Wb Yeats meets Pablo Neruda

The Literary Lives of WB Yeats and Pablo Neruda: A Tale of Two Poets

William Butler Yeats and Pablo Neruda are two of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. While they came from different cultural backgrounds and wrote in different languages, their lives and works share some fascinating connections. But were they friends?

The Early Years: Yeats and Neruda's Rise to Fame

WB Yeats was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1865 and began writing poetry at a young age. He was a leading figure in the Irish Literary Revival and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923. Pablo Neruda, on the other hand, was born in Parral, Chile in 1904 and began writing poetry as a teenager. He became a prominent figure in Chilean literature and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971.

A Meeting of Minds: Yeats and Neruda's Encounter

While there is no definitive proof that Yeats and Neruda were close friends, they did meet on at least one occasion. In 1937, Neruda attended a literary conference in Madrid, where he met Yeats, who was also in attendance. The two poets reportedly had a cordial conversation, discussing literature and politics.

Shared Themes and Influences

Despite their different backgrounds and styles, Yeats and Neruda shared a number of themes and influences in their work. Both poets were deeply interested in mythology, folklore, and the supernatural, and often incorporated these elements into their poetry. They also shared a commitment to social justice and politics, with Yeats being a vocal advocate for Irish nationalism and Neruda being a prominent figure in the Chilean left.Yeats,it is claimed,said that if it wasnt for Pablo Neruda then he would have died a Fascist.

Legacy and Influence

Both Yeats and Neruda have had a profound influence on modern literature. Yeats's poetry is known for its mystical and symbolic language, while Neruda's poetry is celebrated for its passion and politics. Their work continues to be widely read and studied around the world, and their legacy as two of the greatest poets of the 20th century remains unchallenged.

Conclusion

While WB Yeats and Pablo Neruda may not have been close friends, their lives and works share a number of fascinating connections. From their shared interests in mythology and politics to their commitment to social justice, these two literary giants continue to inspire and influence writers and readers around the world.