Easter, 1916

“The Second Coming” by William Butler Yeats (1920)

Published several years after “Easter, 1916,” Yeats’ apocalyptic poem is an allegory of post-war Europe, examining modern issues of humanity and violence. Like “Easter, 1916,” Yeats uses Judeo-Christian allusions to illuminate the poem's concerns. The poem would ultimately become one of Yeats’ most famous and most anthologized works.

“The Waste Land” by T. S. Eliot (1922)

An integral work of Modernist poetry, “The Waste Land" explores themes of modern alienation and despair. Rich with allusions, multiple languages, and a barrage of Eliot’s own footnotes on the text, the poem is notoriously dense and difficult but rewards patient reading.

“The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by William Butler Yeats (1890)

One of Yeats’ earlier, more Romantic poems, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” exemplifies Yeats’ lifelong interest in promoting Irish and Celtic themes and concerns.

Yale Modernism Lab

Yale’s Modernism Lab includes several different resources on Modernist authors and works, including Yeats. The website is categorized by author and year and offers several different essays on specific poems, including “Easter, 1916.”

‘Poem Guide: William Butler Yeats: “Easter, 1916”’ by Ange Mlinko, 2014