The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 4 (of 8)
 The Hour-glass. Cathleen ni Houlihan. The Golden Helmet. The Irish Dramatic Movement

by W. B. (William Butler) Yeats

"The Collected Works in Verse and Prose of William Butler Yeats, Vol. 4 (of 8)" is a collection of plays and essays written in the early 20th century. This volume features notable works such as "The Hour-Glass," "Cathleen ni Houlihan," and "The Golden Helmet," reflecting on themes of morality, national identity, and the human experience through a blend of drama and the poetic form. Yeats captures the struggles of his characters, often rooted in Irish folklore and contemporary issues, inviting readers to explore the intricate landscape of early Irish theatre. The opening of the collection introduces "The Hour-Glass," a morality play that unfolds in a large room occupied by a Wise Man, who grapples with a profound lesson to be shared with his pupils. With the arrival of a Fool who seeks kindness and candor, the interplay between wisdom and folly is established. The Wise Man's quiet contemplation is abruptly challenged by the appearance of an angel, who delivers a harrowing message that he will die when the hourglass empties. Facing existential dread and the ultimate spiritual reckoning, the Wise Man desperately searches for belief among his students, revealing the tension between knowledge and faith in human understanding. This sets the stage for powerful explorations of belief, denial, and redemption that resonate throughout Yeats's work.