W.B. Yeats and his closeness to Irish people, culture and heritage

W.B. Yeats and his closeness to Irish people, culture and heritage

Q. W. B. Yeats' purpose was to 'write out the heart of the Irish common people.' Comment on this statement with reference to some of his poems.

Answer: W.B. Yeats, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, had a profound and complex relationship with Ireland and its people. While it would be reductionist to claim that his sole purpose was to "write out the heart of the Irish common people," it is undeniable that Yeats's works often look into the collective consciousness of Ireland, exploring themes of national identity, folklore, and the struggles of the common folk. Through his poems, he captures the spirit and aspirations of the Irish people, while also reflecting his own personal and political beliefs.

One of Yeats's early poems that represent his exploration of the Irish common people is "The Lake Isle of Innisfree." In this poem, he expresses a longing for a simpler, more idyllic life in the Irish countryside. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Yeats creates a sense of yearning for a connection with nature and a return to a more authentic existence. The poem resonates with the desire of the Irish common people for a simpler, more rooted way of life, free from the constraints of modernity.

In "Easter, 1916," Yeats reflects on the Easter Rising, a pivotal event in Irish history that marked a turning point in the struggle for independence from British rule. The poem mourns the loss of the leaders of the uprising while also recognizing their heroic sacrifice. Yeats captures the sentiment of the Irish common people who, despite their reservations about violent rebellion, were inspired by the ideals of the revolutionaries. The poem serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Irish people, highlighting their struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Yeats's engagement with Irish mythology and folklore is also evident in his works. In poems such as "The Stolen Child" and "The Hosting of the Sidhe," he draws upon Celtic mythology and legends to explore themes of enchantment, the supernatural, and the connection between the human and the divine. By incorporating these mythological elements into his poetry, Yeats taps into the collective imagination of the Irish people and gives voice to their deep-rooted beliefs and cultural heritage.

Besides, Yeats's involvement in the Irish Literary Revival, a movement that sought to revive and celebrate Irish language, literature, and culture, demonstrates his commitment to the Irish common people. Through his involvement with the Abbey Theatre and his collaborations with other Irish writers and artists, Yeats played a pivotal role in promoting Irish cultural identity and reclaiming Ireland's literary heritage.

His poem "September 1913" criticizes the materialistic values of the Dublin bourgeoisie and champions the spirit of the Irish common people, who he believed had been neglected and marginalized. The poem calls for a reawakening of national pride and a return to the values and ideals that truly matter.

However, it is important to note that Yeats's purpose as a poet extended beyond writing solely for the Irish common people. His poetry often explores his own personal experiences, emotions, and spiritual beliefs. He was deeply influenced by occultism, mysticism, and the esoteric, which can be seen in his later works such as "The Second Coming" and "Sailing to Byzantium." These poems explore universal themes of human existence, the cyclical nature of history, and the search for transcendence.

However, W.B. Yeats's purpose as a poet, therefore, cannot be shortened to a single objective, it is evident that he had a deep connection with the Irish common people and sought to give voice to their aspirations, struggles, and cultural heritage. Through his exploration of national identity, mythology, and the Irish Literary Revival, Yeats's poetry embodies the spirit of the Irish people while also reflecting his own personal and artistic evolution. His works continue to resonate with readers, transcending time and place, and reminding us of the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of a people and a nation.

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