Anashuya And Vijaya

By William Butler Yeats

Anashuya Buddha has said, The soul is not a body, and the tree Is not a stone; the spirit is alone If it will breathe, and shall not come again; Yet is the yearning: "I will find my soul." Anashuya Then do not seek to hurt me, Sitting alone there in your chair of gold, And I in a brown dress of camel's hair. Vijaya I will not speak, for you have told me That your heart is cold; Yet it is not, I think, the fear That makes me weak, but your great age. Anashuya Ah! give it me; And so you shall be free Of all men and women's scorn.
Written: 1892-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1892-01-01
Date Published: 1892-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Love, Wisdom, Reflection, Spirit, Aging
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.B. Yeats
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
A narrative poem that explores the dialogue between Anashuya and Vijaya, touching on themes of love, aging, spiritual yearning, and the nature of the soul, set against a backdrop of introspection and philosophical inquiry.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.


Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.