The Second Coming by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary
The Second Coming by W.B. Yeats is a
poem written by the renowned Irish poet William Butler Yeats. First published
in 1920, the poem is a reflection on the turbulent times of the early 20th
century and explores themes of chaos, destruction, and the potential for
spiritual rebirth.
The title of the poem, "The Second Coming," alludes to the Christian concept of the return of Jesus Christ to Earth for the final judgment. The Second Coming by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary.
The Second Coming by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary-However, Yeats employs this imagery
metaphorically, using it to depict a world on the brink of collapse and the
desperate need for some form of redemption or renewal.
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"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary-The poem begins with a vivid description of a "falcon" that is unable to hear the falconer, implying a loss of control and the breakdown of established order. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting a world that is spiraling into chaos.
Yeats then introduces the image of a "blood-dimmed tide" and a
"ceremony of innocence" being drowned. This imagery creates a sense
of impending doom and the destruction of purity and innocence.
"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary-Yeats goes on to describe a
"gyre" or a spiral motion, which he uses as a metaphor for historical
cycles. He suggests that the current era is nearing its end and that a new era
is about to emerge. This idea of cyclical history is a recurring theme in
Yeats' work, reflecting his belief in the eternal recurrence of certain
patterns and events.
The poet then introduces the figure
of "the beast," which is slouching towards Bethlehem to be born. This
image is drawn from the biblical Book of Revelation and represents the arrival
of a malevolent force that will bring about destruction and upheaval. The beast
can be interpreted as a symbol of political tyranny, social unrest, or even the
inherent darkness within humanity itself.
"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary-As the poem progresses, Yeats
expresses his frustration and disillusionment with the world around him. He
describes a sense of anarchy and the breakdown of social and moral order. The
"best" or the noblest individuals lack conviction, while the worst
are full of passionate intensity. This imbalance of values contributes to the
chaos and uncertainty of the time.
In the final part, Yeats concludes with a powerful image of a "rough beast" moving towards its destination. This image conveys a sense of inevitability and impending catastrophe.
"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary-The poem ends on an ambiguous note, with the phrase "what
rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches towards Bethlehem to be
born." This line suggests that the arrival of the beast, representing a
time of darkness and destruction, is inevitable. However, it also implies the
potential for rebirth or renewal, as Bethlehem is traditionally associated with
the birth of Jesus Christ.
"The Second Coming" is a prophetic and deeply evocative poem that reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of its time. Yeats captures the spirit of an era marked by political turmoil, societal upheaval, and a loss of faith in traditional institutions.
"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary-Through powerful imagery and symbolic language, he explores the
cyclical nature of history and the potential for both destruction and rebirth.
The poem remains relevant today, speaking to the enduring human desire for
order and meaning in the face of chaos and uncertainty.
“The Second Coming”
Poem
Turning and turning in the widening
gyre
The falcon cannot hear the
falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre
cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the
world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed,
and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is
drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while
the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at
hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those
words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus
Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in
sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head
of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the
sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while
all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant
desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I
know
That twenty centuries of stony
sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a
rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come
round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be
born?
Conclusion
"The Second Coming" is a profound and introspective poem by W.B. Yeats that explores themes of chaos, destruction, and the anticipation of a transformative event.
"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary-Yeats uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey a sense of societal upheaval and impending doom. The poem reflects the poet's anxieties about the state of the world and his contemplation of a divine intervention that could bring order to the chaos.
"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats Poem Summary-Ultimately, "The Second Coming" leaves the reader with a feeling of
uncertainty and existential questioning, inviting deeper reflection on the
human condition and the potential for both hope and despair in turbulent times.
FAQ.
Q: Who is the author of "The Second Coming"?
A: "The Second Coming"
was written by the Irish poet William Butler Yeats.
Q: When was "The Second Coming" written?
A: "The Second Coming"
was written in 1919.
Q: What is the main theme of "The Second Coming"?
A: The main themes of "The
Second Coming" include chaos, destruction, the anticipation of a
transformative event, and the anxieties of the post-World War I era.
Q: What is the significance of the "rough beast" in
the poem?
A: The "rough beast"
symbolizes a destructive force or malevolent power that threatens to take over
the world. It represents the forces of chaos and evil that Yeats believed were
poised to dominate society.
Q: What is the tone of "The Second Coming"?
A: The tone of "The Second
Coming" is dark, foreboding, and reflective. It conveys a sense of
impending doom and uncertainty.
Q: What is the overall impact of "The Second Coming"
on literature?
A: "The Second Coming" has had a significant impact on literature, inspiring countless interpretations and analyses. Its themes of chaos, uncertainty, and the search for meaning continue to resonate with readers and have influenced subsequent generations of poets and writers.
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