The King's Threshold; and On Baile's Strand

"The King's Threshold; and On Baile's Strand" by W. B. Yeats is a collection of two plays written during the early 20th century. Both works explore themes rooted in Irish culture and mythology, centered around the poetic tradition and the tensions between art and authority. The plays reflect Yeats's desire to establish a distinctive Irish theatre that draws upon the richness of folklore and history. In "The King's Threshold," the story revolves around the conflict between the king and Seanchan, a revered poet who refuses to eat after being cast down from the king's table. The play delves into the essence of artistic pride and respect, illustrating how the absence of proper recognition for the arts leads to societal turmoil. In "On Baile's Strand," the tension intensifies with the arrival of a young warrior who is revealed to be Cuchullain's son, sent by the goddess Aoife to kill his father. Ultimately, it explores themes of fate, identity, and the tragic consequences of revenge within the context of heroic legend. Together, these plays demonstrate Yeats's deft blending of poetic language with profound philosophical inquiry, making a powerful statement about the role of the artist in society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist and writer, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival, and along with Lady Gregory founded the Abbey Theatre, serving as its chief during its early years. He was awarded the 1923 Nobel Prize in Literature, and later served two terms as a Senator of the Irish Free State.