When You Are Old by William Butler Yeats, Analysis & Summary

Introduction: This study guide offers a comprehensive analysis of William Butler Yeats' poem "When You Are Old." The guide delves into the poem's meaning and significance, exploring themes of aging, lost love, and the passage of time. It provides an explanation of each stanza, identifies major themes, presents six key facts about the poet, and offers a critical analysis of the poem's structure, language, sound devices, and literary devices. Additionally, the guide examines the attitudes and feelings expressed in the poem and suggests similar poems that share thematic connections with "When You Are Old." Through this study guide, readers can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Yeats' poignant reflection on love and its enduring impact. Poem Text When you are old and grey and full of sleep, And nodding by the fire, take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep; How many lov…