Swift's EpitahSwift has sailed into his rest;Savage indignation thereCannot lacerate his breast.Imitate him if you dare,World-besotted traveller; heServed human liberty.  Swift = master of english pros, satirist, poet, writer Yeats admiration for this man dead - free from criticism now, rest after struggles of earthly existence "Imitate him if you dare" addresses us directly "world-besotted traveller" - challenges us, traveller reminds us we are not here forever  art and role of the artist - he had the courage to oppose greed and exploitation, duty to respond to public events and criticise society

An irish airman foresees his deathpoem inspired by Robery Gregory - world war 1 - killed knows he will die "I know i will meet my fate" - still volunteers  doesn't hate germans, doesn't love england "those that I fight I do not hate, those that I guard I do not love" "a lonely impulse of delight" drove him to volunteer bleak depressing view of life. rationally and logically weighted up pros and cons of living, "i balanced all brought all to mind" concludes life is meaningless and futile "the years to come seem waste of breath a waste of breath the years behind" theme - bleak view of life - almost like a suicide note or death wish didn't volunteer as - hates germans, loves british, would help his own people ( no likely end could bring them loss or leave them happier than before - unchangeable) duty, obligated, cheering crowds. yeats admires men of action

Politics poet cannot fix his attention on the politics of the time, europe sliding towards WW2, as attention fixed on beautiful girl  "how can i that girl standing their my attention fix on roman or on russian or on spanish politics?" Yeats in discussion with two wise well-informed men, politician and a well-travelled man who "knows what he talks about" - opinions respected and predictions about approaching war may be accurate but he can't concentrate "maybe what they say is true of war and wars alarms" Yeat can't concentrate on these serious matters, thoughts constantly drawn to beauty of young girl, wants "but would that i were young again, and help her in my arms!" tragedy of old age lament for a vanished past - no turning back the clock war and violence - dread - "wars alarms" role of poet - critiqued for focusing not enough on public affairs - answer this but suggesting poets arnt obliged to write about public matters of national importants. 

Swifts Epitah

An irish airman foresees his death

Politics