Despite his understanding of time as corrupting a 'childish day', and the own unfolding 'tragedy' of his own life, Yeats' search for some justification for his existence leads him to a consideration of the philosophies of the Ancients, 'Plato', 'Aristotle' and 'Pythagoras' and to the great human passions of worship and love – yet he dismisses both of these and places the philosophers as metaphoric scarecrows and the passions as the ironic 'mockers' of our enterprise and labour. ...

• Word Count: 892
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Graduate