On the Power of the Death Instinct in "An Irish Airman Foresees His Death" Anonymous College

The Irish airman in William Yeats’ “An Irish airman Foresees His Death" is preoccupied with his death. He visualizes the circumstances in which his death will transpire with a high-level certainty. Being an airman, the man has witnessed numerous deaths. Therefore, death is not an alien concept. His death is so assured that he is prepared for it and longs for it. The Irish airman’s visions of his death are an affirmation of the reality of a potent death instinct. The Irish airman in William Yeats’ “An Irish airman Foresees His Death" is preoccupied with his death. He visualizes the circumstances in which his death will transpire with a high-level certainty. Being an airman, the man has witnessed numerous deaths. Therefore, death is not an alien concept. His death is so assured that he is prepared for it and longs for it. The Irish airman’s visions of his death are an affirmation of the reality of a potent death instinct.

Considering that his work entails being in the air, he anticipates that his death will ensue in the clouds. The anticipation does not encourage him to look for ways of sustaining his life. He states, “I know that I shall meet my fate/ Somewhere among the clouds above” (Yeats, lines 1-2). The Irish airman...