Friday, December 26, 2014

In W. B. Yeats's poem "A Prayer for my Daughter," in what ways does the speaker seem anxious about the well being of his daughter?

Before even beginning his actual prayer, Yates sets the
scene by describing the conditions he sees and hears around him. He is surrounded by a
howling storm, great gusts of wind blowing waves crashing into bridges, collapsing
buildings, threatening the lives of any who are out on the sea. Into this tumultuous
world, his daughter has been born, and he fears for her
safety.


Beyond the superficial concern about the storm,
however, Yates has deeper and more life-long concerns. He is concerned that she be
physically appealing but not so attractive that she thinks of beauty as her main
accomplishment and doesn't strive to develop relationships based on anything other than
appearance.


He hopes that she will grow up understanding
the importance of being kind to others, treating all with courtesy and charm. He prays
that her spirit will not be choked off by the hatred of
others.


Last, Yates prays for his daughter to find a
husband who will provide a stable, comfortable and tradition-filled
home.

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