Facts about William Butler Yeats

Learn some interesting facts 

about William Butler Yeats.  

 

This week’s famous poet is William Butler Yeats. Last week’s famous poet was Pablo Neruda. 

William Butler Yeats was a renowned Irish poet and playwright, widely regarded for his significant contributions to the literary world. Born on June 13, 1865, in County Dublin, Ireland, he was the first child of John Butler Yeats, a well-known artist, and Susan Pollexfen, a talented fabric designer from a prosperous family. Yeats grew up in an artistic environment, which greatly influenced his literary pursuits. Throughout his prolific career, he composed over twenty-five collections of poetry, each reflecting the evolution of his style and themes, ranging from mysticism and folklore to love and political sentiment. 

Yeats was the eldest of four siblings, having one brother, William, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Susan, who also played a role in shaping his life and works. He began writing poetry as a child, displaying an early gift for language and expression. His dedication to honing his craft would later earn him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923, marking him as one of the foremost figures in modern literature.

 Here is a list of some poems by William Butler Yeats: 

• A Faery Song
• Memory
• Meeting
• Friends
• The Magi
• A Cradle Song
• Peace
• Where My Books Go
• Words
• Under Saturn

Hey parents and caregivers! Before diving into a delightful poem with your little ones, ensure it’s both fun and suitable for their age. Happy reading!

 

Interesting facts about William Butler Yeats: 

1. William Butler Yeats, a celebrated figure in Irish literature, was born in County Dublin, Ireland, on June 13, 1865. He emerged from a family wealthy in artistic influence; his father was a painter, and his mother was a teacher, which provided him with early exposure to the arts. Yeats's childhood in Dublin, combined with his later experiences in the countryside of Sligo, profoundly shaped his poetic voice and thematic concerns. Over his lifetime, he became known for exploring themes of love, mysticism, and Irish identity, ultimately earning a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923 for his exceptional body of work. His legacy continues to resonate in modern literature and poetry.

He died on January 23, 1939, in Roquebrune, France, at the age of seventy-three.

2. William Butler Yeats was a renowned Irish poet and dramatist, celebrated for his significant contributions to literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Throughout his prolific career, Yeats published over twenty-five books of poetry, which reflect a profound exploration of themes such as love, mysticism, and Irish nationalism. His work is characterized by rich imagery and complex symbolism, often drawing on folklore and mythology. Yeats was not only instrumental in the revival of Irish literature but also played a vital role in the founding of the Abbey Theatre, which became a significant venue for Irish drama.

3. The following is one of William Butler Yeats’s poems:

Words

I had this thought a while ago,

'My darling cannot understand

What I have done, or what would do

In this blind bitter land.'

 

And I grew weary of the sun

Until my thoughts cleared up again,

Remembering that the best I have done

Was done to make it plain;

 

That every year I have cried, 'At length

My darling understands it all,

Because I have come into my strength,

And words obey my call';

 

That had she done so who can say

What would have shaken from the sieve?

I might have thrown poor words away

And been content to live.

(You can print out a worksheet on this poem. You will fill in the missing words in the poem.) 

4. William Butler Yeats, the renowned Irish poet and playwright, commenced his journey into the world of poetry at the young age of fourteen. His early passion for writing led him to experiment with various forms and themes, showcasing a talent that would eventually shape the landscape of modern literature. In 1885, his first collection of poems was published in the esteemed Dublin University Review. This marked a significant milestone in his career, laying the foundation for a prolific writing life that would earn him recognition as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.

5. In 1881, Yeats started attending Erasmus Smith High School. In 1877, Yeats began his education at Godolphin School and completed his studies four years later. Despite facing challenges such as being tone-deaf and having dyslexia, he persevered and worked hard to earn his graduation.

6. William Butler Yeats' three siblings:

• Susan Mary Yeats (Lily) (1866-1949)
• Elizabeth Corbet Yeats (Lolly) (1868-1940)
• Jack Butler Yeats (1871-1957)

7. In 1917, the renowned poet William Butler Yeats tied the knot with Georgie Hyde-Lees, and the couple was blessed with two children.

Children:

• Anne Butler Yeats (1919-2001)
• Michael Butler Yeats (1921-2007)

8. William Butler Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional literary talent. This prestigious honor significantly boosted the sales of his poetry books, introducing his work to a broader audience and solidifying his reputation as a celebrated poet.

9. In the year 1899, the acclaimed poet William Butler Yeats, together with a group of his dedicated colleagues, founded the Irish Literary Theatre. This endeavor represented a pivotal moment in the evolution of Irish literary culture, as it aimed to showcase and promote original Irish plays and works, reflecting the nation's unique identity and experiences. The establishment of the theatre not only provided a platform for emerging Irish playwrights and actors but also helped to foster a sense of national pride and cultural revival during a time of political and social change in Ireland. Yeats and his associates envisioned the theatre as a means to elevate Irish drama to the same heights as that of other European nations, ultimately contributing significantly to the wider Renaissance of Irish literature that would follow in the 20th century.

Get your printable William Butler Yeats worksheet here: 

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Books about William Butler Yeats: 

1. Eleven Plays of William Butler Yeats by William Butler Yeats
2. Poems Collection I William Butler Yeats by William Butler Yeats

Parents and caregivers, ensure the books you read to your child or children are suitable for them. 

Tune in next week to learn some quick facts about Ezra Pound!

 

Hey there! Don't forget, you can get your hands on the Famous Poets Workbook over on Amazon. Just click on the book to uncover all the exciting details. Happy reading!

“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met...”—William Butler Yeats