45 pages 1 hour read

William Butler Yeats

A Vision: An Explanation of Life Founded upon the Writings of Giraldus and upon Certain Doctrines Attributed to Kusta Ben Luka

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1925

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Essay Topics

1.

How does the author use “Caliph” in Book 1, Chapter 2 to discuss the broader themes of leadership, authority, and responsibility? Consider historical connotations associated with the term “Caliph” and juxtapose them with his representation in the book.

2.

Discuss how the “Four Faculties” structure provides a framework for understanding human behavior, choices, and identity in the book. How does this structure echo or differ from other philosophical or psychological theories on human nature?

3.

Analyze the symbolic significance of the moon’s phases in A Vision and explore how this allegory provides insights into Yeats’s perspective on human temperament and societal epochs. How do the moon’s phases relate to other cyclical representations throughout the text?