Project Abstract

This project undertakes a comprehensive examination of the use of symbolism in the poetry of two of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century, T.S. Eliot and W.B. Yeats. The significance of this study lies in its ability to shed light on the nuanced and complex ways in which these two masters of modernist poetry employed symbolic language to convey their unique and often divergent perspectives on the human condition, the nature of reality, and the role of the artist in a rapidly changing world. Eliot and Yeats, while contemporaries and sharing a deep appreciation for the transformative power of poetry, are often seen as representing distinct and even opposing poetic sensibilities. Eliot's poetry is frequently characterized by its dense, allusive language, its fragmented and disjointed structures, and its grappling with the sense of spiritual and cultural crisis that permeated the post-World War I era. In contrast, Yeats' poetry is often lauded for its lyrical beauty, its engagement with Irish mythology and folklore, and its exploration of themes of Irish nationalism, the cyclical nature of history, and the relationship between the individual and the collective. Yet, despite these apparent differences, both Eliot and Yeats were deeply concerned with the use of symbolic language as a means of conveying the complexities of the human experience. This project aims to explore the ways in which these two poets employed symbolism to create multilayered and evocative works that resonate with readers across generations and cultural boundaries. Through a close reading and comparative analysis of selected poems from the oeuvres of Eliot and Yeats, this study will examine the various types of symbols used by each poet, the thematic and emotional resonances of these symbols, and the ways in which they contribute to the overall structure and meaning of the poems. Additionally, the project will consider the broader cultural and historical contexts within which these poets were working, as well as the ways in which their use of symbolism was shaped by and responded to these contexts. The findings of this project will contribute to the ongoing scholarly discourse surrounding the poetry of Eliot and Yeats, offering new insights into the creative and intellectual processes that informed their respective poetic visions. Furthermore, by highlighting the shared and divergent approaches to symbolism employed by these two titans of modernist poetry, this study will provide a deeper understanding of the rich and multifaceted tradition of symbolic expression that has been a defining feature of Western literary and artistic production. Ultimately, this project aims to engage readers and scholars alike in a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the power of symbolic language to illuminate the complexities of the human experience, and to demonstrate the enduring relevance and significance of the poetic legacies of T.S. Eliot and W.B. Yeats.

Project Overview