Question

Which word best describes W.B. Yeats's attitude toward his imitators in this poem?

To a Poet, Who Would Have Me Praise Certain Bad Poets, Imitators of His and Mine

You say, as I have often given tongue
In praise of what another’s said or sung,
’Twere politic to do the like by these;
But have you known a dog to praise his fleas?

condescending
contemptuous
hateful
vengeful

Answer 1

Contemptuous

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Contemptuous

Step-by-step explanation:

In this excerpt, W. B. Yeats's attitude towards his imitators is one of contempt. To show contempt towards someone means to show disdain, or scorn. It is clear in these lines that Yeats has no admiration or respect for his so-called "imitators." He claims that he is a dog, and they are fleas. Although he does not seem to be opposed to the idea of praising some people, he seems to believe that these imitators are not worthy of it.