The Lake Isle of Innisfree By William Butler

The Lake Isle of Innisfree By William Butler Yeats

Background To The Poem §Where is the Lake of Innisfree? There are many theories about this place. Was it an actual place? Was this place only a figure of Yeat’s imagination? Clues From The Poem § § A small island in the middle of the lake It is a natural haven The isle if surrounded by plants and wildlife The place is peaceful and quiet EXERCISES

Opinions of Literacy Critics § An imaginary place invented by Yeat’s in his mind § A place he thought about when he wanted to escape from his disappointments and harshness of life. EXERCISES

Stanza One § The poet says he loves Innisfree and enjoys pastoral life. He likes living alone, his liking for the rural life can be seen in his desire to build a small cabin made of clay and wattle. He will use wood to build his cabin and plant beans, keep a hive for bees and live alone. He likes to listen to the buzzing sound of bees and live in a grassy open space in a forest or glade. EXERCISES

Stanza Two § He finds that peace comes slowly and he enjoys the atmosphere which is free from pollution. The poet refers to the mist (veils of the morning) and stars (glimmer) and possibly the wild blue and purple flowers in the meadows (purple glow). He also talks about the linnet, a small brown singing bird. EXERCISES

Stanza Three § The poet reassures himself to return to Innisfree because he misses it. He hears the quiet sounds of the lake. He is nostalgic as he stands on the pavement near the road. The ‘heart’s core’ refers to the depth of the heart. EXERCISES

Theme § The poem deals with themes such as – Nature rejuvenates the mood and soul – The pastoral environment has a healing effect According to the poet, nature has the effect of revitalising and refreshing. He seems to imply that person should retreat to a rural area in order to recharge himself if he is tired and exhausted. EXERCISES

Exercises § Exercise 1 (MCQ): Meaning – Stanza 1 (View Notes) – Stanza 2 (View Notes) – Stanza 3 (View Notes) § Exercise 2 (Gap-Fill): Theme (View Notes)