When You Break a Poet's Heart: A Reading, Summary, and Analysis of Yeats' "When You Are Old"

The video provides a reading and analysis of W.B. Yeats' poem 'When You Are Old.' It explores the poem's themes, including love, aging, and regret, and offers a stanza-by-stanza breakdown. The video also delves into the biographical context of Yeats' relationship with Maud Gonne, providing insights into how personal experiences influenced his work. Various interpretations are discussed, highlighting the poem's universal themes and Yeats' unique poetic style.

What is the significance of the phrase 'take down this book and slowly read' in the context of the poem?

In what ways does the poem reflect on the theme of aging and beauty?

How does the speaker describe the love that one man has for the subject of the poem?

What does the speaker mean by 'love fled and paced upon the mountains overhead'?

Discuss the relationship between Yeats and Maud Gonne as it relates to the poem.

How does the poem convey the idea of unrequited love?

What insights can be drawn from the poem regarding the nature of true love?