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A Bird's Eye View: Exploring the Bird Imagery in the Lyric Poetry of William Butler Yeats

Risner, Erin Elizabeth
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=odu1367243373

Abstract Details

2013, M.A. (Master of Arts in Liberal Studies), Ohio Dominican University, Liberal Studies.
This study examines the use of bird imagery in William Butler Yeats's lyric poetry. Yeats's career can be broken down into three periods: an early, Romantic style a middle, nationalist style; and a final, Modernist style. Each of these periods denote shift in subject matter for the Irish poet, but the ability to adapt the use of birds to fit his subject matter shows the Yeats's talent. As a young poet in 1890s, Yeats was influenced by the Romantic tradition and Irish countryside. In this early poetry, birds appear placed in the poem rather than as active participants in the action. By the 1900s, Yeats had been introduced to Maud Gonne and became more vocal in the fight for Irish independence. Consequently, his writing took a more physical and nationalist tone. Yeats used bird imagery to champion Irish identity and history. After marrying in 1917, Yeats's poetry entered into Modernism and showcased Yeats s now controlled style of writing. In this poetry, birds take nontraditional forms and are used as tools for lamentation of aging and impending death. The ability for Yeats to adjust the use of birds to fit any situation note his growth as a writer and dedication to his craft.
R. W. Carstens, Ph.D. (Other)
Martin Brick, Ph.D. (Other)
Ann C. Hall, Ph.D. (Other)
53 p.
American Literature
William Butler Yeats; Lyric Poetry

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Risner, E. E. (2013). A Bird's Eye View: Exploring the Bird Imagery in the Lyric Poetry of William Butler Yeats [Master's thesis, Ohio Dominican University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=odu1367243373

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Risner, Erin. A Bird's Eye View: Exploring the Bird Imagery in the Lyric Poetry of William Butler Yeats. 2013. Ohio Dominican University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=odu1367243373.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Risner, Erin. "A Bird's Eye View: Exploring the Bird Imagery in the Lyric Poetry of William Butler Yeats." Master's thesis, Ohio Dominican University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=odu1367243373

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

odu1367243373
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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio Dominican University and OhioLINK.