Tag: ireland

William Butler Yeats

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William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish poet, dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. Born in Sandymount, Dublin, he was influenced by the Irish nationalist movement, folklore, and mysticism, which profoundly shaped his work. Yeats’s early poetry was heavily influenced by Romanticism and the Symbolist movement. His first collection, “The Wanderings of Oisin” (1889), reflects his interest in Irish mythology and the supernatural. As his career progressed, his style evolved, incorporating more modernist elements, particularly in his later works such as “The Tower” (1928) and “The Winding Stair” (1933).

In addition to poetry, Yeats was involved in theatre, co-founding the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 1904, which became a crucial platform for Irish drama. His commitment to Irish identity and culture is evident in his works, and he played a significant role in the Irish Literary Revival. Yeats was also deeply interested in spiritualism and the occult, engaging with various esoteric philosophies that influenced his writing and worldview. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923, acknowledging his poetic accomplishments and contributions to literature.

His later years were marked by political involvement, particularly in Irish politics, and he served as a senator in the Irish Free State. Yeats’ poetry often reflects ageing, love, and the passage of time, culminating in some of his most famous pieces like “Sailing to Byzantium” and “The Second Coming.” Yeats’s legacy is a cornerstone of modern poetry, characterized by its lyrical beauty, rich imagery, and profound exploration of human experience. He passed away in 1939 and was buried in Drumcliff, County Sligo, Ireland, where his epitaph famously reads: “Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by!” 

James Joyce

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James Joyce (1882-1941) was an Irish novelist, short story writer, and poet who is considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his groundbreaking work, Ulysses, published in 1922. This modernist novel follows the wanderings of Leopold Bloom through Dublin over the course of a single day. Joyce’s writing is known for its complex narrative structures, experimental use of language, and exploration of themes such as consciousness, identity, and the human condition. His earlier work, “Dubliners” (1914), is a collection of short stories that vividly portray the lives of ordinary Dubliners.

Another major work by Joyce is “Finnegans Wake” (1939), a highly experimental and dense novel known for its complex wordplay and multilingual puns. Joyce’s writing style has had a significant impact on modern literature and has inspired many other writers. Joyce’s work is often seen as challenging and can require readers’ effort, but it is also highly rewarding for those who engage with it. His influence on the development of modernist literature cannot be overstated, and he continues to be studied and celebrated for his innovative approach to storytelling. 

Oscar Wilde

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Oscar Wilde, born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, was a prominent playwright, poet, and author in the late 19th century. Known for his wit, flamboyant style, and sharp satire, Wilde became one of the most successful playwrights of his time. His notable works include “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” his only novel, as well as plays such as “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” “A Woman of No Importance,” “An Ideal Husband,” and his most famous play, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

Despite his literary success, Wilde is remembered for his tumultuous personal life. He was known for his flamboyant dress and extravagant lifestyle, as well as his involvement in a scandal that led to his imprisonment. In 1895, Wilde was put on trial for “gross indecency” due to his homosexual relationships, which were illegal at the time in England. He was found guilty and sentenced to two years of hard labour. After his release from prison, Wilde lived in exile in France, where he wrote less and struggled financially. Oscar Wilde died on November 30, 1900, aged 46, in Paris, France. Despite the challenges he faced in his later years, Wilde’s works continue to be celebrated for their wit, humour, and social commentary, and he remains an iconic figure in literature and LGBTQ+ history.

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