How William Butler Yeats’s Irish Identity Shaped His Poetry Essay Example

William Butler Yeats is one of the best Irish poets, winning a Nobel Prize in literature. William Butler Yeats has produced over 30 works of art including “The Rose Tree”. William Butler Yeats didn’t start writing until he was a late teenager. Many people say his poetry is influenced by his Irish identity, But how? William Butler Yeats shaped his poetry from his Irish identity by his Childhood, by reviving old myths legends and folklore, and by his political identity.

One way William Butler Yeats Irish identity shaped his poetry was from his childhood. Yeats was born in Dublin Ireland June 13th, 1865 but moved London when he was only two years old. While in London William went to Godolphin School for four years. When Yeats was fifteen, he moved back to Ireland so he can finish school and study. “Yeats pursued his own interest in art as a student at the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin. Following the publication of his poems in the Dublin University Review in 1885, he soon abandoned art school for other pursuits.” (Wendy Mead). This quote is telling us that he prefers poetry over art. This quote supports my claim by showing us that Yeats has a passion that helped influence his love for poetry. Because William had a passion for poetry at a young age, he was able to become what he is known for today.

Another way William Butler Yeats Irish identity Shaped his poetry was his want to revive old Irish myths, legends, and folklore. William saw that old Myths and folklore was one of the main cornerstones in Irish history. Because William was intrigued by this, he wanted to help revive the old Irish myths, legends, and folklore. An example of this is, “Yeats believed myths played an important role in the construction of Irish cultural identity. Yeats cherishes the past and looks forward to the Celtic myth as a possible site on which to build an edifice of Irish identity” (Harrison, 2019). This quote tells us that William believed that myths played an important role and Irish history. This quote supports the claim by showing us that William was influenced by old Irish myths.

Finally, William Butler Yeats was influenced by his political identity. William was very open about what he believed in. An example of this is from his poem “The Rose Tree”, this poem is about Irish independence and how it should be fought. “'Maybe a breath of politic words

Has withered our Rose Tree; Or maybe but a wind that blows Across the bitter sea” (W.B. Yeats). In this quote the rose tree is Ireland and its conveying that England (which is across the sea) is controlling Ireland. This quote supports my claim because William is writing about how Ireland is being forced into submission by England. “Yeats is suggesting that political maneuvering has harmed the nation of Ireland, which is to independence cannot simply come from passive politics but that it requires action.” (Pacific Edu). This quote is telling us that William is influenced by his political identity because he wants Ireland to become independent. Both quotes support the claim because William was influenced by Irish Politics and he fought for more independence.

All in all, William Butler Yeats childhood, Irelands myths and legends, and his political identity all influence his poetry. Because of his childhood William was able to learn and become influenced by poetry. Irelands Myths, legends, and folklore all played a part in William’s poetry. Because William was passionate about politics, poetry gave him a platform to voice his opinions. As a result of poetry William Butler Yeats was able to become what he is known for today.