Who is William Butler Yeats?

William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. His work is known for its beauty, its exploration of Irish mythology and history, and its unique combination of lyrical and philosophical elements.

Yeats was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1865. He was the son of a lawyer and a painter. Yeats grew up in a family of artists and intellectuals, and his early life was filled with creative expression. He studied art and literature at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, but he eventually decided to pursue a career in poetry.

Yeats's early poetry was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement, a group of artists and writers who were interested in medievalism and Celtic mythology. However, Yeats soon developed his own unique style, which combined traditional Irish elements with modern, experimental forms.

what is yeats real name

William Butler Yeats, Irish poet and dramatist.

• Born: June 13, 1865
• Died: January 28, 1939
• Nationality: Irish
• Occupation: Poet, dramatist, and writer
• Famous works: "The Second Coming," "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," "The Wind Among the Reeds"
• Awards: Nobel Prize in Literature (1923)
• Legacy: Considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century

Yeats's poetry is known for its beauty, its exploration of Irish mythology and history, and its unique combination of lyrical and philosophical elements.

Born: June 13, 1865

William Butler Yeats was born on June 13, 1865, in Sandymount, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland. He was the eldest of four children born to John Butler Yeats, a lawyer and portrait painter, and Susan Mary Pollexfen Yeats, a poet and the daughter of a Sligo merchant.

Yeats's early childhood was spent in Sligo, where he was immersed in the beauty of the Irish countryside and the rich culture and folklore of the region. He developed a lifelong love of nature and a deep appreciation for Irish mythology and history, which would later become major themes in his poetry.

In 1877, Yeats's family moved to London, where he attended the Godolphin School. He was a bright and inquisitive student, but he struggled to fit in at the school. He felt like an outsider, and he often retreated into his own world of books and imagination.

Despite his difficulties at school, Yeats continued to write poetry. He published his first poem, "The Island of Statues," in 1885. In the same year, he also met Maud Gonne, a beautiful and charismatic Irish nationalist. Yeats fell deeply in love with Gonne, but she did not reciprocate his feelings.

Yeats's unrequited love for Gonne would become a major source of inspiration for his poetry. He would write many poems about her, and she would remain a muse for him throughout his life.

Died: January 28, 1939

William Butler Yeats died on January 28, 1939, at the Hôtel Idéal Séjour in Menton, France. He was 73 years old.

• Cause of death: Yeats died of heart failure.

Yeats had been in poor health for several years. He had suffered from a number of illnesses, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and pleurisy. In 1938, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Yeats's grave is marked by a simple headstone that bears the following inscription: "Cast a cold eye/ On life, on death./ Horseman, pass by."

Yeats's poetry has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of poets, including Seamus Heaney, Derek Walcott, and Joseph Brodsky.

He was also a member of the Irish Academy of Letters and the British Academy. In 1934, he was awarded the Order of the Golden Spur by Pope Pius XI.

Yeats's death was a major loss to the world of literature. He was a brilliant poet and a gifted writer who left behind a body of work that continues to be read and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Nationality: Irish

William Butler Yeats was born and raised in Ireland, and he always considered himself to be Irish, even though he spent many years living in England and France.

Yeats's Irish identity was a major source of inspiration for his poetry. He was fascinated by Irish mythology and history, and he often used these themes in his work. He also wrote many poems about the Irish landscape and the Irish people.

Yeats was a strong supporter of Irish independence. He was a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a secret society dedicated to overthrowing British rule in Ireland. He also wrote many poems and articles expressing his support for Irish nationalism.

In 1922, Yeats was elected to the Irish Senate, the upper house of the Irish parliament. He served in the Senate for six years, and he used his position to promote Irish culture and to advocate for Irish independence.

Yeats's Irish identity was an essential part of his life and work. He was proud to be Irish, and he used his poetry to celebrate Irish culture and history.

Occupation: Poet, dramatist, and writer

William Butler Yeats was a poet, dramatist, and writer. He is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, and he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923.

• Poet: Yeats published over 40 volumes of poetry during his lifetime. His poems are known for their beauty, their exploration of Irish mythology and history, and their unique combination of lyrical and philosophical elements.

Some of Yeats's most famous poems include "The Second Coming," "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," and "The Wind Among the Reeds."

His plays are often based on Irish mythology and history, and they explore themes of love, loss, and betrayal.

He was a gifted prose stylist, and his essays are still widely read today.

This was a major honor, and it helped to cement Yeats's reputation as one of the greatest poets of his time.

Yeats was a prolific and talented writer who made significant contributions to English literature. His work is still read and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Famous works: "The Second Coming," "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," "The Wind Among the Reeds"

"The Second Coming" is one of Yeats's most famous and widely anthologized poems. It was written in 1919, in the aftermath of the First World War. The poem is a meditation on the state of the world and the coming of a new age.

"The Lake Isle of Innisfree" is a beautiful and lyrical poem that describes the speaker's longing for a simple life on a small island in Lough Gill, County Sligo. The poem was written in 1890, and it is one of Yeats's most popular works.

"The Wind Among the Reeds" is a collection of poems that was published in 1899. The poems in this collection are inspired by Irish mythology and folklore. The collection is considered to be one of Yeats's most important works.

These three poems are just a small sample of Yeats's vast and impressive body of work. His poems are known for their beauty, their exploration of Irish mythology and history, and their unique combination of lyrical and philosophical elements.

Awards: Nobel Prize in Literature (1923)

In 1923, William Butler Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature "for his always inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation."

This was a major honor, and it helped to cement Yeats's reputation as one of the greatest poets of his time. The Nobel Prize is awarded annually to writers who have made significant contributions to the field of literature.

Yeats was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature several times before he finally won in 1923. He was a controversial figure, and some members of the Swedish Academy, which awards the prize, were hesitant to give it to him.

However, Yeats's supporters argued that he was a brilliant poet who deserved to be recognized for his work. In the end, the Swedish Academy agreed, and Yeats was awarded the prize.

Yeats was very proud to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. He saw it as a vindication of his work and a recognition of the importance of Irish literature.

Legacy: Considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century

William Butler Yeats is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. His work is known for its beauty, its exploration of Irish mythology and history, and its unique combination of lyrical and philosophical elements.

Yeats's poetry has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of poets, including Seamus Heaney, Derek Walcott, and Joseph Brodsky. He is also considered to be one of the most important figures in the Irish Literary Revival.

Yeats's legacy is not only as a poet, but also as a playwright, essayist, and public figure. He was a strong supporter of Irish independence, and he served in the Irish Senate for six years.

Yeats was a complex and contradictory figure, but he was also a brilliant writer who left behind a body of work that continues to be read and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Yeats's work is a valuable contribution to English literature, and it is sure to continue to be read and enjoyed for many years to come.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about William Butler Yeats:

Question 1: What is William Butler Yeats's full name?
Answer 1: William Butler Yeats

Question 2: Where was William Butler Yeats born?
Answer 2: Sandymount, Dublin, Ireland

Question 3: When was William Butler Yeats born?
Answer 3: June 13, 1865

Question 4: When did William Butler Yeats die?
Answer 4: January 28, 1939

Question 5: What was William Butler Yeats's occupation?
Answer 5: Poet, dramatist, and writer

Question 6: What are some of William Butler Yeats's most famous works?
Answer 6: "The Second Coming," "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," "The Wind Among the Reeds"

Question 7: What awards did William Butler Yeats receive?
Answer 7: Nobel Prize in Literature (1923)

Question 8: What is William Butler Yeats's legacy?
Answer 8: He is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about William Butler Yeats. For more information, please visit the Nobel Prize website or the website of the Yeats Society.

Yeats was a complex and fascinating figure, and his work continues to be read and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Tips

Here are a few tips for learning more about William Butler Yeats and his work:

Tip 1: Read his poetry.

The best way to appreciate Yeats's work is to read it for yourself. His poems are available in many anthologies and online.

Tip 2: Visit the Yeats Society website.

The Yeats Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the study and appreciation of Yeats's work. Their website has a wealth of information about Yeats, including biographical information, essays about his work, and a bibliography of his writings.

Tip 3: Visit the Yeats Museum.

The Yeats Museum is located in Sligo, Ireland. The museum houses a collection of Yeats's personal belongings, including his manuscripts, books, and furniture. Visitors can also learn about Yeats's life and work through exhibits and guided tours.

Tip 4: Attend a Yeats festival.

There are a number of Yeats festivals held throughout the year, both in Ireland and abroad. These festivals offer a variety of events, such as poetry readings, lectures, and workshops. Attending a Yeats festival is a great way to learn more about his work and meet other people who are interested in his poetry.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

These are just a few tips for learning more about William Butler Yeats and his work. By following these tips, you can deepen your understanding of one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.

Yeats's work is a valuable contribution to English literature, and it is sure to continue to be read and enjoyed for many years to come.

Conclusion

William Butler Yeats was a brilliant poet, dramatist, and writer who made significant contributions to English literature. His work is known for its beauty, its exploration of Irish mythology and history, and its unique combination of lyrical and philosophical elements.

Yeats was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1865. He grew up in a family of artists and intellectuals, and he was immersed in creative expression from an early age. Yeats began writing poetry as a young man, and he quickly gained recognition for his talent.

Yeats's work is often divided into three periods: the early period, the middle period, and the late period. His early poetry was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement, a group of artists and writers who were interested in medievalism and Celtic mythology. However, Yeats soon developed his own unique style, which combined traditional Irish elements with modern, experimental forms.

Yeats's middle period is often considered to be his most important. During this time, he wrote some of his most famous poems, including "The Second Coming," "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," and "The Wind Among the Reeds." These poems are known for their beauty, their exploration of Irish mythology and history, and their unique combination of lyrical and philosophical elements.

In his late period, Yeats continued to write poetry, but he also began to write plays and essays. His plays are often based on Irish mythology and history, and they explore themes of love, loss, and betrayal. His essays are wide-ranging, and they cover topics such as Irish culture, politics, and literature.

Yeats died in France in 1939. He was 73 years old. He is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, and his work continues to be read and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Closing Message:

William Butler Yeats was a complex and fascinating figure, and his work is a valuable contribution to English literature. His poetry is beautiful, thought-provoking, and timeless. If you are not familiar with Yeats's work, I encourage you to explore it. You will not be disappointed.