William Butler Yeats

William Butler Yeats Poems

William Butler Yeats was one of the most important poets of the 20th century. He passed away in January 1939 after a career in prose, drama, and poetry. His work was incredibly influential in Ireland as well as around the world. Read more about William Butler Yeats.

The Sad Shepherd

by William Butler Yeats

‘The Sad Shepherd’ by William Butler Yeats describes one man’s deepest sorrow and his quest to share his emotions with whomever or whatever he can find.

The Second Coming

by William Butler Yeats

Here is a summary and critical analysis of ‘The Second Coming’ by William Butler Yeats, looking line by line at what this poem is about and why.

To A Shade

by William Butler Yeats

‘To A Shade’ is a political poem that speaks on the treatment of Charles Parnell the leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party.  

To Ireland in the Coming Times

by William Butler Yeats

‘To Ireland in the Coming Times’ by William Butler Yeats is dedicated to the poet’s impact on Ireland’s political, social, and cultural landscape. It contains the poet’s beliefs about the nature of his verse.

When You Are Old

by William Butler Yeats

William Butler Yeats’ poem ‘When You Are Old’  is directly addressed to his lover, most probably Maud Gonne who was an Irish revolutionary.

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