Natural Vs. Supernatural Elements in W. B. Yeats's The Only Jealousy of Emer

Abstract

The Only Jealousy of Emer (1917-1918) is a dance play composed by W. B. Yeats of a very beautiful verse which is unmatched ever since. The play comes within Yeats's collection of the so-called Cuchulain Plays. It tells about the tragic fate of the mythical hero, Cuchulain, in his struggle against natural and supernatural elements alike. Soon, both his wife, Emer, and his mistress, Eithne Inguba are engaged in similar combat against supernatural elements to regain Cuchulain alive after being captivated by the so-called Sidhe or fairy people. However, apart from mythical elements, the playwright enhances his portrayal of female characters comprising wife, mistress, and supernatural woman with a touch of realism. Thus, by bringing the hero safely into the world of the living, through Emer's sacrifice, Yeats shows the triumph of human passion and marital duties over the supernatural quest to mate with mortals represented by Fand.