“The Cat and the Moon” has an underlying theme of complexity which is portrayed via concealed relationship of the cat and the moon. The cat is seen to be entranced by the moon as if it recognises it and there is a past between them. This is expressed by the cat “look[ing] up” and then following it by “star[ing]” at it. The transformation from a glance to a stare shows a sense of supernatural connection between the cat and the moon. Additionally, the hypnotic and soothing sound generated by “wander and wail” shows that the cat is amazed by the moon and is not able to resist feeling a connection with it. Also, the rhyming couplets and again creates a sense of connection between the two very different beings as it shows a sense of dependency between each other. Moreover, the presence of the moon in the sky creates an image of a guardian for the cat. This is further emphasised by “moonlit from place to place”, which can perhaps be seen as the moon lighting a path for the cat to follow so it is not in the dark. Also, the similarities between the cat and the moon also bind them together in a supernatural way. The “changing moon” and the cat’s “changing eyes” show that they are linked with each other; as one is altered the other alters itself accordingly in order to match. Also, this complex relation is confirmed by the statement, “When two close kindred meet”. Yeats describing the two different entities as being somewhat related suggests that there is a mystical connection between them which is not visible to the reader but only to them. The use of the word “When” suggests a time bound relation which emphasises the mystical nature of this relationship between the cat and the moon. Finally, as this phrase is followed “What better than call a dance?” creates a jubilant atmosphere and reasserts the relationship between two very different things and perhaps reflects on the rarity of them meeting each other which accentuates the spirituality of this relationship. As Yeats was a strong believer of the supernatural, this theme is also present in “The Stolen Child” where the supernatural beings, the faeries are seen to form a relationship with the child even though they are completely different to each other. This is seen by the phrase “With a faery, hand in hand”. The physical connection in this poem is a step further than just the entrancement in “The Cat and The Moon” hence, strengthening the mystical relationship between the faery and the human. However, Yeats’s modernist poems reflect on the harsh and start reality of war with relationships and bonds being formed over experiences with no supernatural interference. In “Easter 1916” the refrain “All changed, changed utterly:// A terrible beauty is born”. The change is the defining moment in Irish history when 13 leading Irish nationalist leaders were shot dead. However, the following phrase, “a terrible beauty is born” is a very strong image of a united Ireland with one cause and one purpose at heart. This shows that relations are formed due to life changing experiences and that there are no forces are work and no supernatural interference at all.
Yeats’s expresses that there are external forces at work in one’s life, and these forces help shape human nature and create a balance in life. These external forces create a sense of mystical atmosphere because they show that one is never in control of their life. The cyclical nature of the poem is displayed by the actions of the cat. It begins by “creeping”, followed by “run[ning]” and then back to “creep[ing]”. The cyclical nature of the cats actions shows that life is uncontrolled and it’s like a gyre; showing that the cat is being guided by a supernatural being and will always return to the original phase. Additionally, the imagery of the “round” shape of the moon and the cat’s pupils emphasises the cyclical nature as it portrays that it is embedded in them and that it is part of their nature. Moreover, the constant imagine of the moon in the sky is also a symbol of repetition because it appears daily in the sky; this can be explained by external forces causing it to appear regularly. Also, Yeats creates an element of balance in the poem following his interest in the idea of Taoism. It’s the belief that everything in life is balanced and ever action is counteracted in order to maintain the balance. The theme of balance is portrayed by the contrast in colour of the moon and the cat. The distinct difference creates a balance in the poem and is also a direct reflection of the Taoism symbol of “Yin-Yang” which also uses the black and white colours. The balance is also seen by the use of the tricolon “Alone, important and wise” in order to show the nature of the cat. The use of negative and positive lexis creates a real balance between the behaviour of the cat. Finally, the balance is also present with the light and the dark. The “moonli[ght]”from the moon and the darkness of the night generates a balance of two completely separate entities yet again. The fact that there is so much balance in such a short space of time suggests the presence of external activities and supernatural interference which are at work to make sure that balance is maintained in the world. Similarly, the idea of cyclical nature and repetition is shown in “The Second Coming” with Yeats’s use of “gyre[s]”. This can perhaps show that all events are inevitable and are pre planned, with no control for the user. Additionally, the cyclical nature is seen in “The Wild Swans at Coole” due to Yeats’s repetitive visits to the park. This is shown by “The nineteenth autumn has come upon me”; the fact that Yeats is in the passive shows that he is under no control and something mystical draws him back to the park daily. Also, the balance is seen in “The Fisherman”, as the fisherman is portrayed by Yeats to be in complete harmony with nature as he is “simple” and “wise”. However, Yeats’s poem, “The Cold Heaven” disagrees with this and shows that life isn’t cyclical. This is seen as it portrays the definitive event of death and the afterlife, hence suggesting that there is no cycle and that there is a guaranteed end point. This is emphasised by “Suddenly” as it shows that there is a clear break point in the cycle. Overall, the idea of balance and cyclicality in human nature and life suggests the involvement of something extraordinary, something that Yeats has yet to explore. This links into the theory of Plato’s Cave as it displays that one cannot understand what is present without going out to explore it.
“The Cat and The Moon” is definitely one of Yeats’s more complex poems with many underlying meanings. Yeats hints to the idea of human nature through love, lack of control and a balance in life. However, he underlays these themes with the idea of supernatural aid in order to achieve this and that there everything is destined and is inevitable. He hints to his belief in the theory of Plato’s Cave which shows that if you don’t go out and explore then you will never understand life. He also uses the belief of Taoism to accentuate the balance in life.