William Butler Yeats used his poetry as a vehicle to bring about change. He was hoping that through brutal honesty and fair speculation, he could stir the hearts of the Irish people into seeking change and a better life. His poems "Easter 1916" and "The Second Coming" offer interesting perspectives in this regard. These poems are critical and constructive at the same time. While Yeats finds fault with the Irish for where they are, he also expresses hope that it is not too late for them to bring about change and makes their lives better. He encourages the Irish to be progressive and proactive because change begins within them. He also admonishes them for being complacent, which has actually lead them to the uncomfortable place they are now. He proves that it is dangerous to be docile and far better to be active. While his poem may appear to bleak to some, they are actually hopeful in that the poet does believe that the Irish can turns things around for themselves. .

             Yeats was not shy in his acknowledgment that the Irish are at least partially responsible for their predicament. We can see this point of view expressed in "Easter 1916," where the poet observes that the Irish population has "changed utterly"(Yeats, Easter 1916 14). The poet presents us with a myriad of heroes that served during the Easter Rebellion. These men are honored as the poet recognizes their sacrifices. These actions are significant to the meaning of the poem because they lead to the changes that occurred in Ireland. .

             "Easter 1916" begins with the poet reflecting on Ireland"s past, which has been worn-out and lethargic. This notion is closely related to the fact that the poet believed that the oppressed were responsible for their circumstances. The poet writes that he passes people on the street with "a nod of the head/Or polite meaningless words" (5-6), reinforcing the lethargy he feels is enveloping the country.