Exploring the realms of secret societies and paranormal research may seem like the stuff of fantasy, but for William Butler Yeats (also known as W. B. Yeats), it was all part of his journey as a young poet. Born in 1865 in Sandymount, Ireland, Yeats grew up during a time of great political turmoil and famine. Despite these challenges, he went on to become an acclaimed English-language poet, with a deep interest in the spiritual and human experience. His work has influenced many prominent poets today, and he was even awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923.
Yeats' parents were John Butler Yeats and Susan Mary Pollexfen. His father initially studied law but later pursued art, while his mother came from a wealthy merchant family in County Sligo, Ireland. The family eventually settled in this coastal town, which would later be a source of inspiration for Yeats' poetry. He spent his childhood there, but the family also moved around, homeschooling him and his siblings in different cities such as London and Dublin.
Despite his interest in subjects like zoology and biology, Yeats did not excel in traditional academics. It was likely due to his mother's unconventional homeschooling methods, which may have fostered his fascination with Irish folklore. This fascination would later come to influence his poetry and his growing interest in occultism.
Defined as "the knowledge of the hidden," occultism encompasses beliefs and practices that fall outside the realm of traditional science and religion. Yeats' interest in this subject led him to join and co-found several societies, including The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which he remained a member of for life. He also helped establish The Ghost Club, a paranormal society, and co-founded The Rhymers' Club with his friend Ernest Rhys. This group of London writers would meet in taverns to discuss their work, and Yeats even wrote about it in his book Autobiographies of William Butler Yeats.
However, as Yeats' interests began to shift towards politics and away from spirituality and the occult, he disowned some of his earlier works. He became a politician and a strong advocate for Irish nationalism, which greatly influenced his poetry. He even served as a senator for the Irish Free State in 1922 and maintained his support for nationalist and authoritarian leadership until his death in 1939.
Although William Butler Yeats may have started his career with a keen interest in the supernatural, he ultimately became a major figure in English poetry, contributing to the development of modernism. His exploration of the spiritual and political landscape of Ireland continues to inspire and influence poets worldwide, cementing his place as one of the greatest writers of his time.
The Irish Literary Revival, also known as the Celtic Revival, was a cultural movement that took hold in 19th and 20th century Ireland. This movement sought to breathe new life into Irish literature and art, and was famously portrayed in Yeats' poem "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" (1890).
In 1916, at the age of 51, Yeats finally tied the knot with Georgie Hyde-Lees, who was 25 years younger than him. Together, they had two children and their marriage rekindled Yeats' fascination with the supernatural through their experiments with automatic writing.
Automatic writing is a process in which one enters a trance-like state and allows a spirit or "guide" to use their body as a means for writing. Yeats claimed to have multiple guides who influenced his work throughout his life.
Beyond his literary accomplishments, Yeats played a significant role in the establishment of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. Along with Lady Gregory, George Moore, and Edward Martyn, he helped found the Irish Literary Theatre, which eventually became the Abbey Theatre. This theatre played a vital role in promoting the Celtic Revival and remained a source of pride for Yeats until his passing in 1939.
In 1939, at the age of 73, the world lost an influential literary and political figure in William Butler Yeats. His wife, Georgie, and son, Michael, were by his side during his last days.
Yeats' work continues to be celebrated and studied today, cementing his place as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.
William Butler Yeats, an Irish poet, passed away at the age of 73 after a long struggle with health issues. Per his wish, his body was returned to his hometown of Sligo, Ireland, where he was laid to rest. His epitaph, taken from his final poem "Under Ben Bulben," is a reflection of his life, beliefs, and literary works, which solidified his place in the world of literature.
Throughout his lifetime, Yeats published over 30 collections of poetry. His poems are known for their use of symbolism and natural imagery, fueled by his fascination with the supernatural. However, Yeats also used his voice as a poet to advocate for Irish nationalism. In 1923, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for "his inspired poetry that gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation." Some of his notable collections include "The Wild Swans at Coole" (1917), "In the Seven Woods" (1903), and "The Tower" (1928).
Aside from his poetry, Yeats was also a respected literary critic. Known for his strong values and outspoken nature, he used his critiques to challenge opinions he deemed incorrect. Yeats believed that art should be grounded in historical and societal contexts, and his criticism shed light on the important relationship between different art forms. His views on propaganda and literature sparked discussions about the role of art in society.
Finally, Yeats' work is known for its impactful quotes on a range of topics, including the occult and Irish politics. One of his most famous lines comes from his poem "Easter, 1916": "A terrible beauty is born." This quote reflects Yeats' exploration of the intersection between reality, spirituality, and the symbolic nature of life. His connection to nature is also evident in his poem "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," in which he writes, "I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree...and I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings."
William Butler Yeats, a renowned Irish poet and playwright, was known for his masterful use of symbolism in his works. Yeats drew inspiration from various sources, including the supernatural, different philosophies, and his deep connection to nature, which he seamlessly incorporated into his writing. Through his powerful use of symbolism, he was able to weave complex themes and deeper meanings into his poetry, making it both thought-provoking and influential.
Nature serves as a primary symbol in Yeats' poetry, reflecting the deep connection between the natural world and human emotion. In his famous poem "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," the speaker expresses a deep desire to escape to the peaceful island of Innisfree, which represents inner peace. This symbol of Innisfree is woven throughout the poem, emphasizing its cyclical nature through the use of imagery and language, ultimately symbolizing the eternal motion of night and day.
The poem's final quatrain perfectly encapsulates the significance of nature in Yeats' works, with the speaker stating, "I will arise and go now, for always night and day I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey, I hear it in the deep heart’s core." This powerful imagery and language represent the ever-present influence of nature on the speaker's inner being, solidifying its importance as a symbol in the poem.
Intricately exploring themes of spirituality, Yeats was also heavily influenced by Protestantism and the Anglican Church. This can be seen in his poem "The Second Coming," where he utilizes Christian imagery to convey the speaker's fear of a looming apocalypse. Through his skillful use of symbols, such as "Spiritus Mundi" and "a shape with lion body and the head of a man," Yeats creates a sense of terror and dread, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Overall, Yeats' incorporation of symbolism in his poetry marked a significant shift from traditional 19th-century norms to the modernism of the 20th century. His works, including "Easter, 1916" and "Sailing to Byzantium," continue to inspire and resonate with readers, showcasing Yeats' unique perspective on the supernatural and political climate of Ireland during his time.
Although William Butler Yeats may no longer be with us, his thought-provoking and symbol-filled works continue to solidify his place as one of the most celebrated and influential poets of all time.
