: Conveys the idea of a self-sustaining, harmonious life connected to the land.

4. Peace Dropping Slow:

• Symbolism: Tranquility descending gently.
• Significance: Reflects peace’s gradual and serene arrival in the poet’s envisioned haven.

5. Veils of the Morning:

• Symbolism: The beauty and mystery of the early morning.
• Significance: Represents when peace is most palpable, and nature is awakening.

6. Lake Water Lapping with Low Sounds by the Shore:

• Symbolism: The eternal and rhythmic nature of the lake.
• Significance: Suggests a connection with nature’s cyclical and enduring aspects.

7. Roadway and Pavements Grey:

• Symbolism: Urban life and its monotony.
• Significance: Contrasts the poet’s yearning for Innisfree’s simplicity and natural beauty.

8. Deep Heart’s Core:

• Symbolism: Profound inner desires and emotions.
• Significance: Conveys the everlasting impact of Innisfree on the poet’s soul, emphasising a deep, spiritual connection with the imagined haven.

Line-by-Line Explanation “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”: 

1. “I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,”

• The speaker desires to leave his current surroundings and journey to Innisfree, a small, uninhabited island in Lough Gill, County Sligo, Ireland.

2. “And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;”

• The speaker plans to construct a modest dwelling on Innisfree using traditional materials like clay and wattles (interwoven sticks or twigs).

3. “Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,”

• The speaker envisions cultivating nine rows of beans and establishing a beehive to produce honey on the island.

4. “And live alone in the bee-loud glade.”

• The speaker desires solitude amid nature, particularly in a glade or meadow (a clearing) where the buzzing of bees is prominent.

Quatrain 2:

5. “And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,”

• The speaker anticipates finding tranquillity in Innisfree as peace slowly descends upon the island.

6. “Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;”

• Peace is described as descending like dewdrops, originating in the morning and reaching where crickets sing.

7. “There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,”

• The speaker portrays the magical atmosphere of Innisfree, with a shimmering quality at midnight and a radiant purple glow at noon.

8. “And evening full of the linnet’s wings.”

• Evenings on Innisfree are envisioned as filled with the linnet’s wings, a small bird, symbolising the natural beauty and harmony of the island.

Quatrain 3:

9. “I will arise and go now, for always night and day”

• The speaker reiterates the determination to leave his current environment, emphasising that this desire persists day and night.

10. “I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;”

• The speaker claims to hear the gentle, rhythmic sounds of the lake water lapping against the shore, suggesting a deep connection to nature.

11. “While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,”

• Even in urban settings represented by the roadway and grey pavements, the speaker continues to hear the sounds of the lake, underscoring the persistent pull of Innisfree.

12. “I hear it in the deep heart’s core.”

• The poem concludes with the speaker expressing that the sounds of Innisfree resonate physically and in the deep recesses of the heart, emphasising the profound, emotional connection to the island.

Question/ Answers “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”:

I. 1. What kind of place is Innisfree? Think about

(i) The three things the poet wants to do when he goes back there (stanza I);

A(i): Innisfree, as portrayed in the poem, is a tranquil and idyllic island in Lough Gill, Sligo, Ireland. The poet expresses a deep longing to return to this serene place. The three things the poet wants to do when he returns to Innisfree, as mentioned in stanza I, are:

• Build a small cabin: The poet desires to construct a simple dwelling made of clay and wattles.
• Cultivate bean rows: The poet envisions having nine beans on the island.
• Live alone in solitude: The poet expresses a longing to live in isolation, surrounded by the natural beauty of Innisfree, particularly in the “bee-loud glade.”

(ii) What he hears and sees there and its effect on him (stanza II);

A(ii): The poet describes the sensory experiences of Innisfree in stanza II:

• Peaceful Atmosphere: The poet expects to find peace on the island, which comes “dropping slow” from the morning veils. The soothing sounds of nature heighten this peace.

• Visual Imagery: The midnight on Innisfree is described as a glimmer and noon as a purple glow, creating picturesque scenes that contribute to the tranquil ambience.

• Auditory Harmony: The cricket’s song, the linnet’s wings, and the sounds of the lake water lapping all contribute to the auditory harmony that the poet seeks on Innisfree.

(iii) What he hears in his “heart’s core” even when he is far away from Innisfree (stanza III).

A(iii): In the final stanza, the poet emphasises the enduring impact of Innisfree on his being, even when he is far away. He hears the “lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore” and experiences a profound connection to Innisfree. This connection is so deep that, whether standing on the roadway or city pavements, he hears the sounds of Innisfree in his “deep heart’s core.” 

Innisfree, therefore, represents not only a physical place but also a symbolic haven that resonates within the poet’s innermost self, providing a sense of peace and solace regardless of his physical location.

Q2: By now, you may have concluded that Innisfree is a simple, natural place full of beauty and peace. How does the poet contrast it with where he now stands? (Read stanza III.)

A2: In stanza III, the poet contrasts the simplicity and natural beauty of Innisfree with his current urban surroundings:

1. City Noises: While on the roadway or pavements, the poet hears contrasting sounds – the city’s loud and chaotic noises, disrupting the peace he seeks.

2. Natural Symphony: The poet recalls the serene sounds of Innisfree, specifically the “lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore.” This starkly contrasts the urban environment, emphasising the city’s disharmony and lack of tranquillity.

3. Inner Connection: Despite the physical distance, the poet feels a profound connection to Innisfree in his “deep heart’s core.” This suggests that the city fails to provide the deep, inner peace and connection that Innisfree offers, emphasising the stark disparity between the two environments.

To conclude, the poet contrasts the bustling, noisy city with Innisfree’s simple, natural beauty and inner peace, underscoring his yearning to return to the latter.

Q3:Do you think Innisfree is only a place or a state of mind? Does the poet miss the place of his boyhood days?

A: In ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree,’ Innisfree is not merely a physical location but a symbolic representation of a desired state of mind. While the poet expresses a longing for the tangible aspects of Innisfree, such as the small cabin and natural surroundings from his boyhood days, it goes beyond a mere geographical place. Innisfree becomes a metaphor for a more spartan (lack of comfort or luxury), harmonious existence and a sanctuary from the complexities of urban life. 

Yes, the poet does miss the place of his boyhood days, but this longing extends beyond a mere geographical yearning. While rooted in a specific location from the poet’s past, Innisfree symbolises an idealised state of mind – one characterised by simplicity, harmony, and a connection with nature. 

QII. 2 .: Look at these words

• … peace comes dropping slow
• Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings.

What do these words mean to you? What do you think “comes dropping slow…from the veils of the morning”? What does “to where the cricket sings” mean?

AII. 2. : The chosen lines evoke vivid and sensory descriptions of the arrival of peace on Innisfree.

1. “Peace comes dropping slow”:

• This suggests peace descends gradually and gently, like dewdrops or soft rain. The word “dropping” implies a slow and deliberate descent, emphasising peace’s unhurried and calming nature.

2. “From the veils of the morning”:

• The source of this peace is described as the veils of the morning. This imagery suggests that tranquillity is associated with the early hours of the day, possibly the dawn when the world is quiet and nature is awakening.

3. “To where the cricket sings”:

• This part signifies the destination of the peace. The cricket’s song symbolises the serene and natural ambience of Innisfree. The arrival of peace is linked to the place where the cricket sings, emphasising the connection between the calming presence of nature and the auditory beauty of the cricket’s song.

Q1: What is the speaker’s plan in the first stanza of “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”?

A1: The speaker plans to leave his current location and build a small cabin on Innisfree, where he intends to live a solitary life surrounded by nature.

Q2: According to the first stanza, what elements does the speaker want to incorporate into his life in Innisfree?

A2: The speaker wants a small cabin made of clay and wattles, nine bean rows, and a hive for honey bees, and he desires to live alone in the bee-loud glade.

Q3: In the second stanza, what does the speaker expect to find in Innisfree?

A3: The speaker expects to find peace on Innisfree, described as coming “dropping slow” from the veils of the morning. The stanza paints a tranquil picture of the island with references to the beauty of nature, including the glow of noon and the linnet’s wings.

Q4: How does the speaker describe the sounds of Innisfree in the second stanza?

A4: The speaker describes the sounds on Innisfree as the cricket singing, midnight being a glimmer, and the evening filled with the linnet’s wings.

Q5: In the third stanza, why does the speaker decide to leave his current location?

A5: The speaker decides to leave his current location because, day and night, he hears the lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore. The desire to escape to Innisfree’s peaceful and natural sounds motivates his decision.

Q6: What is the significance of the line “I hear it in the deep heart’s core” in the third stanza?

A6: This line emphasises the profound and lasting impact of the lake’s sounds on the speaker. It suggests a deep, emotional connection to Innisfree’s peaceful and rhythmic sounds, reaching into the speaker’s innermost being.

Q7: What is the central idea of the poem, if any?

A7: The central idea of ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ revolves around the speaker’s yearning for a simple and idyllic life in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of urban existence.

The poem expresses a deep desire for a tranquil retreat on the small island of Innisfree, where the speaker plans to build a modest cabin and live in harmony with nature. The lush imagery and rhythmic language convey a sense of peace and serenity that the speaker believes can be found in the natural surroundings of Innisfree.

Ultimately, the poem explores the universal human longing for a place of solace and the rejuvenating power of a connection with the natural world.

Q8: What elements of nature and solitude are emphasised in the poem?

A8: The poem emphasises elements of nature such as bean-rows, honey-bees, cricket sounds, and the natural beauty of Innisfree, including descriptions of morning veils, midnight glimmer, noon’s purple glow, and the linnet’s wings. Solitude is highlighted as the speaker seeks to live alone in the peaceful surroundings of Innisfree.

Q9: What is the speaker’s desire to leave urban life and go to Innisfree?

A9: The speaker’s desire to leave urban life and go to Innisfree is driven by a yearning for a peaceful and harmonious connection with nature. The speaker seeks a tranquil existence away from the hustle and bustle of urban settings.

Innisfree represents a haven where the speaker can build a simple cabin, cultivate nature with bean-rows, and live in solitude amidst the bee-loud glade. The constant, soothing sounds of lake water lapping by the shore contrast the urban noises, providing the speaker with a serene escape.

The desire for this natural retreat reflects the human need for a quieter, more contemplative environment in harmony with the natural world’s rhythms.

Q10: Why does the speaker use natural materials like clay and wattles to build the cabin on Innisfree? 

A10: The speaker uses natural materials like clay and wattles to build the cabin on Innisfree to emphasise a connection with the environment and a desire for a simple, sustainable existence.

The speaker seeks a harmonious integration with Innisfree’s surroundings by opting for natural materials. Clay and wattles, traditional and earthy building materials, symbolise a return to a more primitive and authentic way of living.

Q11: Why does the colour purple describe the noon at Innisfree?

A11: The colour purple represents the noon at Innisfree in the poem because William Butler Yeats likely associates it with the reflection of the heather flower on the water. In the poem ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree,’ the line “noon a purple glow” describes the serene atmosphere at midday.

Using purple, Yeats captures the visual impact of heather’s reflection (a type of flower native to the island) on the water, creating a vivid and tranquil image that contributes to the overall sense of peace and beauty in the speaker’s envisioned retreat to Innisfree.

The choice of purple adds a specific and meaningful element to the portrayal of the landscape and enhances the reader’s sensory experience.

Extract 1:

Q1: Where does the speaker intend to go in the first line?

A1: The speaker expresses the intention to go to Innisfree.

Q2: What does the speaker plan to build in Innisfree, and what materials will be used?

A2: The speaker plans to build a small cabin in Innisfree made of clay and wattles.

Q3: How does the speaker envision utilising the space in Innisfree?

A3: The speaker envisions having nine bean-rows and a hive for the honey-bee in Innisfree.

Q4: What is the speaker’s living arrangement and environment preference in Innisfree?

A4: The speaker plans to live alone in the bee-loud glade in Innisfree.

Extract 2:

Q1: What does the speaker anticipate experiencing in Innisfree regarding peace?

A1: The speaker expects to experience a sense of peace in Innisfree, describing it as something that comes “dropping slow” from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings.

Q2: How does the speaker depict the atmosphere in Innisfree during midnight?

A2: The speaker describes midnight in Innisfree as “all a glimmer,” suggesting a serene and softly illuminated environment.

Q3: What visual imagery does the speaker use to portray noon in Innisfree?

A3: The speaker uses the imagery of a “purple glow” to describe noon in Innisfree, suggesting a tranquil and harmonious midday scene. In the poem’s context, the “purple glow” is interpreted as a poetic description, possibly referring to the reflection of the heather on the water, adding a specific and picturesque element to the noon atmosphere in Innisfree.

(Note: Check out our video explaining the artistic reason behind the line “and noon a purple glow” in the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” on YouTube.)

Q4: According to the speaker, what is the evening like in Innisfree?

A4: According to the speaker, the evening in Innisfree is “full of the linnet’s wings,” indicating a peaceful and idyllic setting with birds, contributing to the prevailing tranquillity.

Extract 3:

Q1: Why does the speaker desire to arise and go in the given lines?

A1: The speaker expresses a desire to arise and go because he constantly hears the lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore, and this auditory experience holds a profound significance for him.

Q2: Where does the speaker hear the lake water sounds, and how does it affect him?

A2: The speaker hears the lake water sounds while standing on the roadway or the pavement grey. The constant auditory experience profoundly affects him, deep recesses of his heart’s core.

Q3: What significance does the recurring sound of lake water have for the speaker?

A3: The frequent sound of lake water lapping holds deep significance for the speaker. It is a persistent and comforting presence in his life, providing a sense of connection and tranquillity that motivates his desire to go to Innisfree.

Q4: What does the speaker mean by “I hear it in the deep heart’s core”?

A4: The speaker suggests that the sound of the lake water lapping is not just a physical sensation but resonates on a deep emotional and spiritual level, reaching into the core of his being.