In the chronology of Yeats' life, his book of poetry "Into the Seven Woods," published in 1903 and featuring "Adam's Curse", came at a unique and pivotal time when both his poetic style and identity were changing direction. Although confined to the poem's idyllic, pastoral setting, typical of early Yeats, "Adam's Curse" begins to explore ideas outside the realm of Irish mythology seen in earlier works, dipping into contemplation of more personal concerns. These primarily addressed themes of failed love, the finite nature of life, and society's lack of appreciation for the work involved in creating beauty are all rooted in the Biblical reference to the story of Adam and Eve. It is interesting that Yeats sets his scene in an Eden-like context, outdoors and at the end of summer.
"Adam's Curse" is written in first person, and it is safe to assume the speaker is Yeats himself, through his reference to the effort required to write poetry as well as the fact that the poem speaks to a......
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