A study on William Butler Yeats and his works through paratextuality: A sample of epitextual analysis

Playwright, Nobel laureate writer, William Butler Yeats is considered as the arch-poet in English Literature. He has received great attention from literature, art and especially by the critics. In this dissertation, it was intended to evaluate Yeats from a different perspective by using numerous newspapers which are important elements of media. Every item related with Yeats in the newspapers was analysed through Paratextual methodology which is not commonly studied in Turkey. In this respect, the theory is examined in detail in the first chapter notably from Gérard Genette's point of view and from other theorists. In the second chapter, 25 American newspapers which have digital editions were determined and every item related with Yeats between 1888-2013 was evaluated. Epitexts were categorised according to their types, kind of source and private and literary life of Yeats and his career is examined. They were classified in two groups as anthumous and posthumous based on Yeats' date of birth and death. Yeats and his works were analysed under the light of information from epitexts. In conclusion, his effects on social and political life and his contributions to works of art and literature, his features with which he is known most in the USA were revealed. Keywords: William Butler Yeats, Gérard Genette, Paratextuality, Paratext, Epitext.