Easter 1916 Poem Analysis

Through his poetic treatment of controversial ideologies such as the futility of life and an independent Ireland, William Butler Yeats created political and personally influential poetry. This is evident in “Easter 1916” where he highlights his political concerns relating to Irelands independence through rebellion which juxtaposes with his personal belief of the value of life and futility of war. Similarly, “The Second Coming” emphasises his personal concerns of what he saw was the forthcoming end of the world along with his political concerns relating to societal anarchy with World War 1, the Irish Uprising and the Bolshevik Revolution all occurring. Lastly, “An Irish Airman Foresees his Death” highlights his personal concerns of the value of life and patriotism in society and his political concerns of the justification of war. Consequently, his …show more content…
“Easter 1916” was written in the aftermath of the failed Easter Uprising where Irish Rebels attempted to seize control over Irelands from the British. Yeat’s moral dilemma of whether patriotism justifies the loss of life is highlighted by the iambic triameter, the steady beat of which highlights the unrelenting movement of independence. However, the repetition of “polite meaningless words” throughout the poem emphasises the superficiality of relationships which strengthens his political concern of the superficial relationship between the public, the rebels and politicians. Nevertheless, the quote “all changes a terrible beauty is born” paradoxical assessment of Ireland nevertheless becoming an independent nation emphasises his political standing even with his ambiguous nature within the poem. Therefore, this links to how Yeat’s uses juxtaposing personal and political concerns over war and Ireland’s independence within the