New Hyde Park Lady Thunder Cats: A Shift in Yeats's Poetry

The concluding colophon of In the Seven Woods, a collection of poems by William Butler Yeats, reveals that it was completed on July 16th, 1903. This date marks a significant turning point in Yeats's career, as he began to shift away from his earlier romanticism and towards a more modernist style.

In the opening poem of In the Seven Woods, titled 'The Song of Wandering Aengus,' Yeats describes a peaceful scene at Lady Gregory's estate at Coole Park. However, this idyllic setting is juxtaposed with two recent acts of destruction, including the devastating storm that hit Coole Park in 1903. This dichotomy between nature and chaos reflects the turmoil that Yeats was experiencing personally, as he navigated his relationships and artistic ambitions.

Some critics have argued that Yeats's move away from Aestheticism marked the beginning of his modernist phase. In The Green Helmet and Other Poems, for example, Yeats's use of language is more concise and direct than in his earlier work. However, others see this period as a moment of re-evaluation, rather than a complete departure from his earlier style.

One way to understand the shift in Yeats's poetry during this period is through his interpretation of the pastoral mode. In The Shadowy Waters, Yeats draws on the tradition of Virgil's Eclogues and William Morris's late prose romances to create a sense of nostalgia for a lost era. However, he also updates this tradition by incorporating modern themes and concerns.

Ultimately, the poetry of In the Seven Woods represents a fundamental shift in Yeats's œuvre, as he navigates the challenges of his personal and artistic life. The collection is a testament to his ability to adapt and evolve as an artist, even in the face of turmoil and uncertainty.

The 'new hyde park lady thunder cats' refer to Lady Gregory's estate at Coole Park, which is central to the themes and imagery of In the Seven Woods. The poem explores the relationship between nature and human experience, reflecting Yeats's own struggles with his artistic ambitions and personal relationships during this period.

New hyde park lady thunder cats