- 1. William Butler Yeats, the renowned Irish poet and playwright, is celebrated not only for his profound literary contributions but also for his intriguing autobiographical writings that offer a glimpse into his artistic development and personal philosophies. His autobiographies, primarily encapsulated in 'The Trembling of the Veil' and 'The Autobiography of William Butler Yeats', reveal the complexities of his life, from his formative years in late 19th-century Ireland to his maturation as a leading figure in the Irish Literary Revival. Yeats's narrative is rich with reflections on his relationships with other literary figures, his burgeoning interest in mysticism and the occult, and his deep connection to Irish mythology and folklore. Through a blend of personal anecdote and philosophical insight, Yeats explores the themes of inspiration, the creative process, and the interplay between the personal and the universal, ultimately painting a vivid portrait of a man who was profoundly influenced by the cultural and political currents of his time. His autobiographies not only serve as a record of his life but also as an exploration of the nature of art itself, making them essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of personal experience and literary expression.
What is the title of W.B. Yeats's autobiography?
A) The Trembling of the Veil B) Memoirs C) Autobiographies D) Reveries Over Childhood and Youth
- 2. Which of the following is a major section within Yeats's 'Autobiographies'?
A) A Vision B) The Celtic Twilight C) Easter 1916 D) The Trembling of the Veil
- 3. Yeats's autobiography details his involvement with which occult society?
A) The Theosophical Society B) The Freemasons C) The Rosicrucians D) The Golden Dawn
- 4. Which Irish political revolutionary and love interest is a central figure in Yeats's 'Autobiographies'?
A) Constance Markievicz B) Maud Gonne C) Lady Gregory D) Olivia Shakespeare
- 5. Yeats's autobiography begins with recollections of his time living in which London suburb?
A) Hampstead B) Bedford Park C) Greenwich D) Chelsea
- 6. In his autobiography, Yeats describes his family's strong connection to which Irish county?
A) Galway B) Cork C) Dublin D) Sligo
- 7. Which artistic father figure had a profound influence on the young Yeats, as described in his autobiography?
A) John Ruskin B) Dante Gabriel Rossetti C) Augustus John D) John Butler Yeats (his father)
- 8. What was the original publication date for the collection 'Autobiographies'?
A) 1905 B) 1926 C) 1938 D) 1914
- 9. Which literary figure did Yeats have a famous disagreement with, as recounted in his autobiography?
A) Samuel Beckett B) George Moore C) Seamus Heaney D) James Joyce
- 10. Yeats's autobiography provides a portrait of which controversial Irish political leader?
A) Charles Stewart Parnell B) Eamon de Valera C) Daniel O'Connell D) Michael Collins
- 11. Which play's controversial reception and riots are detailed in Yeats's autobiography?
A) The Playboy of the Western World B) Cathleen ni Houlihan C) The Countess Cathleen D) The King's Threshold
- 12. Which Irish country house, a center of the literary revival, features prominently in Yeats's autobiography?
A) Castle Leslie B) Ballylee Castle C) Coole Park D) Lissadell House
- 13. What major public role did Yeats take on late in life, which is touched upon in his later autobiographical writings?
A) Senator of the Irish Free State B) Professor of Poetry at Oxford C) Director of the Abbey Theatre D) Mayor of Dublin
- 14. In his autobiography, Yeats describes the creation of his mystical system which was later fully published as what?
A) The Secret Rose B) A Vision C) The Celtic Twilight D) Per Amica Silentia Lunae
- 15. What was the original title of the first part of his autobiographical writings?
A) Boyhood Days B) Reveries Over Childhood and Youth C) The Bounty of Sweden D) Early Memories
- 16. Which theatrical co-founder and close collaborator is a significant figure in 'Autobiographies'?
A) Samuel Beckett B) Oscar Wilde C) George Bernard Shaw D) Lady Gregory
- 17. Yeats's father, John Butler Yeats, is portrayed as:
A) A strict disciplinarian B) Largely absent from his life C) A successful businessman D) A talented artist and intellectual influence
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