In William Butler Yeats' The Secret Rose, the author develops his theme through choice of diction, imagery, symbolism, and scansion. Yeats' Irish background is an influential factor in terms of the tone with which he addresses religious beliefs, and an acceptable interpretation of The Secret Rose depends on one's knowledge of Celtic history and tradition. Throughout his poem, Yeats uses a great deal of symbolism in describing the well-known events that surround the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Every line is significant in terms of how one understands the statements (and questions) Yeats is posing. The Secret Rose is in itself, a noteworthy title, because it sums up the fixation of the poem in three simple words. The rose is a direct metaphor for Jesus Christ: it suggests purity and more importantly, it is described as, "secret" and "inviolate." A rose also brings to mind a mental picture of the color red, a hue that is often associated with sinfulness and passion. This makes the flower an especially appropriate symbol in that Jesus Christ died for the sins of his followers. Yeats' also uses language in shades of red, like "wine-stained," to describe the sometimes immoral character of human nature. To add familiarity and understanding to a potentially confusing poem, Yeats includes several allusions to Biblical and mythological figures in The Secret Rose. He refers to the tomb in which Jesus was laid after his crucifixion: "the Holy Sepulchre," the three Kings: "the crowned Magi," and God the Father: "the king whose eyes / Saw the pierced Hands." True to his Celtic roots, Yeats' also includes a reference to Emer, the wife of the legendary Irish hero Cu Chulainn. Moreover, Yeats includes several Irish symbols, for example, "the ancient beards." During the Romantic period in Ireland, many artists depicted respected religious figures with long, white beards; Yeats' allusion serves to strengthen the Irish roots of his poem. Y...
