The Irish Troubles: Yeat's Poetry

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The Irish Troubles: Yeat's Poetry

William Butler Yeats, born in Dublin, Ireland [June 13, 1865], is considered by many to be one of the greatest English-language poets of the 20th century. The following exposition, grounded on the hypothesis that Yeats’ poetry was resolutely influenced by the political occurrences of that time period, will give biographical information, a recounting of the political upheaval during that period, specific poetry excerpts/critical analysis and validation of hypothesis.

William Butler Yeats is one of the many famous names to come from the original Golden Dawn. "His poetry and writings were a display of his passion for mysticism and the Occult Sciences"(www.webus.com/hogd/bioyeats.html). He received the Nobel Prize for literature in 1924. Yeats realized early on the oppression and austerity that both he and his fellow countrymen endured.

Yeats’ father was a lawyer, who later pursued a career as a painter. In 1867, the family followed him to London, where William spent most of his youth. Upon his return to Dublin, Yeats furthered his studies at the Metropolitan School of Art. "As a writer Yeats made his debut in 1885, when he published his first poems in The Dublin University Review"(www.kifjasto.sci/wbyeats.htm).

In 1887 the family returned to Bedford Park and Yeats devoted himself to writing. Later in 1889, Yeats met his undeniable love, Maude Gonne, an Irish Nationalist, who greatly inspired his poetry. However, Maude later married Major John MacBride.

"At the start of the Irish Civil War Yeats went to Oxford, but returned then to Dublin, becoming a Senator in the same year. As a politician Yeats defended Protestant interests and took pro-Treaty stance against Republicans. In 1932 Ye...

... middle of paper ...

...likely that anyone reading this article can image "sensible" violence and most of us simply find the lack of civil behavior to be far beyond anything we can understand. It seemed to me that it would be appropriate to try and shed some light on the so-called "troubles" because the situation in Northern Ireland exceeds several lifetimes and yet appears incomprehensible"

(//www.ftlcomm.com/ensign/ireland/ireland2.html).

To conclude, Ireland has faced years of prejudice, suppression, and tyranny. Yeats, like many other nationalists recognized this and in his own way attempted to address these issues by publicly announcing his contempt for this discrimination, through poetry, but to no avail. As we can see, these troubles continue to challenge the citizens of Ireland. Perhaps, one day this persecution will cease to exist, but for now it is an existing way of life!

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