The central theme of the poem The Second Coming
The well-known Irish poet W.B. Yeats wrote a poem titled The
Second Coming that is both powerful and mysterious. The poem, which was
published in 1920, captures the turbulent social, political, and cultural
climate of the early 20th century. Yeats investigates the notion of an
approaching apocalyptic event and the chaos that results with a prophetic tone
and striking imagery. The poem's main themes are the cyclical nature of
history, the breakdown of the existing order, and the start of a new, possibly
darker era. The central theme of the poem The Second Coming
The central theme of the poem The Second Coming-Yeats uses the title The Second Coming, which alludes to the Christian notion of Jesus Christ's second coming, as a metaphor for a more general and all-encompassing upheaval. "Turning and turning in the widening gyre / The falcon cannot hear the falconer," the poem's opening lines, establish the chaotic nature of the world right away. This vortex, or gyre, represents historical cycles and the growing gap between the old and new orders in society.
Yeats conveys the sense of disintegration and chaos with
vivid and evocative imagery. Words like "anarchy is loosed upon the
world" and "things fall apart" convey the chaos and
disintegration of social structures. There is a sense of urgency and foreboding
created by the poet's prophetic and symbolic word choice.
The central theme of the poem The Second Coming-The poem's central image is the "rough beast, its hour
come round at last, / Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born." This hideous
being, a representation of evil and devastation, heralds the coming of a new
age or powerful force that will alter the course of history. A layer of irony
and subversion is added by the mention of Bethlehem, which is customarily
connected to the birth of Christ. This suggests that the impending birth is one
of upheaval rather than salvation.
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Throughout the poem, Yeats grapples with the consequences of
political turmoil and the disillusionment that followed World War I. The phrase
"the blood-dimmed tide is loosed" reflects the violence and bloodshed
that marked the war, while "the ceremony of innocence is drowned"
speaks to the loss of innocence and idealism in the aftermath of the conflict.
The poet captures the pervasive sense of fear and instability that
characterized the post-war period.
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The central theme of the poem The Second Coming-The Second Coming also delves into the idea of a spiritual
void or crisis. The widening gyre and the breakdown of traditional values leave
a vacuum that can be filled by destructive forces. The poem suggests that when
societies lose their moral and spiritual compass, they become susceptible to
darker influences.
Yeats, drawing on his interest in mysticism and the occult,
incorporates elements of his esoteric beliefs into the poem. The image of the
Sphinx and the revelation that "what rough beast, its hour come round at
last, / Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born" evoke a sense of ancient
prophecies and cosmic inevitability. This adds a layer of complexity to the
poem, inviting interpretations beyond the immediate socio-political context.
Conclusion
The Second Coming by W.B. Yeats remains a timeless and
resonant piece of poetry that transcends its initial historical context. The
central theme of cyclical change, societal upheaval, and the ominous arrival of
a new era continues to capture the imagination of readers across generations.
Yeats' use of vivid imagery, prophetic language, and symbolic references adds
layers of meaning, making the poem a rich and enduring work of literature.
As we reflect on the poem's significance, we recognize its
ability to tap into universal fears and uncertainties, offering a poignant
commentary on the fragility of human civilization. The echoes of war, political
turmoil, and spiritual crisis depicted in "The Second Coming" serve
as a reminder of the perennial challenges that societies face in navigating
change and confronting the darker aspects of human nature.
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IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Q.1 What is the historical context of "The Second
Coming"?
"The Second Coming" was written in the aftermath of
World War I, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval. The
poem reflects the disillusionment and anxiety prevalent during this time,
capturing the sense of a world in turmoil.
Q.2 What does the phrase "widening gyre" signify in
the poem?
The "widening gyre" is a central metaphor
representing historical cycles and the increasing distance between established
orders. It suggests a world spiraling out of control and emphasizes the
inevitability of change.
Q.3 Who or what is the "rough
beast" in the poem?
The "rough beast" symbolizes an ominous force or
era that is on the brink of emerging. It represents a destructive and
transformative power that will reshape the world, signaling a new phase in history.
Q.4 Why does Yeats use the term "slouches towards
Bethlehem"?
Yeats's use of the term "slouches towards
Bethlehem" in "The Second Coming" is a striking and deliberate
choice that carries significant symbolic weight. This phrase is a poignant and
ironic allusion to the biblical city of Bethlehem, traditionally associated
with the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
In the context of the poem, the image of a creature
"slouching towards Bethlehem to be born" is a metaphor for an
impending, transformative force or era that is on the verge of emerging. It is
important to note that Yeats employs irony in this reference because, in
traditional Christian symbolism, Bethlehem is associated with the birth of
hope, salvation, and a new beginning through the arrival of Jesus.
However, in Yeats's poem, this birth is not one of salvation
or renewal but rather of chaos and upheaval. The choice of the word
"slouches" adds a sense of ominous lethargy or inevitability, as if
the arrival of this force is inexorable and unstoppable. The juxtaposition of
the traditionally positive connotations of Bethlehem with the foreboding nature
of the "rough beast" contributes to the poem's overall theme of the
cyclical nature of history, where the birth of a new era may not necessarily
bring about positive change.
By using this biblical reference, Yeats taps into a cultural
and religious symbol that would have been familiar to many readers. This
familiarity enhances the impact of the poem, as it subverts expectations and
challenges conventional notions of rebirth and renewal. The irony underscores
the unpredictability and potentially destructive nature of the forces that
shape the course of history, inviting readers to reflect on the complexity and
uncertainty of human existence.
Q.5 How does "The Second Coming" explore spiritual
themes?
The poem delves into the idea of a spiritual void or crisis,
emphasizing the consequences of losing moral and spiritual guidance. The
breakdown of traditional values leaves a vacuum that can be filled by
destructive forces, contributing to the overall sense of foreboding.
Q.6 What makes "The Second Coming" relevant beyond its historical context?
The poem's themes of cyclical change, societal upheaval, and the uncertainty of the future resonate across different times and contexts. Its evocative language and universal themes make it a work that continues to speak to readers about the complexities of the human experience.
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