Abstract: William Butler Yeats is a famous Irish poet and a winner of Nobel Prize in literature. His writing style changes with the shift of time. In his early creation period, Yeats is keen on Nationalism and his poetry is full of hometown’s scenery and Irish folklore, which both show his desire of a peaceful world. According to the survey, the style in Yeats’ early poetry is romantic. The paper aims to analyze the Romantic features, the love for Maud Gonne and the greatness of Ireland in Yeats’ early poetry. 

Key words: Romanticism; early poetry; love

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Definition of Romanticism-2

1.2 Reviews of Romanticism-4

2. Fondness of Nature-7

2.1 Scenic Hometown-7

2.2 Fantastic Foreign Lands-9

2.3 Ideal Place in Yeats’ Heart-11

3. Concentration of Folklore-13

3.1 Importance of Folklore-13

3.2 Folklore in Yeats’ Poems-14

4. Subjectivity Inward Feeling-17

4.1 Unstoppable Love for Maud Gonne-17

4.2 Ever-Lasting Pursuit to the Great Ireland-19

5. Conclusion-22

References-23