Irish1865 - 1939

William Butler Yeats

“William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, playwright, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature.”

About the Author

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, playwright, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. Born on June 13, 1865, in Sandymount, Dublin, he became a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival and was a co-founder of the Abbey Theatre. Yeats's poetry is characterized by its rich symbolism and exploration of themes such as spirituality, love, and nationalism. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923 for his contributions to literature, which reflected his deep connection to Irish culture and mythology. Yeats passed away on January 28, 1939.

Genres & Themes

Literary Fiction

Poetry

Works by William Butler Yeats

Literary Fiction

Among School Children

Traditional folktale

In 'Among School Children,' Yeats reflects on the intersection of childhood innocence and adult experience through a series of contemplative vignettes. The poem juxtaposes the simplicity of school life with profound philosophical musings, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time.

2 minpoem

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Poetry

The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Traditional folktale

In 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree,' William Butler Yeats expresses a longing for solitude and peace in nature, envisioning a simple life on the idyllic island of Innisfree. The poem captures the contrast between the tranquility of the natural world and the chaos of urban life, reflecting Yeats's desire for escape and introspection.

1 minpoem

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Poetry

An Irish Airman foresees his Death

Traditional folktale

In 'An Irish Airman Foresees His Death,' Yeats explores the complex emotions of a fighter pilot who contemplates his fate amidst the clouds. He reflects on his motivations for fighting, revealing a deep ambivalence towards his country and the war, driven by a personal impulse rather than duty or hatred.

Sailing to Byzantium

Traditional — Europe

In 'Sailing to Byzantium,' Yeats explores the contrast between the vitality of youth and the wisdom of age, emphasizing the importance of transcending the physical realm through art and intellect. The poem reflects a yearning for eternal beauty and knowledge, symbolized by the city of Byzantium, as the speaker seeks to escape the limitations of the mortal body.

1 minpoem

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