The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 2 (of 8) The King's Threshold. On Baile's Strand. Deirdre. Shadowy Waters

"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 2 (of 8)" is a collection of dramatic works and poetry written in the early 20th century. This volume includes plays such as "The King's Threshold," "On Baile's Strand," and "Deirdre," showcasing Yeats's exploration of themes related to Irish mythology, cultural identity, and the interplay between art and society. The collection serves as a testament to Yeats's significant contributions to literature, particularly in the realm of poetic drama. The opening of "The King's Threshold" introduces the character Seanchan, a proud and revered poet who faces the consequences of a royal decree that has stripped him of his rightful place at the king's table. The narrative unfolds as King Guaire seeks to persuade Seanchan to eat and abandon his self-imposed starvation, motivated by the repercussions of their conflict on both their reputations. Through dialogues among Seanchan, his pupils, and the king's officials, themes of artistic integrity, societal values, and the struggles of the creative spirit are woven into the fabric of the story, setting the stage for an examination of the tensions between power, art, and personal dignity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist and writer, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival, and along with Lady Gregory founded the Abbey Theatre, serving as its chief during its early years. He was awarded the 1923 Nobel Prize in Literature, and later served two terms as a Senator of the Irish Free State.