Perspectives

To better understand William Butler Yeats’ style of writing, as well as several other poems that can be associated with “Easter 1916”, we recommend you put the poem into perspective.

The literary period

William Butler Yeats is seen as a key figure in the literature of the twentieth century and was considered a Modernist and a Symbolist. As the name of the movement indicates, Symbolism means using allusions, hints, and symbols throughout poems, which can add to their meaning. As you have seen, “Easter 1916” is filled with symbols and allusions. Part of “Easter 1916” is influenced by Romanticism, which is noticeable through the use of the ABAB rhyme scheme, which indicates a certain closeness to tradition.

Historical context

During his life, Yeats was an Irish nationalist. As the political situation between Ireland and England became tenser, with Ireland wanting its independence from Britain, Yeats detached himself from the events and acted as a simple bystander and observer during the events concerning the Easter Rising.

The poem “Easter 1916” was published only in 19...