Which poem by Yeats reflects on the events surrounding the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland?

The poem that reflects on the events surrounding the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland is "Easter, 1916." In this work, W.B. Yeats grapples with the profound political and personal changes triggered by the Rising, which was a pivotal event in Irish history. The poem is both a tribute and an exploration of the sacrifices made by the leaders of the uprising, whom he portrays with respect and complexity.

Yeats uses the phrase "a terrible beauty is born" to encapsulate the mix of horror and beauty that arises from the struggle for Irish independence, signifying his conflicted feelings about the violence and the noble intentions behind it. The poem captures the sense of transformation within both the individuals involved and the broader Irish society, highlighting how the events of that fateful Easter changed the landscape of Ireland forever.

The other options do not specifically address the Easter Rising. "The Second Coming" deals with broader themes of chaos and rebirth in a post-World War I context, "Sailing to Byzantium" reflects on aging and artistic immortality, and "The Wild Swans at Coole" contemplates the passage of time and the fleeting nature of beauty. Therefore, "Easter, 1916" stands out as