The Collar-Bone of a Hare
The Collar-Bone of a Hare is a collection of poems by W.B. Yeats, published in 1921. The collection is divided into two parts, the first of which is a series of poems about the Irish War of Independence and the second of which is a series of poems about love and nature. The poems in the first part of the collection are largely concerned with the Irish War of Independence, and the struggle for Irish freedom. Yeats uses a variety of poetic forms to explore the themes of violence, patriotism, and the human cost of war. He also reflects on the political and social changes that were taking place in Ireland at the time. The poems in the second part of the collection are more personal in nature, and explore themes of love, nature, and mortality. Yeats uses a variety of poetic forms to explore these themes, including sonnets, odes, and lyrical ballads. He also reflects on his own life and experiences, and the changes that were taking place in the world around him. The Collar-Bone of a Hare is a powerful and moving collection of poems that explore the themes of war, love, and mortality. It is a testament to Yeats’s skill as a poet, and a reminder of the power of poetry to capture the human experience.
By W.B. Yeats · First published 1919 · Genre: Symbolism, Romanticism, Modernism · 118 words
First lines
Would I could cast a sail on the water Where many a king has gone And many a king's daughter, And alight at the comely trees and the lawn, The playing upon pipes and the dancing, And learn that the best thing is To change my loves while dancing And pay but a kiss for a kiss.
I would find by the edge of that water The collar-bone of a hare Worn thin by the lapping of water, And pierce it through with a gimlet and stare At the old bitter world where they marry in churches, And laugh over the untroubled water At all who marry in churches,
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The Collar-Bone of a Hare is listed on Textopian as a poem by W.B. Yeats, dated 1919 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: W.B. Yeats
- Date: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Symbolism, Romanticism, Modernism, Fantasy
- Length: 118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Symbolism first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Symbolism — The title of the book, 'The Collar-Bone of a Hare', is a symbol of transformation and rebirth, which is a common theme throughout the book.
- Romanticism — The book is written in a romantic style, with a focus on emotion and imagination, which is typical of the Romanticism genre.
- Modernism — The book is written in a modernist style, with a focus on fragmentation and experimentation, which is typical of the Modernism genre.
- Fantasy — The book contains elements of fantasy, such as mythical creatures and magical powers, which is typical of the Fantasy genre.
Tags
poetry · W.B. Yeats · Irish literature · modernism · symbolism · nature · mythology · spirituality · identity · existentialism · folk themes · love