W. B. Yeats

William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) was an Irish poet, playwright, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Yeats became a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival and the development of modernist poetry. Throughout his career, Yeats combined rich symbolism, mythological themes, and a deep exploration of Irish identity, politics, and culture, making him a key figure in both literary and national movements.

Yeats's early works were heavily influenced by the Symbolist movement, and his poetry often sought to evoke moods and visions through symbolic imagery. His first collection, The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems (1889), reflects his early fascination with myth and the supernatural. Yeats was deeply influenced by his interest in the occult, mysticism, and Irish folklore, and he often infused his work with these themes.

Over time, Yeats's poetry became more politically engaged, particularly as Ireland moved toward independence from Britain. His poem Easter 1916, written in response to the Irish uprising, captures the complex emotions of the Irish struggle for freedom and is one of his most well-known works. His poetry was not only a response to political events but also reflected his evolving personal philosophy, exploring themes of aging, the passage of time, and the tension between idealism and disillusionment.

In 1923, Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his "inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation." His later works, such as The Tower (1928) and The Winding Stair and Other Poems (1933), display a mature, reflective tone and a deep engagement with the themes of history, myth, and the human condition.

Yeats passed away in 1939, leaving behind a vast and influential body of work. His legacy continues to shape the world of poetry, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the English language.