In the face of the challenges presented by the modern world, many poets and writers undertook major experimentation to push the limits of what could be expressed in writing. William Butler Yeats, writing in the very heart of the modern period, resisted this tendency and instead looked to the past for iconic work. He drew from the long tradition of poetic symbols, images, and diction. His work remains beautiful, powerful, and strangely pertinent even despite his unusual
interests and propensities. In this course we will review his major works and relate them to his biography, culminating with his
purchase of, and living in, the tower.

Robert Barsky, Professor, Department of
English, Department of French & Italian,
Vanderbilt University


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