This translated article is written by Edward Said (1935-2003). This article is included in the book, Nationalism, Colonization and Literature, compiled by Seamus Deane (1940-2021) who also wrote a detailed introduction. This article is about W. B. Yeats’ (1865-1939) role in the revolution against colonization who was a distinguished Irish poet. Edward Said has explored Yeats’ poetry and his political role as a nationalist in the struggle against colonization, rather than a decolonizing liberationist. Said has analyzed Yeats’ poetry in the context of Franz Fanon’s (1925-1961) theory of ideology. Said also drew a comparison of Yeats’ poetry with some of his contemporaries and other poets from different parts of the world who had been involved in resistance against colonization.
He has also given a comparative analysis of the poetry of Yeats and Neruda (1904-1973). Besides the translated text of Said’s article, scores of explanatory notes and brief commentary have been added by the translator as well.