This edition had all images removed.
Title: The Countess Cathleen
Note: Reading ease score: 89.9 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Credits: Produced by Marjorie Fulton, and David Widger
Summary: "The Countess Cathleen" by W. B. Yeats is a symbolic play written in the late 19th century, specifically in the context of the Irish literary revival. This work delves into themes of sacrifice, morality, and the struggle against materialism and despair in a famine-stricken Ireland. It tells the story of a noblewoman's desperate bid to save her impoverished people from starvation, ultimately involving the trade of her soul. The play centers around Countess Cathleen, who, witnessing the suffering of her people due to famine, decides to sell her own soul in exchange for money to feed them. Throughout the narrative, we encounter characters like Shemus Rua, her peasant husband, and Aleel, a poet, who both reflect the struggles of the Irish populace. However, Cathleen's noble intentions lead her into dealings with two demonic merchants who purchase souls for their master. In her act of selflessness, she attempts to redeem souls while sacrificing her own, highlighting the conflict between noble ideals and the harsh realities of human greed and temptation. The play's conclusion poignantly presents the idea that true virtue can transcend even the direst circumstances, leading to Cathleen’s ultimate sacrifice and redemption. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Author: Yeats, W. B. (William Butler), 1865-1939
EBook No.: 5167
Published: Feb 1, 2004
Downloads: 648
Language: English
Subject: Nobility -- Ireland -- Drama
Subject: Famines -- Ireland -- Drama
LoCC: Language and Literatures: English literature
Category: Text
Rights: Public domain in the USA.
This edition has images.
Title: The Countess Cathleen
Note: Reading ease score: 89.9 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Credits: Produced by Marjorie Fulton, and David Widger
Summary: "The Countess Cathleen" by W. B. Yeats is a symbolic play written in the late 19th century, specifically in the context of the Irish literary revival. This work delves into themes of sacrifice, morality, and the struggle against materialism and despair in a famine-stricken Ireland. It tells the story of a noblewoman's desperate bid to save her impoverished people from starvation, ultimately involving the trade of her soul. The play centers around Countess Cathleen, who, witnessing the suffering of her people due to famine, decides to sell her own soul in exchange for money to feed them. Throughout the narrative, we encounter characters like Shemus Rua, her peasant husband, and Aleel, a poet, who both reflect the struggles of the Irish populace. However, Cathleen's noble intentions lead her into dealings with two demonic merchants who purchase souls for their master. In her act of selflessness, she attempts to redeem souls while sacrificing her own, highlighting the conflict between noble ideals and the harsh realities of human greed and temptation. The play's conclusion poignantly presents the idea that true virtue can transcend even the direst circumstances, leading to Cathleen’s ultimate sacrifice and redemption. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Author: Yeats, W. B. (William Butler), 1865-1939
EBook No.: 5167
Published: Feb 1, 2004
Downloads: 648
Language: English
Subject: Nobility -- Ireland -- Drama
Subject: Famines -- Ireland -- Drama
LoCC: Language and Literatures: English literature
Category: Text
Rights: Public domain in the USA.