Art as Sanctuary in W.B. Yeats' Poetry

Art proves to be a sanctuary in the poetry of William Butler Yeats through the celebration of life and experience. "Friends" and "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" demonstrate how the poet discovers sanctuary through either his experience or his emotions. Yeats' poetry illustrates how art can serve as a safe haven for the human soul.

In "Friends," the poet finds sanctuary in his relationships. Things might not always mean everything is good all the time but he considers that aspect of friendship as part of the joy of having good friends. While remembering, he writes, "While up from my heart's root / So great a sweetness flows / I shake from head to foot. (Yeats Friends 23-5). Here we see how the poet expresses sincere emotions toward his friend and from this, he finds a place of comfort. In "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," the poet finds sanctuary in a place. He provides vivid imagery to illustrate what he discovers there. The small cabin is made of "clay and wattles"(Yeats Innisfree 2), the midnight view is "all a glimmer" (7), and at "noon a purple glow" (7) pleases the poet. These images reinforce the serene environment the poet experiences. With "Friends," the sanctuary is emotional while "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" is a more physical experience bust just as powerful. Both experiences reinforce the notion that art is more than art because it touches the human soul and provides solace and refuge from the wear and tear of the world.

Friends" and "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" are poems of escapism in that they take the poet and the reader away from the world. Yeats' demonstrates how art is constructive for the creator and the audience because it provides something intangible that is satisfying.

Works Cited

Yeats, W.B. "Friends." Bartleby Online http://www.bartleby.com/147/25.html. Site Accessed December 08, 2008.

The Lake Isle of Innisfree." Literature, an Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, & Drama. 4th Compact Ed. Kennedy, X.J., et al. eds. New York: Pearson Longman. 2005.