William Butler Yeats 1865–1939

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William Butler Yeats, born in Dublin in 1865, stands as one of the towering figures of 20th-century literature, not just in his native Ireland but across the English-speaking world. A prolific poet and playwright, Yeats's work is deeply imbued with both the political tumult of his homeland and a rich tapestry of Celtic mythology, symbolism, and personal introspection. His early works are characterized by a dreamy romanticism, where he often drew inspiration from Irish legends, the occult, and the ethereal landscapes of the Emerald Isle.

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As co-founder of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Yeats played a pivotal role in the Irish Literary Revival, an effort to foster Irish nationalism by cultivating a distinct and proud literary tradition. His involvement in the theatre served as a springboard for many of his plays and introduced a new generation to traditional Irish themes and contemporary issues. Over the years, Yeats's style underwent significant transformation. The once dreamy romantic evolved into a more modernist voice, his poems brimming with sharper imagery and a more direct tone, reflecting the changing times, especially the push for Irish independence and the traumas of the World Wars.

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Spirituality and mysticism were intrinsic to Yeats's life and work. He held a lifelong fascination with the occult, spiritualism, and the esoteric, which frequently manifested in his poetry. His exploration of these themes can be seen in collections such as "The Wind Among the Reeds" and "A Vision," where he delved deep into the cycles of history, personal reincarnation, and the cosmic significance of art and love.

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By the time of his death in 1939, William Butler Yeats had established himself as a monumental figure in world literature. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923 for what the Nobel Committee described as "his always inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation." Today, he remains an essential voice, celebrated for his lyrical beauty, his profound insight into the human soul, and his unwavering commitment to the cultural identity and heritage of Ireland.

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Read:

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43290/the-second-coming

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43296/byzantium

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Discuss:

1. I know the Second Coming seems strange - but it's one of the most beautiful and lyrical pieces in the English language. What do you think Yeats means by the "rough beast" that is "slouching toward a Bethlehem to be born"?

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2. List 3 words or phrases in Byzantium that you didn't know and had to look up. If you couldn't find the definition, let me know and we'll find out together.