An Irish Airman Foresees His Death Death Quotes

The word "fate" clearly means death in these lines. But it makes us think of death as the speaker's destiny or purpose. Was he born to die? Was he supposed to become a pilot and die up in the "clouds above"?

Well this isn't a very positive outlook. The speaker essentially says that his "likely end" (i.e., his death) wouldn't really cause the people of Kiltartan to lose anything. How is that possible? Does his life not really matter?

The word "drove" is important here. The speaker isn't in control of his "fate." He was driven by an impulse that seems to control him and is responsible for sending him to his death amidst the "tumult."