Adam's Curse Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. Does the form of the poem (like the rhyme or use of stanzas) serve Yeats' themes? How does it affect your reading of the poem?
  2. Who is the speaker chatting with, and how does Yeats reveal their characteristics? Are these characteristics important to the themes of the poem?
  3. How does one "work" at love? Does Yeats think this is a worthwhile pursuit? What do you think?
  4. How does Yeats relate the art of writing poetry to the art of love? What conclusions does he come to about their worth?
  5. What is the curse in "Adam's Curse"? Does the title make sense when you consider the themes of the poem?
  6. How is the metaphor of the moon used in the poem? What does it signify?