Death
NOR dread nor hope attend
A dying animal;
A man awaits his end
Dreading and hoping all;
Many times he died,
Many times rose again.
A great man in his pride
Confronting murderous men
Casts derision upon
Supersession of breath;
He knows death to the bone —
Man has created death.
The poem "Death" by William Butler Yeats explores the existential struggle of human mortality. Unlike animals, humans possess consciousness and are condemned to endure the anticipation and dread of their demise. Yet, within this despair, there is a glimmer of hope, as humanity has the capacity to transcend death through the legacy they leave behind.
This poem stands out from Yeats's earlier lyrical works, which often celebrated the beauty and wonder of life. "Death" confronts the harsh reality of human existence, capturing the disillusionment and anxiety of the modern age. It shares thematic similarities with other works written during the early 20th century, such as T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land," which explored the existential crisis and spiritual desolation of the post-World War I era.
Yeats's use of language is deliberate and precise. The poem's simple, straightforward diction conveys the starkness and inevitability of death. The repeated phrase "Many times he died" emphasizes the cyclical nature of human existence and the inevitability of death. The contrast between the "great man" and the "murderous men" highlights the fragility of human life and the futility of violence.
Overall, "Death" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the existential nature of human mortality. Through its concise language and universal themes, it resonates with readers across time and cultures, offering a stark reminder of the human condition.
죽음
두려움도 희망도
죽어가는 동물을 동반하지 않으니.
인간은 두려워하고 희망하며
그의 최후를 기다린다.
수번 그는 죽었고,
수번 그는 다시 일어났다.
자부심 속의 한 위대한 인간은
살인자들을 맞닥뜨려,
숨결의 대체 위에*
경멸을 던지니.
그는 뼈저리게 죽음을 아는구나--
인간이 죽음을 창조하였다.