Even as he converses with these tired and worn-out people, he does so with "polite meaningless words" (8). Here we see the poet"s apathy as he describes what he sees and feels when he looks at his country. The people here are inconsequential as demonstrated in their lack to participate in a meaningful conversation. With this image, these people appear as though they have no understanding of living a meaningful life or fulfilling their destinies. It is easy to speak empty, mindless words on the street but it is something else to engage in conversation that has meaning and purpose. The Irish are not concerned with anything purposeful in their lives; instead, they are disillusioned. As a result of this, the poet cannot associate with them at all and from this observation, he realizes that they have "changed utterly" (14). This change is not good and the poet feels a sense of remorse when he thinks of how people can fall into the trap of living such an empty, banal existence. To the poet, the rebellion was a "terrible beauty" (16), which causes the Irish to come of age. He suggests that the Irish were not only forced to proclaim independence but they were also forced to discover their identity in this process of rebellion. .

             The poet identifies with the Irish people more in the second stanza of the poem, reflecting upon their characteristics prior to the rebellion. He writes: .

             Days were spent .

             In ignorant good-will,.

             Her nights in argument.

             Until her voice grew shrill. (17-20) .

             Here the poet draws attention the idea that Irish independence is still something that does not exist and the people must accept their part in this. It is because they have chosen not to act that they have ended up where they are. Prior to the rebellion, the Irish were actively involved in speaking about positive things but they were less active when it came to actually doing positive things.