An Analysis of Aesthetic Modernity in Yeats’ Poems

Abstract

When modern society marches toward post-modern society, people are still experiencing the same alienation and spiritual impoverishment as in Yeats’ times. It’s known that both modernity and aesthetic tradition are embodied in Yeats’ poems. Previous studies, however, have tried to interpret each individually, usually combining theories convenient to their purposes, but seldom intend to include both when studying Yeats’ poetry. Through an intensive reading of Yeats’ poems, this thesis tries to analyze how Yeats exhibits his aesthetic modernity in the tension between his nationalism and aesthetic pursuits. With the help of pertaining theories on aesthetic modernity, it can be found that in Yeats’ reflection and criticism of modern society, his efforts to establish the aesthetic space with the help of traditional Irish images, and his persistent pursuits for a spiritual homeland in eternal art, his aesthetic modernity is manifested and his concept of spiritual salvation for a nation is clarified. The analysis of Yeats’ poems from the perspective of aesthetic modernity is therefore significant not only to the reinterpretation of Yeats’ poetry but also to individuals or even nations who are still stuck in spiritual crisis.