Question

What is 'yellow hair' a symbol of in "For Anne Gregory"? Discuss.

Hint:

Contrast physical beauty (yellow hair) with spiritual beauty (loving for "yourself alone").

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:

Yeats explores the conflict between physical attraction and spiritual love.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

The 'yellow hair' is described as "honey-coloured ramparts" at her ear, acting as a physical barrier to her true self.
The poet argues that only God can love a person for themselves alone, whereas humans are easily swayed by "yellow hair" (outward appearance).
Anne Gregory suggests she can dye her hair brown, black, or carrot to prove that her physical features are changeable and secondary.

Step 3: Final Answer:

'Yellow hair' is a symbol of superficial beauty that distracts from a person's true internal identity.