W.B. Yeats's poem The Second Coming is one of the most celebrated and analyzed works of 20th-century poetry. Its vivid imagery, profound symbolism, and prophetic tone have cemented its place in literary history. When exploring the poem, understanding its themes, structure, and historical context is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive summary of The Second Coming by Yeats, delving into its meaning, imagery, and significance.
---
Introduction to The Second Coming
Yeats wrote The Second Coming in 1919, a tumultuous period marked by the aftermath of World War I, political upheaval, and societal chaos. The poem reflects Yeats's concern with the disintegration of traditional values and the foreboding sense of an impending new era. The phrase "the second coming" itself alludes to biblical prophecy, suggesting a transformative event on the horizon. The poem's tone is prophetic, ominous, and filled with apocalyptic imagery, capturing the collective anxiety of a world in crisis.
---
Context and Inspiration
Historical Background
Yeats composed The Second Coming during a period of intense upheaval:
- Post-World War I devastation
- The Russian Revolution and rise of communism
- Political instability across Europe and America
- Widespread disillusionment with modern civilization
Literary and Mythological Influences
Yeats was influenced by:
- Biblical prophecies, especially from the Book of Revelation
- His interest in mysticism and the occult
- Classical mythology, particularly the figure of the Sphinx and the idea of cyclical history
- The concept of historical cycles that recur in history, as proposed in Yeats's philosophical beliefs
---
Summary of The Second Coming
The Second Coming is a compact but densely layered poem that employs symbolic language and vivid imagery to convey Yeats’s vision of societal collapse and the birth of a new, possibly terrifying era. The poem can be summarized in several key sections:
Opening Lines and Atmosphere
The poem begins with a powerful declaration:
> "Turning and turning in the widening gyre"
This line introduces the idea of a cyclical movement—history is spiraling outward, and the current order is disintegrating. The "gyre" (a spiral or vortex) symbolizes the cyclical nature of history and change. The phrase "widening gyre" suggests chaos and the breakdown of stability.
The speaker observes that:
> "The falcon cannot hear the falconer; / Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold."
This imagery depicts a loss of control, where traditional authority ("the falconer") and societal cohesion ("the centre") are collapsing. The phrase "things fall apart" is a stark reminder of disorder.
Imagery of Chaos and the Breakdown of Order
Yeats depicts a world in chaos:
- The "things fall apart" line emphasizes chaos.
- The image of the falcon spiraling beyond the falconer signifies human disconnection from divine or moral guidance.
- The imagery of the gyre suggests that history is moving toward a point of chaos, with no return to stability.
The Vision of a Beast and Prophetic Symbols
Yeats describes:
> "Things have gone back to their beginning."
He envisions the emergence of a new, monstrous figure:
> "The darkness drops again; but now I know / That twenty centuries of stony sleep / Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle."
This suggests that the long Christian era (twenty centuries) is coming to an end, disturbed by the chaos of the current age.
The poem introduces the image of a "rough beast" slouching toward Bethlehem to be born:
> "And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, / Slouches toward Bethlehem to be born?"
This beast symbolizes a new, possibly destructive force that is emerging from the chaos—an ominous sign of transformation.
Climax and Revelation
The poem's climax is the depiction of the "rough beast" as an apocalyptic figure, embodying the upheaval of the old order and the uncertain birth of a new epoch.
Yeats's use of biblical imagery, such as Bethlehem, reinforces the idea of a prophetic, almost messianic event, but one that portends chaos rather than salvation.
---
Themes in The Second Coming
The poem explores several interrelated themes:
Cycle of History and Rebirth
Yeats believed history was cyclical, with civilizations rising and falling in recurring patterns. The Second Coming captures this idea, emphasizing that the current chaos signals the end of one era and the potential birth of another, albeit a terrifying one.
Chaos and Disorder
The imagery of the gyre and the falcon symbolizes societal disintegration, loss of control, and the breakdown of moral and spiritual order.
Prophecy and Apocalypse
The poem reads as a prophecy, foretelling a tumultuous transformation that will reshape the world. The figure of the beast personifies this upheaval.
Fear of the Unknown
Yeats expresses anxiety about what the future holds, emphasizing uncertainty and the potential for destructive change.
Transformation and Birth of a New World
Despite its ominous tone, the poem hints at the possibility of rebirth—though it is shrouded in fear and foreboding.
---
Symbolism and Imagery Analysis
Yeats’s use of symbolism and imagery is central to understanding The Second Coming. Key symbols include:
The Gyre
- Represents cycles of history and spiritual evolution.
- The widening gyre indicates chaos and dissolution.
The Falcon and Falconer
- Symbolize control, authority, and spiritual guidance.
- Their disconnection signifies societal breakdown.
The Sphinx
- An emblem of mystery, ancient wisdom, and impending revelation.
- Represents the riddles of the future.
The Beast
- Embodies chaos, primal forces, and the destructive side of change.
- Its slouching towards Bethlehem symbolizes a looming, transformative event.
Imagery of Darkness and Light
- Darkness symbolizes chaos, ignorance, and destruction.
- The dropping of darkness and the nightmare suggest a world plunged into turmoil.
---
Interpretation and Critical Analysis
The Second Coming is often viewed as Yeats’s reflection on the spiritual and political upheavals of his time. Its prophetic tone suggests that the chaos is a necessary precursor to renewal, although the nature of this renewal remains ambiguous.
Key interpretations include:
- The poem as a metaphor for the disintegration of Christian civilization and the rise of a new, possibly pagan or barbaric, order.
- The cyclical view of history as inevitable, with destruction preceding rebirth.
- The recognition of political upheaval as part of a larger spiritual or cosmic process.
Critics interpret the "rough beast" as a symbol of various emerging forces, from fascism to modernist upheavals, depending on the historical lens.
---
Conclusion
The Second Coming by W.B. Yeats remains a powerful meditation on chaos, transformation, and the cyclical nature of history. Its prophetic tone and vivid imagery continue to resonate, making it a timeless reflection on societal upheaval and the uncertainty of the future. The poem warns of the dangers inherent in societal disintegration but also hints at the possibility of a new world emerging from the chaos—though not necessarily a benevolent one. Yeats’s mastery of symbolism and his visionary outlook ensure that The Second Coming endures as a profound statement about humanity’s perpetual cycles of order and disorder.
Understanding this poem requires engaging with its rich symbolism, historical context, and philosophical underpinnings, making it a compelling subject for both literary analysis and reflection on the human condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 'The Second Coming' by W.B. Yeats?
The poem explores themes of chaos, societal upheaval, and the arrival of a new, often ominous era, symbolized by the second coming of a destructive force.
How does Yeats use imagery in 'The Second Coming'?
Yeats employs vivid and apocalyptic imagery, such as the 'rough beast' and the 'blood-dimmed tide,' to evoke a sense of disorder and impending doom.
What is the significance of the poem's opening line, 'Turning and turning in the widening gyre'?
It signifies a sense of cyclical history and inevitable chaos, suggesting that society is spiraling out of control toward a transformative event.
How does Yeats interpret the concept of the 'second coming' in the poem?
Yeats depicts the 'second coming' as a metaphor for a chaotic upheaval, possibly the end of one era and the birth of another, often with ominous connotations.
What historical context influenced 'The Second Coming'?
The poem was written in 1919, post-World War I, during a time of political upheaval and societal turmoil, which deeply influenced its themes of chaos and transformation.
How is the poem structured, and what is its tone?
The poem is a free verse with a prophetic tone, conveying a sense of foreboding and inevitability about the future events it describes.
Why is 'The Second Coming' considered a significant work in modernist poetry?
It exemplifies modernist themes of disillusionment and fragmentation, employing symbolic language and innovative imagery to reflect the complexities of the 20th century.
