Ideas of Good and Evil

Name: Ideas of Good and Evil
Author: W. B. Yeats

By W. B. Yeats

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Essays, Letters & Speeches Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

A sequence of essays that investigates poetry, imagination and symbolism, considering how myth, folk tradition and visionary experience inform artistic creation. The writer moves between discussions of popular verse, individual poets and the philosophy of poetry, and extends criticism to painting, theatre and symbolic imagery. Recurring concerns include the Celtic element, the relationship between bodily feeling and spiritual moods, and the influence of enchantment, memory and the unconscious on creativity. Throughout the pieces the argument emphasizes art’s power to shape personal sensibility and collective emotion.

About the Author

W. B. Yeats

William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish poet, dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. A key figure in the Irish Literary Revival, Yeats's work often reflects his deep interest in mysticism, folklore, and the complexities of the human experience. His poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty and philosophical depth, exploring themes of love, politics, and the passage of time. Notable works include "The Tower" and "The Second Coming," which showcase his innovative use of imagery and symbolism. Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923, cementing his legacy as a pivotal voice in modern poetry.