Most popular poems of W.B. Yeats
With such a vast set of works, what are the most popular W.B. Yeats poems
William Butler Yeats was one of the most famous Irish poets. Born in 1865 in Dublin, Ireland, his influences included both Irish folklore and some European literature. And up until his death in 1939, had penned some great poems. We have compiled a list of 5 that still stand out with admirers of poetry in 2025.
The Second Coming
An imagery-laden and prophetic poem about chaos and change in the early 20th century. Some consider this poem to one of his most famous works
Sailing to Byzantium
A personal favourite, having studied it at school in the 90s. After coming across it earlier this year there was still remnants of it in my long term memory, as we had all studied works committed to memory back then. Yeats was supposedly fascinated with immortality, art and rising above the ageing and our physical decay. The poem seems to portray ageing as this beautiful, hurling damsel. A classic poem.
Easter, 1916
This era in Ireland no doubt produced a lot of art. Emotions and events of the time were the perfect fuel for the Irish and the arts, whether written, painted or song. This poem was obviously a representation of Yeats personal interpretation and feelings about the Easter Rising. Especially noteworthy is the unlikely heros that were transformed due to the upheaval and events of the time, as they participated in the rebellion to save their country, nationality and identity from the invading British
Among School Children
A great poem that examines the nature of existence and Yeats own questions on it. Through the eyes of children he poses questions about existence, love and ones identity
Leda and the Swan
A poem that seemingly foreshadowed the Trojan war, its themes included power, violence and the bith of civilization. Its dramatic intensity is seen in the myth of Ledas rape by Zeus, in the form of a swan
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