Literary composition was an element fueling the Irish nationalist movement of the early 20th century. William Butler Yeats undoubtedly placed himself as a leader of the Irish literary revival. Although Yeats's nationalism was not as radical as that of some revolutionaries he knew, perhaps half-heartedly, it often incorporated a strong commitment to Ireland and its people. To elucidate the motivations for Irish independence, Yeats connects the Irish cause to its innate values ​​of love and sacrifice, which encompass broader expediency. In his play Cathleen Ni Houlihan, Yeats contrasts mundane, materialistic life with the beauty and glory of martyrdom, especially martyrdom for the cause of Irish independence. Yeats suggests that to surrender one's life to a greater cause, one must be independent and firmly believe in the "old way of love (Adam's curse)." Through his nationalist play, Yeats argues not only for Irish patriotism, but also for this patriotism to be fueled by romantic ideals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Yeats describes the motives behind Michael and Delia's nuptials as materialistic and impure. In Michael's poor Irish family, Yeats shows a desperation for advancement in society. Since Yeats supports the Irish against the tyrannical British forces, he is clearly not against the concept of human improvement in society. However, it seems that Yeats believes that an individual's progress should not come from sacrificing pure motivations, such as love, for the sake of economic progress. Until Yeats introduces "The Old Woman" into the story, the conversation between Michael and his extended family focuses on their narcissistic fixation on Michael's wealth. Further compromising the sanctity of marriage, they discuss the wealth Delia will bring to Michael in their union. The play begins with Michael's extended family gathering and talking about Michael's aforementioned marriage. However, Michael's family's constant association between wealth and marriage makes this chatter seem completely absurd. Michael's father, Peter, says: "Indeed, I wish I had the chance to earn a hundred pounds, or twenty pounds himself, with the woman I married (157)." Peter's wife, Bridget, then encourages this materialism by explaining how she serves Peter as a wife. She does not suggest adulation or devoted love for Peter, but rather states that his most significant contribution to the marriage is his physical labor. She said: "If I had not brought fortune, I worked it into my bones...while I dug the potatoes, and never asked for great robes or anything but to work . » The irony of Bridget's statement is that although she rejects his immediate materialism by saying that she "never asks for big dresses". Her lack of recognition of love creates a feeling of eternal materialism, as she sees her only goal as work. Yeats suggests that Bridget's, and perhaps Ireland's, forced notion of frugality does not free them from any notion of materialism. Bridget's recognition that she had to sacrifice her materialism for the sake of the family demonstrates that materialism is still a value, because giving it up seems like a kind of sacrifice. Peter then further reinforces this artificial dual nature of wealth and marriage when he declares: "It will then be Patrick's turn toseek a fortune. » Peter, synonymous with "woman" and "fortune", suggests that in our time Irish society has lost the emotional concept of family. The inability of Michael's family to affirm, or even recognize, the righteous qualities of marriage creates an unholy backdrop to Michael and Delia's union. Yeats begins the play with a strong sense of materialism. With materialism comes an ordinary society even if it is poor and oppressed. Yeats places Michael at the heart of this society. Given the opportunity for a greater purpose in life, Michael must choose whether to conform and fight like everyone else, or break away and fight for Ireland. This contrast leads the play to make a strong case for independence. With the introduction of the "old woman", the allegorical nature of the play becomes clear. The old woman represents Ireland because she is poor, weakened and mistreated. However, even in this exhausted state, the woman still possesses an unerring allure that attracts those who are courageous and independent. The woman calls on the Irish to fight for her, for Ireland and for themselves. The allegorical theme of the story is that if old, battered Ireland is to gain independence, it will need the unwavering support of its people. Set in 1798, just before a French-aided Irish revolt, Cathleen Ni Houlihan takes place at the heart of England's enclosure movement, where the English nobility seized land and resources from peasants throughout Great Britain. -Brittany. Therefore, when the "Old Woman" says "My land has been taken from me/My four fair green fields (160)", Yeats is not only accusing the English aristocracy of inflicting misery, but he is also identifying the Wandering “Old Woman”. Woman' as a symbol of Ireland. Its “four beautiful green fields” represent the four provinces of Ireland: Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Ulster. Through the dialogue with the "Old Woman", Yeats identifies the Irish cause, while implementing very pro-Irish imagery in order to emphasize the nationalism of the play. When asked “what made you wander,” the “old woman” replies: “Too many strangers in the house (160). " This overtly demonstrates Irish nationalism, because Ireland, according to the "Old Woman", and Yeats, in reality, were polluted by the English colonial presence. The “Old Woman” highlights how long the Irish fought for their independence: “I have traveled far, far away; few have traveled as far as I have, and many do not welcome me (159). The last part of this sentence demonstrates that Ireland was mistreated by "many people", from the Normans to the Vikings to the English, but also that many Irish people rejected this "old woman". They therefore rejected their own duty to defend Ireland. However, the “Old Woman” believes that the fight for Irish independence is still relevant. She says: “Sometimes my feet are tired and my hands are calm, but there is no calm in my heart. When people see me calm, they think that old age has come upon me and that all emotion has left me (160). She doesn't think Ireland hasn't gotten soft with age. However, the "Old Woman" then points out that when Ireland faced times of difficulty and misfortune, it needed the support of its patrons, as well as those from abroad, such as the French. “But when trouble comes my way, I have to talk to my friends (160).” The “Old Woman” then states that love for Ireland is often debilitating for the lover, claiming that “many men have died for love of me.” This once again underlines the ardent pride that many,.”