UNIT 5: W. B. YEATS: “AN IRISH AIRMAN FORESEES HIS DEATH”

W.B. Yeats’ Life

William Butler Yeats, born in Dublin, Ireland on June 13, 1865, was a prominent poet and playwright. He was deeply involved in promoting Irish culture and literature. Yeats co-founded the Irish Literary Society and the Abbey Theatre, which became influential institutions in Irish arts. His poetry often reflected his political and cultural concerns, including the desire for Irish independence. Yeats received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923 for his exceptional poetic contributions. His poetry, renowned for its vivid imagery and symbolism, explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Some of his most famous poems include “The Second Coming,” “Sailing to Byzantium,” and “When You Are Old.” Apart from poetry, Yeats also wrote plays, essays, and a memoir. His works continue to be celebrated for their beauty and enduring relevance. Yeats passed away in 1939, leaving behind a profound legacy in literature.

W.B. Yeats’ Work

William Butler Yeats wrote important plays and poetry. His first play, “Mosado,” was published in 1886. Two years later, he gained fame with “The Wanderings of Oisin,” a collection of ballads and poems. He also wrote notable poetry collections like “The Rose” (1893) and “The Wind Among the Reeds” (1899), drawing inspiration from Irish folklore and mysticism.

Later on, Yeats focused on Irish history and nationalism, influenced by Maud Gonne. His works during this period include “In the Seven Woods” (1903), “The Green Helmet and Other Poems” (1910), and “Responsibilities: Poems and a Play” (1914).

Yeats experimented with automatic writing and developed a system of mystical symbols in “A Vision” (1925). This influenced his later poetry collections, like “Michael Robartes and the Dancer” (1921), “The Cat and the Moon and Certain Poems” (1924), “The Tower” (1928), and “The Winding Stairs and Other Poems” (1933).

His poetry explored themes of love, loss, death, and reality. Yeats’ works continue to inspire readers worldwide, showcasing his brilliance as a poet and playwright.

Summary of the Poem-

W.B. Yeats’ poem, “An Irish Airman Foresees His Death,” explores themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and the futility of war. It features a young Irish airman who knows he will die in battle. He doesn’t hate his opponents nor love those he fights for. Coming from a poor family, he knows the war won’t change their lives. His decision to fight stems from a personal impulse, not duty or obligation.

The airman isn’t afraid of death; he sees it as a natural part of life. He finds contentment in being remembered for his flying skills. The poem ends with him feeling “balanced” between life and death, ready to die while grateful for his life.

This poem meditates on the meaning of life, the futility of war, and serves as a reminder that war brings suffering, not glory.

Q.1. Write in about 100 words the substance of the po

Answer– The poem depicts an Irish airman who foresees his own death, sharing his inner thoughts and emotions. He is not afraid of death, and he does not believe in the cause for which he is fighting. He sees himself as a part of nature, and he believes that death is simply a part of the natural cycle. He is content to die, and he hopes that his death will help to bring peace to Ireland.

The poem is a reflection on the futility of war, and it is a reminder that death is a part of life. It is a beautiful and moving poem that speaks to the human condition.

Q.2. Discuss the life and works of W.B. Yeats.

Answer– William Butler Yeats, born in Dublin in 1865, was an Irish poet and playwright. He grew up in a creative family, with his father being a painter and his mother having a deep love for the countryside. As a child, Yeats faced ridicule from his peers and struggled with self-consciousness. However, his time spent in the magical Irish countryside with his grandparents sparked his interest in poetry.

Yeats was greatly influenced by Irish folklore, fairy tales, and the supernatural, which he incorporated into his writing. He criticized Christianity and explored various literary works that left a lasting impression on him. Throughout his life, Yeats associated with influential figures such as Maud Gonne, who inspired many of his poems.

In addition to poetry, Yeats was involved in the Irish National Theatre and the Abbey Theatre. He married Georgie Hyde Lees, who introduced him to automatic writing, a practice that influenced his work.

Yeats received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923 and continued to write until his death in 1939. His poems reflect his evolving style and explore themes of love, nationalism, and disillusionment. Some of Yeats’s most famous poems include “The Second Coming,” “Sailing to Byzantium,” and “When You Are Old.” His plays include “The Shadowy Waters,” “The Plough and the Stars,” and “The Countess Cathleen.” Yeats’ legacy as one of Ireland’s greatest poets lives on, with his works continuing to inspire readers around the world.

Q.3. Discuss the style and language employed by the poet in this poem i.e. “An Irish Airman Foresees His Death”.

Answer– In “An Irish Airman Foresees His Death,” the poet W.B. Yeats uses a style and language that are straightforward and easy to understand. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with eight lines. The rhyme scheme follows a pattern of ABAB.

Yeats’ language is simple and clear, without complicated words or phrases. He uses short and direct sentences to express complex ideas. The tone of the poem is reflective and contemplative, as the speaker ponders his impending death.

The poet employs vivid imagery to create strong mental pictures. For instance, he describes the airman flying among the clouds, which gives a sense of freedom and detachment. He also contrasts the airman’s enthusiasm for the present with his indifference toward the future.

The language in the poem conveys a sense of acceptance and resignation. The airman acknowledges that his actions are driven by personal reasons rather than strong emotions. He doesn’t harbor hatred for his enemies or love for those he protects, revealing his detachment from the ideological aspects of war.

Overall, Yeats’ style and language in this poem are simple yet powerful, using clear words, vivid imagery, and a contemplative tone to express the airman’s emotions and reflections on life and death.