William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) was one of the greatest poets of the 20th century and a central figure in both Irish and modernist literature. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Yeats was deeply influenced by Irish mythology, folklore, and the political struggles of his country. He co-founded the Abbey Theatre and played a significant role in the Irish Literary Revival, which sought to promote Ireland’s cultural heritage.
Yeats’s early poetry was characterized by romanticism, mysticism, and a fascination with the spiritual world. Collections like The Wind Among the Reeds (1899) reflect his interest in Irish legends and the occult. However, his later works, including The Tower (1928) and The Winding Stair (1933), shifted towards a more modern, symbolic, and philosophical style. His language became starker and more direct, often reflecting the political turmoil of the time.
Politically, Yeats was a nationalist and briefly served as a senator in the Irish Free State. Yet, he was also wary of revolutionary violence, which he often explored in poems like Easter, 1916 and The Second Coming. The latter is among his most famous works, capturing a world on the brink of chaos and transformation.
Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923, not just for his poetry but also for his efforts to revive Irish literature. He remains a towering figure in world poetry for his unique blending of myth, history, and personal vision, and for his profound exploration of human and spiritual realities.
