The Role of Myth and Symbolism in Yeats' Poetry
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W illiam Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish poet, playwright, and politician whose work is characterized by its use of myth and symbolism. In this essay, we will explore the role of myth and symbolism in Yeats' poetry and examine the ways in which these elements contribute to the themes and meanings of his work.
One of the most distinctive features of Yeats' poetry is its use of myth and folklore. Yeats was deeply interested in the myths and legends of his native Ireland, and he often drew on these sources for inspiration in his poetry. In poems like "The Second Coming" (1919) and "Sailing to Byzantium" (1928), Yeats employs mythic imagery and themes to explore deeper questions about the nature of existence and the human experience. For Yeats, myth served as a way to connect to the deeper truths and universal themes of the human experience. He believed that myth was a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of the world and for finding meaning in …