" I hate Yeats! A lot of his poems are not very good, but some are obviously okay. But how has he become this sort of emblem of literary Irishness when he was this horrible man? He was a huge fan of Mussolini. He was really into fascism. He believed deeply in the idea of a ‘noble class’ who are superior by birth to the plebs. "
- Sally Rooney

The quote expresses dissatisfaction with W.B. Yeats, a renowned Irish poet, by pointing out his inconsistency as both an acclaimed literary figure and someone who held controversial political beliefs. The speaker criticizes Yeats for his admiration of fascism and Mussolini, which raises questions about how he is celebrated in the context of Irish literature.

On a deeper level, this quote touches upon the complex relationship between art and politics, specifically questioning whether an artist's work should be separated from their personal beliefs or political stances. It highlights the challenge of reconciling admiration for Yeats’s literary contributions with disapproval of his ideologies that were antithetical to democratic values. This reflection prompts readers to ponder the extent to which a person's ideological views impact their cultural legacy and public perception.

Sally Rooney, an Irish novelist and playwright known for her contemporary fiction, penned this observation in response to Yeats. She is recognized for her insightful commentary on modern society through her characters' personal relationships and societal critiques, making her voice particularly relevant when discussing issues of literature and politics intertwined with national identity.