A Neoplatonic Reading of W. B. Yeats’s “Sailing to Byzantium” and “A Dialogue of Self and Soul”

• 영문명: A Neoplatonic Reading of W. B. Yeats’s “Sailing to Byzantium” and “A Dialogue of Self and Soul”
• 발행기관: 한국영미어문학회
• 저자명: 신원경(Wonkyung Shin)
• 간행물 정보: 『영미어문학』제152호, 223~239쪽, 전체 17쪽
• 주제분류: 어문학 > 영어와문학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2024.03.30

영문 초록

This paper explores W. B. Yeats's poems “Sailing to Byzantium” and “A Dialogue of Self and Soul” through the lens of Neoplatonism, aiming to uncover their philosophical depths. While scholars have examined the mystical elements in Yeats's works, a specific focus on Neoplatonic analysis is lacking. Employing Neoplatonic analysis, this study aims to reveal profound layers of meaning within both poems, emphasizing themes of soul’s ascent, the nature of reality, and the soul's relationship with the material world. The two poems share a common theme rooted in Neoplatonic belief, asserting the existence of a sublime and perfect world beyond the limitations of time and material. However, the goals pursued by the speakers present a contradiction. In “Sailing to Byzantium,” the old man seeks a timeless, sublime realm akin to “the One,” while “A Dialogue of Self and Soul” depicts the Self joyfully embracing life amidst infinite, cyclical suffering, reflecting a resolute engagement with the existence.

키워드

윌리엄 버틀러 예이츠 「비잔티움으로의 항해」 「자아와 영혼의 대화」 신플라톤주의 'the One' 영혼의 상승 W. B. Yeats “Sailing to Byzantium ” “A Dialogue of Self and Soul ” Neo-Platonism ‘the One ’ soul's ascent