Joey Saves The Day!: Facts about William Butler Yeats

Learn some quick facts about

William Butler Yeats.

This week’s famous poet is William Butler Yeats. Last week’s famous poet was Pablo Neruda.

William Butler Yeats was a renowned Irish poet and writer. He began writing poetry at a young age and produced over twenty-five collections of poems throughout his life. He was born in County Dublin, Ireland, to John Butler Yeats and Susan Pollexfen, and had three siblings: one brother and two sisters.

Here is a list of some poems by William Butler Yeats:

A Faery Song
Memory
Meeting
Friends
The Magi
A Cradle Song
Peace
Where My Books Go
Words
Under Saturn

Hey parents and caregivers! Before diving into a delightful poem with your little ones, ensure it’s both fun and suitable for their age. Happy reading!

Quick facts about William Butler Yeats:

1. William Butler Yeats, a renowned Irish poet and playwright, was born in County Dublin, Ireland, on June 13, 1865.

He died on January 23, 1939, in Roquebrune, France, at the age of seventy-three.

2. William Butler Yeats was a poet and dramatist (writer). He published over twenty-five books of poetry.

3. The following is one of William Butler Yeats’s poems:

Words

I had this thought a while ago,

'My darling cannot understand

What I have done, or what would do

In this blind bitter land.'

And I grew weary of the sun

Until my thoughts cleared up again,

Remembering that the best I have done

Was done to make it plain;

That every year I have cried, 'At length

My darling understands it all,

Because I have come into my strength,

And words obey my call';

That had she done so who can say

What would have shaken from the sieve?

I might have thrown poor words away

And been content to live.

(You can print out a worksheet on this poem. You will fill in the missing words in the poem.)

4. Did you know William Butler Yeats began writing poetry when he was fourteen? In 1885, his first poems were published in the Dublin University Review.

5. In 1881, Yeats started attending Erasmus Smith High School. In 1877, Yeats began his education at Godolphin School and completed his studies four years later. Despite facing challenges such as being tone-deaf and having dyslexia, he persevered and worked hard to earn his graduation.

6. William Butler Yeats' three siblings:

Susan Mary Yeats (Lily) (1866-1949)
Elizabeth Corbet Yeats (Lolly) (1868-1940)
Jack Butler Yeats (1871-1957)

7. In 1917, the renowned poet William Butler Yeats tied the knot with Georgie Hyde-Lees, and the couple was blessed with two children.

Children:

Anne Butler Yeats (1919-2001)
Michael Butler Yeats (1921-2007)

8. William Butler Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional literary talent. This prestigious honor significantly boosted the sales of his poetry books, introducing his work to a broader audience and solidifying his reputation as a celebrated poet.

9. In 1899, the renowned poet William Butler Yeats and his close associates established the Irish Literary Theatre, marking a significant milestone in the rich tapestry of Irish literary history.

Get your printable William Butler Yeats worksheet here:

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Books about William Butler Yeats:

Eleven Plays of William Butler Yeats by William Butler Yeats
Poems Collection I William Butler Yeats by William Butler Yeats

Parents and caregivers, be sure the books you read to your child or children are child-friendly.

Tune in next week to learn some quick facts about Ezra Pound!

Hey there! Don't forget, you can get your hands on the Famous Poets Workbook over on Amazon. Just click on the book to uncover all the exciting details. Happy reading!