The Cutting of an Agate

"The Cutting of an Agate" by William Butler Yeats is a compilation of essays from the early 1900s that explores Irish culture through literature and theatre. The essays look at how Irish myths and folk stories shape art. Yeats writes about heroes such as Cuchulain and the Fianna, showing how Irish stories have emotional depth and a unique style. The book starts with Yeats thinking about how important Irish storytelling is to the culture and comparing it to other traditions; he focuses on the strong emotions and community spirit in Irish tales. Yeats uses his knowledge of Irish theatre to share his ideas about a new kind of art based on Irish folklore and to criticize modern books that lack deep feeling. The essays look at how art can show a country's history and identity.