4. William Butler Yeats—Dublin. Encouragement from Oscar Wilde. Stories and verse. Plays: Land of Heart's Desire; Diarmind and Grania; Cathleen in Houlihan. Influence of Blake, Shelley, and Maeterlinck.
5. Synge—Riders to the Sea. Well of the Saints. Playboy of the Western World.
Books to Consult—E. E. Hale, Jr.: Dramatists of To-day. G. K. Chesterton: Bernard Shaw. H. S. Krans; Wm. Butler Yeats and the Irish School. J. M. Synge: Works (4 vols. Dublin, 1910).
A supplementary paper may be written on the question, Has Shaw a positive message of any importance, or is he merely a negative critic? In addition there may be selections from his plays, showing his wit and clever satire. The amusing comedy, You Never Can Tell, may be read, the parts being taken by members of the club. Notice also the appearance in America of the Irish Players under the management of Lady Gregory.
IX—MAETERLINCK
1. Life—Early life in Ghent. Paris, 1887. Influence of Villiers de l'Isle Adam. First publishing and fame through Mirbeau's article in Figaro. Translation of Ruysbroeck and his influence on Maeterlinck. His marriage.
2. Essays—The Treasure of the Humble. The Life of the Bee. The Buried Temple. The Double Garden. Death.
3. Plays—The Blind. Pelléas and Mélisande. Aglavaine and Sélysette. Monna Vanna. Joyzelle. The Blue Bird. Analysis of these plays and readings from them.
4. His Place in Literature—What is the meaning of his mysticism and his symbolism? What is his position with regard to religion? Is his optimism philosophically justifiable? Compare Maeterlinck with Bernard Shaw as to difference in spirit and method.
Books to Consult—Edward Thomas: Maeterlinck. Arthur Symons: The Symbolist Movement. E. E. Hale, Jr.: Dramatists of To-day.