A Study Of Common Themes In Nietzsche And W. B. Yeats

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche is one of the most influential and controversial philosophers in the20th century. Paul Ricoeur claimed that Nietzsche is "one of the masters of the’school of suspicion’, alongside Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud"(1970:32). He had exerted great influence on philosophers, literature, art and culture in the20th century. William Butler Yeats is one of them. Yeats is one of the most important and outstanding writers in the20th century. He read extensively throughout his life and displayed great interest in Nietzschean philosophy. After he read Nietzsche’s works, his poetry and dramas grew more physical, realistic, and modern in their concision and imagery. What is more, William Everdell held that "Yeats tries to raise awareness of Nietzsche in Ireland"(1998:508). Although Nietzsche and Yeats were born in different countries, they share some common themes. They pose great challenges to rationalism, industrial civilization and Christianity, which cause the decline of life instinct and creative ability. In order to celebrate life and struggle against these traditional values, they turn to art for help because they argue that art can redeem life, endow life with meaning, and urge people to pursue eternal life. Furthermore, both of them want to establish an ideal society and wish the highest men to govern it.This thesis tries to conduct researches on common themes between Nietzsche and Yeats from the perspective of thematology. The main body of the thesis is outlined as follows. In Chapter Two, the author is going to point out that both Nietzsche and Yeats criticize some traditional culture, including rationalism, industrial civilization and Christianity. They claim that western people debase their bodies, and suffer from nihilism and alienation since they are poisoned by these traditional values. In this chapter, the author also explores their different ideas about Christianity, namely, Yeats bitterly challenges Christianity, but some of his works are full of Biblical allusions and materials, while Nietzsche is an atheist, he bitterly criticizes Christianity. Chapter Three mainly deals with another similar theme, that is, both of them celebrate art and life. They argue that art can rescue life and give life metaphysical consolation, thus people think that it is worthwhile to live, even they are willing to relive. Besides, they have great interest in the enhancement of the individual and cultural health. They also believe in eternal recurrence and the realistic world they live in. They have longing for creativity as well as power. Meanwhile, this chapter also explores their different views on art and the notion of eternal return. In Chapter Four, the author holds that Nietzsche and Yeats hope to set up an ideal aristocratic society. Nietzsche wishes his superman to govern the western world, while Yeats hopes such heroes as Cuchulain and Seanchan to govern Ireland. In addition, this chapter also analyzes the differences between Nietzschean superman and Yeatsian hero.With the rapid development of science and economy, today’s people are confronting with spirit crisis. They cannot understand the real meaning of their lives. Under such circumstance, it is worthwhile to do researches on common themes in Nietzsche and Yeats. Besides, these researches can help us better understand them and their works.