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William Butler Yeats "Yeats can be a challenging poet to read, both in terms of style and subject matter." To what extent do you agree with this statement? Support your answer with suitable reference to the poetry on your course. - Leaving Cert English - Question 2 - 2011
Question 2
William Butler Yeats "Yeats can be a challenging poet to read, both in terms of style and subject matter." To what extent do you agree with this statement? Support... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:William Butler Yeats "Yeats can be a challenging poet to read, both in terms of style and subject matter." To what extent do you agree with this statement? Support your answer with suitable reference to the poetry on your course. - Leaving Cert English - Question 2 - 2011
Step 1
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Discuss Yeats' challenging style.
Answer
William Butler Yeats' style can indeed be challenging for readers. His poetry often employs complex allusions and imagery that require a deep understanding of both his philosophical intentions and the historical context in which he wrote. For instance, poems like "The Second Coming" use dense symbolism, making the themes of chaos and rebirth difficult to unpack. Furthermore, his use of unconventional structures and varied meter can be off-putting to those expecting more traditional forms of poetry. Thus, while engaging and rewarding, Yeats' style presents a challenge that can deter some readers.
Step 2
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Discuss Yeats' challenging subject matter.
Answer
Yeats' subject matter encompasses a wide range of complex themes including love, mortality, nature, and Irish nationalism. In works such as "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," Yeats explores themes of escapism and the profound connection to nature, which may resonate deeply yet provoke contemplative thought. Also, his philosophical inquiry into topics such as transience and the human condition in poems like "Sailing to Byzantium" showcases a level of abstraction that can be intimidating. This duality of beauty and struggle in his subjects adds to the challenges of fully grasping his poetry, demanding an investment of interpretive effort from the reader.