Discuss W. B. Yeats As a Poet of Irish Nationalism

Answer

Evaluate W.B. Yeats as an Irish nationalist poet. [NU: 2016, 19, 21] ★★★

W.B. Yeats (1865-1939) is one of the greatest poets of modern times. He loved his country Ireland very much. His poems show his deep love for Irish land, people, and freedom. He wanted Ireland to be free, peaceful, and full of beauty. He used his poems to express his national feelings. He wrote about Ireland’s past, present, and future. In his poems, we can see both his love and his pain for his country.

Love for Irish Nature (The Lake Isle of Innisfree): In the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”, Yeats shows his love for Irish nature. He dreams of living a simple life near a small lake in Ireland. He wants to leave the busy city and live in peace. He writes:

“I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree.”

This island is a symbol of peace and natural beauty. It shows his heartfelt connection with Ireland. The poem is not just about a place, but about the peaceful Irish way of life. He wants to live with nature, far from noise, and close to the soul of Ireland.

Love for Irish Freedom (Easter 1916): In Easter 1916, Yeats writes about the Irish people who died fighting for their country’s freedom. At first, he did not support them. But later, he changed his mind and started to respect their courage. He writes:

“All changed, changed utterly:

A terrible beauty is born.”

This line shows how Ireland has changed forever. People who were once ordinary are now heroes. He praises their sacrifice. The poem shows Yeats’s deep respect for Irish fighters and his hope for Ireland’s independence. He became a true nationalist voice through this poem.

Sadness for Modern Ireland (Sailing to Byzantium): In Sailing to Byzantium, Yeats talks about a place where the soul and art live forever. Yeats is sad about modern Ireland. Modern Ireland only loves youth and forgets