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English IV William Butler Yeats. Journal. Recall a major transition in your own life, especially one that you dreaded or resisted. Write a few sentences describing this transition and the emotions which the transition triggered in you. . William Butler Yeats 1865 - 1939.
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Journal • Recall a major transition in your own life, especially one that you dreaded or resisted. Write a few sentences describing this transition and the emotions which the transition triggered in you.
William Butler Yeats1865 - 1939 • Born in Dublin, Ireland - son of a well known portrait painter. • Generally regarded as 20th century’s greatest poet in English language
William Butler Yeats1865 - 1939 • Arrived on literary scene during revival of Art Nouveau • Emphasized mysterious & unfathomable - especially in subconscious mind(just then being explored by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung)
William Butler Yeats1865 - 1939 • While he was in his 20s, Ireland’s dominance was transferring from English Protestantism to Irish Roman Catholicism. • Had a profound effect on his poetry, and his subsequent explorations of Irish identity had a significant influence on the creation of his country's biography.
William Butler Yeats1865 - 1939 • Yeats' early poetry drew heavily on Irish myth and folklore • Modernists read the well-known poem "The Second Coming" as a dirge for the decline of European civilization • His 1920 poem, "The Second Coming" contains some of literature's most potent images of the twentieth century.
Background • In Christianity, the Second Coming refers to the belief that Jesus will one day return to earth and usher in an era of peace and justice.
Background • Yeats’ “The Second Coming” alludes not only to the Christian conception of the universe - but to Yeats’ own view of human history being a cycle (gyre). • Each cycle begins in a rational state, and then gradually dissolves into chaos & irrationality.
Alludes (allusion) • Makes reference to something well known in literature, religion, politics, history, etc... Ex. - In “The Second Coming,” Yeats alludes to the prophecy of the return of Christ.
dirge • A funeral song commemorating the dead • Ex. - Modernists read the well-known poem "The Second Coming" as a dirge for the decline of European civilization
Assignment • Partner Read “The Second Coming” P. 946 • Answer P. 946 # 1 - 8 • Writing - P. 947 - Write 1 paragraph response • Write 2 things you learned, plus 1 that makes you wonder.