Swan symbolism in literature

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Posted by Alissa on July 1, 2001 at 16:03:55:

In reply to: swan symbolism/symbols...for wedding engagement posted by Tracy on July 1, 2001 at 12:32:56:

In classical literature, swans are a symbol of fidelity as they are
thought to mate for life with their chosen one. Also, Yeats' poem
Leda and the Swan is thought to have several interpretations -- the
obvious one is the myth of Leda being sexually overcome by a God
(Zeus?) in the form of swan. More subtle interpretations point to
political statements such as the expected Victorian
woman's "submissive" qualities even in the face of danger, or even a
woman being overcome by the sexual/spiritual aspect within herself.
Also, Yeats' doomed relationship with his unrequited paramour Maud
Gonne certainly had an influence on the sonnet as well.

If Leda's story intrigues you, check out Michelangelo's painting of
the legend (whew! didn't leave much to the imagination there) or
Leonardo da Vinci's tamer version of the same myth.

(Who knew my classical education would come to play in the Mehndi
world? What fun I actually retained something from all those years of
college tuition money spent!)

Hope any of this helps and congratulations to you both!
Namaste,
Alissa

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Re: Swan symbolism in literature Tracy 14:19:19 7/2/2001 (1)
- most welcome! (n/t) Alissa 15:04:32 7/2/2001 (0)

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: In classical literature, swans are a symbol of fidelity as they are : thought to mate for life with their chosen one. Also, Yeats' poem : Leda and the Swan is thought to have several interpretations -- the : obvious one is the myth of Leda being sexually overcome by a God : (Zeus?) in the form of swan. More subtle interpretations point to : political statements such as the expected Victorian : woman's "submissive" qualities even in the face of danger, or even a : woman being overcome by the sexual/spiritual aspect within herself. : Also, Yeats' doomed relationship with his unrequited paramour Maud : Gonne certainly had an influence on the sonnet as well. : : If Leda's story intrigues you, check out Michelangelo's painting of : the legend (whew! didn't leave much to the imagination there) or : Leonardo da Vinci's tamer version of the same myth. : : (Who knew my classical education would come to play in the Mehndi : world? What fun I actually retained something from all those years of : college tuition money spent!) : : Hope any of this helps and congratulations to you both! : Namaste, : Alissa
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