Yeats: Easter 1916 Poem Analysis

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Poetic structure: • Yeats uses iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter. He varies them perhaps to convey the insignificance of (political) conformity and the changes that had taken place / were developing in Ireland. • The rhyme scheme of the poem alternates rhyming lines in an ABAB form. Yeats varies this structure in order to emphasize specific elements of the poem’s content and significance. • Yeasts’ use of language lets him convey the significance of his message. Through a consistency in form, Yeats maintains a sense of unity; yet he allows variations in this structure (going from from iambic tetrameter to iambic trimester), he further emphasizes particular elements of the poem to convey Ireland’s coming of age through the search for change and identity. Historical Background: For more detail on key individuals who inspired Yeats’ verse, see the blog’s pages on ‘Yeats’ Women’ and ‘Yeats’ Men’. Constance Markievicz: A freedom fighter who dedicated her life to ending British government in Ireland. With the new Irish government, Markievicz held the position of Minister of Labour. Patrick Pearse: An accomplished Irish writer who was editor of the Gallic League’s paper. He also founded the St. Enda’s School in Dublin. Yeats refers to Pearse in “Easter 1916″ as the man who “had kept a school / and rode our winged horse” (24-25). The “winged horse” represents Pegasus, a figure from Greek mythology – the use of this image highlights Pearse’s learned state…he almost, in Yeats’ mind, rises to take his place among the great Greek philosophers (see ‘Among Schoolchildren’ for further Yeatsian reflection on the value of the great Greeks)` Thomas MacDonagh: He studied the Irish language and met Patrick Pearse through his involvement with the Gallic League. He joined the teaching staff at Pearse’s St. Edna’s School. In addition to his involvement in
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