Literary composition was a fueling element in the Irish nationalist movement of the early 20th century. William Butler Yeats undoubtedly placed himself as a leader in the Irish literary revival. While Yeats's nationalism was not as drastic as that of some revolutionaries he knew, perhaps without enthusiasm, it often incorporates a strong commitment to Ireland and its people. To clarify the motivations for Irish independence, Yeats links the Irish cause to its innate values ​​of love and sacrifice, which encompass a larger property. In his play Cathleen Ni Houlihan, Yeats contrasts the worldly, materialistic life with the beauty and glory of martyrdom, particularly martyrdom for the cause of Irish independence. Yeats suggests that surrendering one's life to a greater cause requires independence and a firm belief in "Love's Old High Way (Adam's Curse)." Through his nationalist work, Yeats not only advocates Irish patriotism, but also patriotism that must be fueled by Romantic ideals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Yeats describes the motives behind Michael and Delia's marriage as materialistic and impure. In Michael's poor Irish family, Yeats shows a desperate need 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 appears 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 Michael in their union. The show begins with the gathering of Michael's extended family talking about Michael's aforementioned wedding. However, Michael's family's constant association of wealth with marriage makes this talk seem completely nonsensical. Michael's father, Peter, says, "Indeed, I would be lucky enough to earn a hundred pounds, or twenty pounds itself, with the wife I married (157)." Peter's wife, Bridget, then encourages this materialism by stating how she serves Peter as his wife. She does not suggest flattery or devoted love for Peter, but rather states that his most significant contribution to the marriage is his physical labor. He says, "If I didn't bring good luck, I calculated it in my bones... while digging potatoes, and never asked for great clothes or anything but work." The irony in Bridget's statement is that although she dismisses his immediate materialism by saying she "never asks for big clothes". His lack of recognition of love creates a sense of eternal materialism, as he sees his only purpose 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 her family demonstrates that materialism is still a value, as giving it up seems to be a kind of sacrifice. Peter then further reinforces this artificially dual nature of wealth and marriage when he says "It will be Patrick's turn to seek a fortune." Peter's reference to “wife” and “luck” suggests that in this era Irish society has lost itsemotional family concept. Michael's family's failure to affirm, or even recognize, the right qualities of marriage provides an unholy backdrop for Michael and Delia's union. Yeats begins the play with a strong sense of materialism. With materialism comes a worldly society even if it is poor and oppressed. Yeats places Michael at the center of this society. Given an opportunity for a greater purpose in life, Michael must choose whether to conform and fight like everyone else, or separate and fight for Ireland. This contrast leads the work to firmly support independence. With the introduction of the "old woman", the allegorical nature of the work becomes clear. The old woman represents Ireland because it is poor, weakened and mistreated. However, even in this state of impoverishment, the woman retains an unfailing charm that attracts those who are courageous and independent. She calls on the Irish to fight for her, for Ireland and for themselves. The allegorical theme of the story is that if the old and defeated Ireland is to gain its independence, it will need the unyielding support of its people. Set in 1798, immediately before a French-aided Irish uprising, Cathleen Ni Houlihan takes place at the center of England's enclosure movement, where the English nobility seized the land and resources of peasants across Britain. Thus, when the “Old Woman” says “My land is taken from me/My four beautiful green fields (160),” Yeats is not only accusing the English aristocracy of inflicting misery, he is also identifying the “Old Woman” Wandering Woman” as a symbol of Ireland. Its "four beautiful green fields" represent the four provinces of Ireland: Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Ulster. Through dialogue with the "Old Woman", Yeats identifies the Irish cause, while implementing very pro-Irish imagery to emphasize the play's nationalism. When asked “what made you wander,” the “Old Woman” replies, “Too many strangers in the house (160).” This openly demonstrates Irish nationalism, because Ireland, according to the “Old Woman” and Yeats, was indeed polluted by the English colonial presence. The “Old Woman” emphasizes how long the Irish have been fighting for independence: “I have traveled far, very far; there are few who have traveled as far as I have, and there are many who do not make me welcome (159).” The last part of that sentence demonstrates that Ireland has been abused by "many", from the Normans to the Vikings to the English, but also that many Irish have rejected this "Old Woman". Therefore, they rejected their duty to defend Ireland. Yet the “Old Woman” believes that the fight for Irish independence is still very much alive. He says: “Sometimes my feet are tired and my hands are calm, but there is no peace in my heart. When people see me calm, they think that old age has come upon me and that all agitation has gone away from me (160).” He doesn't think Ireland hasn't weakened with age. However, the “Old Woman” then points out that when Ireland faces times of difficulty and misfortune, it needs the support of its patrons, as well as those abroad, such as the French. “But when I'm in trouble I have to talk to my friends (160).” The "Old Woman" then states that the love of 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 have for their Ireland, as well as the repeated persecution of the Irish. The “Old Woman” then expresses what she needs, and therefore, needs, by saying: “It is not food or drink that I want… It is not silver that I want… If anyone will give me help he must give it to me himself." , he must give me everything (162).”,.”