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 the old and wise. He says,
“That is no country for old men.”
So, he wants to leave Ireland. He wants to go to a place like Byzantium. In Byzantium, art and spirit are respected. This shows that Yeats wants a better Ireland, where wisdom and culture matter more than just physical beauty.
Fear for Future Ireland (The Second Coming): In The Second Coming, Yeats shows his fear and worry for the world. He writes:
“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold.”
This means that the world, including Ireland, is in danger and confusion. He feels that something dark and evil is coming. Yeats writes,
“What rough beast…
slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?”
This beast is a symbol of chaos. The poem shows his fear for Ireland’s future. He predicts Ireland may lose its values and order.
Use of Irish Myths and Symbols: Yeats uses many Irish legends, myths, and names in his poems. In “Easter 1916”, he praises Irish heroes like MacDonagh, MacBride (husband of Maud Gonne), Connolly and Pearse. He wanted to keep Irish culture and stories alive. He was a leader in the Irish Literary Revival. Through his writing, he helped build Irish identity. His love for Ireland’s language, history, and heroes made him a true nationalist poet.
W.B. Yeats was more than a poet. He was the voice of Ireland. His poems show love, pain, and hope for his country. He wrote about Irish nature, heroes, and freedom. His words kept Irish dreams alive. That’s why he is remembered as a true Irish nationalist poet.
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