William Butler Yeats's poem The Second Coming is a profound and complex work that has captivated readers and scholars alike since its publication in 1921. Its vivid imagery, symbolic language, and apocalyptic tone offer a rich tapestry for analysis. To truly understand the depth of Yeats's vision, a line-by-line examination reveals the layers of meaning embedded within the poem. This detailed analysis aims to explore each line, unpack its significance, and interpret its contribution to the overall themes of chaos, prophecy, and renewal.
---
Introduction to The Second Coming
Before delving into the line-by-line analysis, it's important to contextualize the poem. Written in the aftermath of World War I and during a period of profound social and political upheaval, Yeats's The Second Coming reflects a world on the brink of chaos. The poem employs apocalyptic imagery drawn from biblical prophecy but reinterpreted through Yeats’s mystical and symbolic lens. Its central theme revolves around the idea of an impending upheaval that signifies the end of one age and the potential chaos of the new.
---
Line-by-Line Analysis of The Second Coming
Line 1: "Turning and turning in the widening gyre"
This opening line introduces the motif of a "gyre," a circular or spiral movement that Yeats uses metaphorically to represent historical cycles. The "widening gyre" suggests that history is spiraling outward, growing larger and more chaotic with each turn. Yeats believed history was cyclical, with each era ending in chaos before a new begins. The phrase "Turning and turning" emphasizes continuous movement, implying that the process is relentless and unstoppable. It sets a tone of inevitable change and hints at the destabilization of the current order.
Analysis:
- The gyre symbolizes the cyclical nature of history and personal evolution.
- The widening indicates increasing disorder, foreshadowing chaos.
- The repetition underscores ongoing, perhaps uncontrollable, momentum.
---
Line 2: "The falcon cannot hear the falconer;"
This line employs a metaphor of a falcon trained to return to the falconer, symbolizing control and harmony. The falcon being unable to hear the falconer suggests a breakdown in communication and authority. It signifies a loss of order and the disconnection between human institutions and the natural or divine forces they once obeyed.
Analysis:
- Represents societal or spiritual disconnection.
- Indicates chaos replacing order.
- Foreshadows the disintegration of guidance and moral compass.
---
Line 3: "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;"
A famous line often cited outside the poem, it emphasizes the disintegration of societal and moral structures. The "centre" represents stability, unity, and authority; its inability to hold suggests impending collapse.
Analysis:
- Highlights the fragility of civilization.
- Reflects the universal theme of decay and disorder.
- Implies that the existing order is no longer sustainable.
---
Line 4: "Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,"
This line vividly depicts chaos unleashed without restraint. The phrase "mere anarchy" suggests that chaos is not just a temporary upheaval but a dominant force that pervades the world.
Analysis:
- Signifies the breakdown of moral and social order.
- Conveys a sense of foreboding and inevitability.
- Sets the tone for apocalyptic transformation.
---
Line 5: "The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere"
The imagery of a "blood-dimmed tide" evokes a flood of violence and bloodshed. The metaphor suggests overwhelming violence spreading across the earth, drowning stability and peace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes widespread violence, war, and chaos.
- Enhances the apocalyptic tone of the poem.
- Implies that destruction is pervasive and unstoppable.
---
Line 6: "The ceremony of innocence is drowned;"
This line alludes to the loss of innocence, purity, and moral integrity. The phrase suggests that in the chaos, the once-sacred or pure aspects of society are submerged and lost.
Analysis:
- Reflects the destruction of moral innocence.
- Implies a turning point where innocence cannot be reclaimed.
- Reinforces the theme of societal decay.
---
Line 7: "The best lack all conviction, while the worst"
Here, Yeats comments on moral and intellectual paralysis. The "best" — perhaps the morally upright or enlightened — lack resolve or conviction, while the "worst" are more active or perhaps more aggressive.
Analysis:
- Highlights moral ambiguity and societal decline.
- Suggests that those with good intentions are passive or indecisive.
- Contrasts the apathy of the righteous with the activism of the corrupt.
---
Line 8: "Are full of passionate intensity."
This completes the previous thought, indicating that the less morally upright are driven by fervor or fanaticism. The phrase may suggest that chaos and violence are fueled by extreme emotions rather than rationality.
Analysis:
- Implies that destructive forces are motivated by intense passion, possibly fanaticism or hatred.
- Shows the paradox that the morally "worst" are energetic and forceful.
- Reflects the disorder consuming society.
---
Line 9: "Surely some revelation is at hand;"
This line introduces a note of anticipation or prophecy—something significant is imminent. Despite chaos, Yeats suggests that an unveiling or revelation is approaching, possibly signaling a transformation or the arrival of a new era.
Analysis:
- Creates a sense of expectancy amidst chaos.
- Implies that the upheaval is part of a divine or cosmic plan.
- Foreshadows the arrival of the "second coming" or new epoch.
---
Line 10: "Surely the Second Coming is at hand."
The central motif of the poem—"the Second Coming"—is introduced openly here. Yeats references biblical prophecy, implying the return of a messianic figure or a new era of upheaval.
Analysis:
- Represents the anticipated renewal or reckoning.
- Signifies the end of the current age and the beginning of something new, albeit tumultuous.
- Echoes traditional Christian eschatology but with Yeats’s mystical interpretation.
---
Line 11: "The darkness drops again; but now I know"
This line suggests a recurring cycle of darkness and light, with Yeats acknowledging a deeper understanding. The darkness indicates chaos, confusion, or evil, but there is an implication of knowledge gained through experience or insight.
Analysis:
- Reflects the cyclical nature of history and prophecy.
- Suggests that darkness will return, but with awareness.
- Points to Yeats’s mystical knowledge and perception of history’s patterns.
---
Line 12: "That twenty centuries of stony sleep"
Yeats refers to the long period—roughly 2000 years—since the birth of Christ, symbolized as "stony sleep." This phrase evokes the idea of a dormant or unconscious state, perhaps referencing the Christian era’s dormancy or spiritual stagnation.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes a period of spiritual dormancy or waiting.
- Signifies the long silence before a cosmic or spiritual awakening.
- Implies that the current chaos is a result of this long slumber ending.
---
Line 13: "Were merely a dream;"
This suggests that the past centuries, including the Christian era, are transient, fleeting, or illusory—like a dream. It emphasizes the instability of history and the transient nature of human civilization.
Analysis:
- Highlights the impermanence of societal structures.
- Implies that the current chaos may also be temporary or illusory.
- Reinforces the idea of cyclical renewal.
---
Line 14: "The rough beast, its hour come round at last,"
This provocative line introduces the "rough beast," an ominous symbol of chaos or destructive force. "Hour come round at last" indicates that a significant, perhaps destructive, event is finally arriving after long anticipation.
Analysis:
- Represents an unpredictable, primal force emerging from chaos.
- Signifies the culmination of cycles of history.
- Implies impending upheaval and transformation.
---
Line 15: "Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
This famous closing line employs the image of a "slouching" creature headed toward Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. It suggests the birth of a new figure, possibly antithetical to the peaceful Messiah of Christian tradition. The slouching movement implies reluctance or menace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes the birth of a new epoch, but one that may be violent or monstrous.
- Contrasts the peaceful nativity with a sinister, primal force.
- Reflects Yeats’s view of history as a tumultuous, cyclical process leading to unpredictable outcomes.
---
Overall Themes and Significance
The line-by-line analysis of The Second Coming reveals several overarching themes:
- Cyclical Nature of History: The imagery of gy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'The Second Coming' poem and how is it reflected line by line?
Line 1: "Turning and turning in the widening gyre"
This opening line introduces the motif of a "gyre," a circular or spiral movement that Yeats uses metaphorically to represent historical cycles. The "widening gyre" suggests that history is spiraling outward, growing larger and more chaotic with each turn. Yeats believed history was cyclical, with each era ending in chaos before a new begins. The phrase "Turning and turning" emphasizes continuous movement, implying that the process is relentless and unstoppable. It sets a tone of inevitable change and hints at the destabilization of the current order.
Analysis:
- The gyre symbolizes the cyclical nature of history and personal evolution.
- The widening indicates increasing disorder, foreshadowing chaos.
- The repetition underscores ongoing, perhaps uncontrollable, momentum.
---
Line 2: "The falcon cannot hear the falconer;"
This line employs a metaphor of a falcon trained to return to the falconer, symbolizing control and harmony. The falcon being unable to hear the falconer suggests a breakdown in communication and authority. It signifies a loss of order and the disconnection between human institutions and the natural or divine forces they once obeyed.
Analysis:
- Represents societal or spiritual disconnection.
- Indicates chaos replacing order.
- Foreshadows the disintegration of guidance and moral compass.
---
Line 3: "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;"
A famous line often cited outside the poem, it emphasizes the disintegration of societal and moral structures. The "centre" represents stability, unity, and authority; its inability to hold suggests impending collapse.
Analysis:
- Highlights the fragility of civilization.
- Reflects the universal theme of decay and disorder.
- Implies that the existing order is no longer sustainable.
---
Line 4: "Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,"
This line vividly depicts chaos unleashed without restraint. The phrase "mere anarchy" suggests that chaos is not just a temporary upheaval but a dominant force that pervades the world.
Analysis:
- Signifies the breakdown of moral and social order.
- Conveys a sense of foreboding and inevitability.
- Sets the tone for apocalyptic transformation.
---
Line 5: "The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere"
The imagery of a "blood-dimmed tide" evokes a flood of violence and bloodshed. The metaphor suggests overwhelming violence spreading across the earth, drowning stability and peace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes widespread violence, war, and chaos.
- Enhances the apocalyptic tone of the poem.
- Implies that destruction is pervasive and unstoppable.
---
Line 6: "The ceremony of innocence is drowned;"
This line alludes to the loss of innocence, purity, and moral integrity. The phrase suggests that in the chaos, the once-sacred or pure aspects of society are submerged and lost.
Analysis:
- Reflects the destruction of moral innocence.
- Implies a turning point where innocence cannot be reclaimed.
- Reinforces the theme of societal decay.
---
Line 7: "The best lack all conviction, while the worst"
Here, Yeats comments on moral and intellectual paralysis. The "best" — perhaps the morally upright or enlightened — lack resolve or conviction, while the "worst" are more active or perhaps more aggressive.
Analysis:
- Highlights moral ambiguity and societal decline.
- Suggests that those with good intentions are passive or indecisive.
- Contrasts the apathy of the righteous with the activism of the corrupt.
---
Line 8: "Are full of passionate intensity."
This completes the previous thought, indicating that the less morally upright are driven by fervor or fanaticism. The phrase may suggest that chaos and violence are fueled by extreme emotions rather than rationality.
Analysis:
- Implies that destructive forces are motivated by intense passion, possibly fanaticism or hatred.
- Shows the paradox that the morally "worst" are energetic and forceful.
- Reflects the disorder consuming society.
---
Line 9: "Surely some revelation is at hand;"
This line introduces a note of anticipation or prophecy—something significant is imminent. Despite chaos, Yeats suggests that an unveiling or revelation is approaching, possibly signaling a transformation or the arrival of a new era.
Analysis:
- Creates a sense of expectancy amidst chaos.
- Implies that the upheaval is part of a divine or cosmic plan.
- Foreshadows the arrival of the "second coming" or new epoch.
---
Line 10: "Surely the Second Coming is at hand."
The central motif of the poem—"the Second Coming"—is introduced openly here. Yeats references biblical prophecy, implying the return of a messianic figure or a new era of upheaval.
Analysis:
- Represents the anticipated renewal or reckoning.
- Signifies the end of the current age and the beginning of something new, albeit tumultuous.
- Echoes traditional Christian eschatology but with Yeats’s mystical interpretation.
---
Line 11: "The darkness drops again; but now I know"
This line suggests a recurring cycle of darkness and light, with Yeats acknowledging a deeper understanding. The darkness indicates chaos, confusion, or evil, but there is an implication of knowledge gained through experience or insight.
Analysis:
- Reflects the cyclical nature of history and prophecy.
- Suggests that darkness will return, but with awareness.
- Points to Yeats’s mystical knowledge and perception of history’s patterns.
---
Line 12: "That twenty centuries of stony sleep"
Yeats refers to the long period—roughly 2000 years—since the birth of Christ, symbolized as "stony sleep." This phrase evokes the idea of a dormant or unconscious state, perhaps referencing the Christian era’s dormancy or spiritual stagnation.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes a period of spiritual dormancy or waiting.
- Signifies the long silence before a cosmic or spiritual awakening.
- Implies that the current chaos is a result of this long slumber ending.
---
Line 13: "Were merely a dream;"
This suggests that the past centuries, including the Christian era, are transient, fleeting, or illusory—like a dream. It emphasizes the instability of history and the transient nature of human civilization.
Analysis:
- Highlights the impermanence of societal structures.
- Implies that the current chaos may also be temporary or illusory.
- Reinforces the idea of cyclical renewal.
---
Line 14: "The rough beast, its hour come round at last,"
This provocative line introduces the "rough beast," an ominous symbol of chaos or destructive force. "Hour come round at last" indicates that a significant, perhaps destructive, event is finally arriving after long anticipation.
Analysis:
- Represents an unpredictable, primal force emerging from chaos.
- Signifies the culmination of cycles of history.
- Implies impending upheaval and transformation.
---
Line 15: "Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
This famous closing line employs the image of a "slouching" creature headed toward Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. It suggests the birth of a new figure, possibly antithetical to the peaceful Messiah of Christian tradition. The slouching movement implies reluctance or menace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes the birth of a new epoch, but one that may be violent or monstrous.
- Contrasts the peaceful nativity with a sinister, primal force.
- Reflects Yeats’s view of history as a tumultuous, cyclical process leading to unpredictable outcomes.
---
Overall Themes and Significance
The line-by-line analysis of The Second Coming reveals several overarching themes:
- Cyclical Nature of History: The imagery of gy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'The Second Coming' poem and how is it reflected line by line?
This line employs a metaphor of a falcon trained to return to the falconer, symbolizing control and harmony. The falcon being unable to hear the falconer suggests a breakdown in communication and authority. It signifies a loss of order and the disconnection between human institutions and the natural or divine forces they once obeyed.
Analysis:
- Represents societal or spiritual disconnection.
- Indicates chaos replacing order.
- Foreshadows the disintegration of guidance and moral compass.
---
Line 3: "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;"
A famous line often cited outside the poem, it emphasizes the disintegration of societal and moral structures. The "centre" represents stability, unity, and authority; its inability to hold suggests impending collapse.
Analysis:
- Highlights the fragility of civilization.
- Reflects the universal theme of decay and disorder.
- Implies that the existing order is no longer sustainable.
---
Line 4: "Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,"
This line vividly depicts chaos unleashed without restraint. The phrase "mere anarchy" suggests that chaos is not just a temporary upheaval but a dominant force that pervades the world.
Analysis:
- Signifies the breakdown of moral and social order.
- Conveys a sense of foreboding and inevitability.
- Sets the tone for apocalyptic transformation.
---
Line 5: "The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere"
The imagery of a "blood-dimmed tide" evokes a flood of violence and bloodshed. The metaphor suggests overwhelming violence spreading across the earth, drowning stability and peace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes widespread violence, war, and chaos.
- Enhances the apocalyptic tone of the poem.
- Implies that destruction is pervasive and unstoppable.
---
Line 6: "The ceremony of innocence is drowned;"
This line alludes to the loss of innocence, purity, and moral integrity. The phrase suggests that in the chaos, the once-sacred or pure aspects of society are submerged and lost.
Analysis:
- Reflects the destruction of moral innocence.
- Implies a turning point where innocence cannot be reclaimed.
- Reinforces the theme of societal decay.
---
Line 7: "The best lack all conviction, while the worst"
Here, Yeats comments on moral and intellectual paralysis. The "best" — perhaps the morally upright or enlightened — lack resolve or conviction, while the "worst" are more active or perhaps more aggressive.
Analysis:
- Highlights moral ambiguity and societal decline.
- Suggests that those with good intentions are passive or indecisive.
- Contrasts the apathy of the righteous with the activism of the corrupt.
---
Line 8: "Are full of passionate intensity."
This completes the previous thought, indicating that the less morally upright are driven by fervor or fanaticism. The phrase may suggest that chaos and violence are fueled by extreme emotions rather than rationality.
Analysis:
- Implies that destructive forces are motivated by intense passion, possibly fanaticism or hatred.
- Shows the paradox that the morally "worst" are energetic and forceful.
- Reflects the disorder consuming society.
---
Line 9: "Surely some revelation is at hand;"
This line introduces a note of anticipation or prophecy—something significant is imminent. Despite chaos, Yeats suggests that an unveiling or revelation is approaching, possibly signaling a transformation or the arrival of a new era.
Analysis:
- Creates a sense of expectancy amidst chaos.
- Implies that the upheaval is part of a divine or cosmic plan.
- Foreshadows the arrival of the "second coming" or new epoch.
---
Line 10: "Surely the Second Coming is at hand."
The central motif of the poem—"the Second Coming"—is introduced openly here. Yeats references biblical prophecy, implying the return of a messianic figure or a new era of upheaval.
Analysis:
- Represents the anticipated renewal or reckoning.
- Signifies the end of the current age and the beginning of something new, albeit tumultuous.
- Echoes traditional Christian eschatology but with Yeats’s mystical interpretation.
---
Line 11: "The darkness drops again; but now I know"
This line suggests a recurring cycle of darkness and light, with Yeats acknowledging a deeper understanding. The darkness indicates chaos, confusion, or evil, but there is an implication of knowledge gained through experience or insight.
Analysis:
- Reflects the cyclical nature of history and prophecy.
- Suggests that darkness will return, but with awareness.
- Points to Yeats’s mystical knowledge and perception of history’s patterns.
---
Line 12: "That twenty centuries of stony sleep"
Yeats refers to the long period—roughly 2000 years—since the birth of Christ, symbolized as "stony sleep." This phrase evokes the idea of a dormant or unconscious state, perhaps referencing the Christian era’s dormancy or spiritual stagnation.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes a period of spiritual dormancy or waiting.
- Signifies the long silence before a cosmic or spiritual awakening.
- Implies that the current chaos is a result of this long slumber ending.
---
Line 13: "Were merely a dream;"
This suggests that the past centuries, including the Christian era, are transient, fleeting, or illusory—like a dream. It emphasizes the instability of history and the transient nature of human civilization.
Analysis:
- Highlights the impermanence of societal structures.
- Implies that the current chaos may also be temporary or illusory.
- Reinforces the idea of cyclical renewal.
---
Line 14: "The rough beast, its hour come round at last,"
This provocative line introduces the "rough beast," an ominous symbol of chaos or destructive force. "Hour come round at last" indicates that a significant, perhaps destructive, event is finally arriving after long anticipation.
Analysis:
- Represents an unpredictable, primal force emerging from chaos.
- Signifies the culmination of cycles of history.
- Implies impending upheaval and transformation.
---
Line 15: "Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
This famous closing line employs the image of a "slouching" creature headed toward Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. It suggests the birth of a new figure, possibly antithetical to the peaceful Messiah of Christian tradition. The slouching movement implies reluctance or menace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes the birth of a new epoch, but one that may be violent or monstrous.
- Contrasts the peaceful nativity with a sinister, primal force.
- Reflects Yeats’s view of history as a tumultuous, cyclical process leading to unpredictable outcomes.
---
Overall Themes and Significance
The line-by-line analysis of The Second Coming reveals several overarching themes:
- Cyclical Nature of History: The imagery of gy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'The Second Coming' poem and how is it reflected line by line?
This line vividly depicts chaos unleashed without restraint. The phrase "mere anarchy" suggests that chaos is not just a temporary upheaval but a dominant force that pervades the world.
Analysis:
- Signifies the breakdown of moral and social order.
- Conveys a sense of foreboding and inevitability.
- Sets the tone for apocalyptic transformation.
---
Line 5: "The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere"
The imagery of a "blood-dimmed tide" evokes a flood of violence and bloodshed. The metaphor suggests overwhelming violence spreading across the earth, drowning stability and peace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes widespread violence, war, and chaos.
- Enhances the apocalyptic tone of the poem.
- Implies that destruction is pervasive and unstoppable.
---
Line 6: "The ceremony of innocence is drowned;"
This line alludes to the loss of innocence, purity, and moral integrity. The phrase suggests that in the chaos, the once-sacred or pure aspects of society are submerged and lost.
Analysis:
- Reflects the destruction of moral innocence.
- Implies a turning point where innocence cannot be reclaimed.
- Reinforces the theme of societal decay.
---
Line 7: "The best lack all conviction, while the worst"
Here, Yeats comments on moral and intellectual paralysis. The "best" — perhaps the morally upright or enlightened — lack resolve or conviction, while the "worst" are more active or perhaps more aggressive.
Analysis:
- Highlights moral ambiguity and societal decline.
- Suggests that those with good intentions are passive or indecisive.
- Contrasts the apathy of the righteous with the activism of the corrupt.
---
Line 8: "Are full of passionate intensity."
This completes the previous thought, indicating that the less morally upright are driven by fervor or fanaticism. The phrase may suggest that chaos and violence are fueled by extreme emotions rather than rationality.
Analysis:
- Implies that destructive forces are motivated by intense passion, possibly fanaticism or hatred.
- Shows the paradox that the morally "worst" are energetic and forceful.
- Reflects the disorder consuming society.
---
Line 9: "Surely some revelation is at hand;"
This line introduces a note of anticipation or prophecy—something significant is imminent. Despite chaos, Yeats suggests that an unveiling or revelation is approaching, possibly signaling a transformation or the arrival of a new era.
Analysis:
- Creates a sense of expectancy amidst chaos.
- Implies that the upheaval is part of a divine or cosmic plan.
- Foreshadows the arrival of the "second coming" or new epoch.
---
Line 10: "Surely the Second Coming is at hand."
The central motif of the poem—"the Second Coming"—is introduced openly here. Yeats references biblical prophecy, implying the return of a messianic figure or a new era of upheaval.
Analysis:
- Represents the anticipated renewal or reckoning.
- Signifies the end of the current age and the beginning of something new, albeit tumultuous.
- Echoes traditional Christian eschatology but with Yeats’s mystical interpretation.
---
Line 11: "The darkness drops again; but now I know"
This line suggests a recurring cycle of darkness and light, with Yeats acknowledging a deeper understanding. The darkness indicates chaos, confusion, or evil, but there is an implication of knowledge gained through experience or insight.
Analysis:
- Reflects the cyclical nature of history and prophecy.
- Suggests that darkness will return, but with awareness.
- Points to Yeats’s mystical knowledge and perception of history’s patterns.
---
Line 12: "That twenty centuries of stony sleep"
Yeats refers to the long period—roughly 2000 years—since the birth of Christ, symbolized as "stony sleep." This phrase evokes the idea of a dormant or unconscious state, perhaps referencing the Christian era’s dormancy or spiritual stagnation.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes a period of spiritual dormancy or waiting.
- Signifies the long silence before a cosmic or spiritual awakening.
- Implies that the current chaos is a result of this long slumber ending.
---
Line 13: "Were merely a dream;"
This suggests that the past centuries, including the Christian era, are transient, fleeting, or illusory—like a dream. It emphasizes the instability of history and the transient nature of human civilization.
Analysis:
- Highlights the impermanence of societal structures.
- Implies that the current chaos may also be temporary or illusory.
- Reinforces the idea of cyclical renewal.
---
Line 14: "The rough beast, its hour come round at last,"
This provocative line introduces the "rough beast," an ominous symbol of chaos or destructive force. "Hour come round at last" indicates that a significant, perhaps destructive, event is finally arriving after long anticipation.
Analysis:
- Represents an unpredictable, primal force emerging from chaos.
- Signifies the culmination of cycles of history.
- Implies impending upheaval and transformation.
---
Line 15: "Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
This famous closing line employs the image of a "slouching" creature headed toward Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. It suggests the birth of a new figure, possibly antithetical to the peaceful Messiah of Christian tradition. The slouching movement implies reluctance or menace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes the birth of a new epoch, but one that may be violent or monstrous.
- Contrasts the peaceful nativity with a sinister, primal force.
- Reflects Yeats’s view of history as a tumultuous, cyclical process leading to unpredictable outcomes.
---
Overall Themes and Significance
The line-by-line analysis of The Second Coming reveals several overarching themes:
- Cyclical Nature of History: The imagery of gy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'The Second Coming' poem and how is it reflected line by line?
This line alludes to the loss of innocence, purity, and moral integrity. The phrase suggests that in the chaos, the once-sacred or pure aspects of society are submerged and lost.
Analysis:
- Reflects the destruction of moral innocence.
- Implies a turning point where innocence cannot be reclaimed.
- Reinforces the theme of societal decay.
---
Line 7: "The best lack all conviction, while the worst"
Here, Yeats comments on moral and intellectual paralysis. The "best" — perhaps the morally upright or enlightened — lack resolve or conviction, while the "worst" are more active or perhaps more aggressive.
Analysis:
- Highlights moral ambiguity and societal decline.
- Suggests that those with good intentions are passive or indecisive.
- Contrasts the apathy of the righteous with the activism of the corrupt.
---
Line 8: "Are full of passionate intensity."
This completes the previous thought, indicating that the less morally upright are driven by fervor or fanaticism. The phrase may suggest that chaos and violence are fueled by extreme emotions rather than rationality.
Analysis:
- Implies that destructive forces are motivated by intense passion, possibly fanaticism or hatred.
- Shows the paradox that the morally "worst" are energetic and forceful.
- Reflects the disorder consuming society.
---
Line 9: "Surely some revelation is at hand;"
This line introduces a note of anticipation or prophecy—something significant is imminent. Despite chaos, Yeats suggests that an unveiling or revelation is approaching, possibly signaling a transformation or the arrival of a new era.
Analysis:
- Creates a sense of expectancy amidst chaos.
- Implies that the upheaval is part of a divine or cosmic plan.
- Foreshadows the arrival of the "second coming" or new epoch.
---
Line 10: "Surely the Second Coming is at hand."
The central motif of the poem—"the Second Coming"—is introduced openly here. Yeats references biblical prophecy, implying the return of a messianic figure or a new era of upheaval.
Analysis:
- Represents the anticipated renewal or reckoning.
- Signifies the end of the current age and the beginning of something new, albeit tumultuous.
- Echoes traditional Christian eschatology but with Yeats’s mystical interpretation.
---
Line 11: "The darkness drops again; but now I know"
This line suggests a recurring cycle of darkness and light, with Yeats acknowledging a deeper understanding. The darkness indicates chaos, confusion, or evil, but there is an implication of knowledge gained through experience or insight.
Analysis:
- Reflects the cyclical nature of history and prophecy.
- Suggests that darkness will return, but with awareness.
- Points to Yeats’s mystical knowledge and perception of history’s patterns.
---
Line 12: "That twenty centuries of stony sleep"
Yeats refers to the long period—roughly 2000 years—since the birth of Christ, symbolized as "stony sleep." This phrase evokes the idea of a dormant or unconscious state, perhaps referencing the Christian era’s dormancy or spiritual stagnation.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes a period of spiritual dormancy or waiting.
- Signifies the long silence before a cosmic or spiritual awakening.
- Implies that the current chaos is a result of this long slumber ending.
---
Line 13: "Were merely a dream;"
This suggests that the past centuries, including the Christian era, are transient, fleeting, or illusory—like a dream. It emphasizes the instability of history and the transient nature of human civilization.
Analysis:
- Highlights the impermanence of societal structures.
- Implies that the current chaos may also be temporary or illusory.
- Reinforces the idea of cyclical renewal.
---
Line 14: "The rough beast, its hour come round at last,"
This provocative line introduces the "rough beast," an ominous symbol of chaos or destructive force. "Hour come round at last" indicates that a significant, perhaps destructive, event is finally arriving after long anticipation.
Analysis:
- Represents an unpredictable, primal force emerging from chaos.
- Signifies the culmination of cycles of history.
- Implies impending upheaval and transformation.
---
Line 15: "Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
This famous closing line employs the image of a "slouching" creature headed toward Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. It suggests the birth of a new figure, possibly antithetical to the peaceful Messiah of Christian tradition. The slouching movement implies reluctance or menace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes the birth of a new epoch, but one that may be violent or monstrous.
- Contrasts the peaceful nativity with a sinister, primal force.
- Reflects Yeats’s view of history as a tumultuous, cyclical process leading to unpredictable outcomes.
---
Overall Themes and Significance
The line-by-line analysis of The Second Coming reveals several overarching themes:
- Cyclical Nature of History: The imagery of gy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'The Second Coming' poem and how is it reflected line by line?
This completes the previous thought, indicating that the less morally upright are driven by fervor or fanaticism. The phrase may suggest that chaos and violence are fueled by extreme emotions rather than rationality.
Analysis:
- Implies that destructive forces are motivated by intense passion, possibly fanaticism or hatred.
- Shows the paradox that the morally "worst" are energetic and forceful.
- Reflects the disorder consuming society.
---
Line 9: "Surely some revelation is at hand;"
This line introduces a note of anticipation or prophecy—something significant is imminent. Despite chaos, Yeats suggests that an unveiling or revelation is approaching, possibly signaling a transformation or the arrival of a new era.
Analysis:
- Creates a sense of expectancy amidst chaos.
- Implies that the upheaval is part of a divine or cosmic plan.
- Foreshadows the arrival of the "second coming" or new epoch.
---
Line 10: "Surely the Second Coming is at hand."
The central motif of the poem—"the Second Coming"—is introduced openly here. Yeats references biblical prophecy, implying the return of a messianic figure or a new era of upheaval.
Analysis:
- Represents the anticipated renewal or reckoning.
- Signifies the end of the current age and the beginning of something new, albeit tumultuous.
- Echoes traditional Christian eschatology but with Yeats’s mystical interpretation.
---
Line 11: "The darkness drops again; but now I know"
This line suggests a recurring cycle of darkness and light, with Yeats acknowledging a deeper understanding. The darkness indicates chaos, confusion, or evil, but there is an implication of knowledge gained through experience or insight.
Analysis:
- Reflects the cyclical nature of history and prophecy.
- Suggests that darkness will return, but with awareness.
- Points to Yeats’s mystical knowledge and perception of history’s patterns.
---
Line 12: "That twenty centuries of stony sleep"
Yeats refers to the long period—roughly 2000 years—since the birth of Christ, symbolized as "stony sleep." This phrase evokes the idea of a dormant or unconscious state, perhaps referencing the Christian era’s dormancy or spiritual stagnation.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes a period of spiritual dormancy or waiting.
- Signifies the long silence before a cosmic or spiritual awakening.
- Implies that the current chaos is a result of this long slumber ending.
---
Line 13: "Were merely a dream;"
This suggests that the past centuries, including the Christian era, are transient, fleeting, or illusory—like a dream. It emphasizes the instability of history and the transient nature of human civilization.
Analysis:
- Highlights the impermanence of societal structures.
- Implies that the current chaos may also be temporary or illusory.
- Reinforces the idea of cyclical renewal.
---
Line 14: "The rough beast, its hour come round at last,"
This provocative line introduces the "rough beast," an ominous symbol of chaos or destructive force. "Hour come round at last" indicates that a significant, perhaps destructive, event is finally arriving after long anticipation.
Analysis:
- Represents an unpredictable, primal force emerging from chaos.
- Signifies the culmination of cycles of history.
- Implies impending upheaval and transformation.
---
Line 15: "Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
This famous closing line employs the image of a "slouching" creature headed toward Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. It suggests the birth of a new figure, possibly antithetical to the peaceful Messiah of Christian tradition. The slouching movement implies reluctance or menace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes the birth of a new epoch, but one that may be violent or monstrous.
- Contrasts the peaceful nativity with a sinister, primal force.
- Reflects Yeats’s view of history as a tumultuous, cyclical process leading to unpredictable outcomes.
---
Overall Themes and Significance
The line-by-line analysis of The Second Coming reveals several overarching themes:
- Cyclical Nature of History: The imagery of gy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'The Second Coming' poem and how is it reflected line by line?
The central motif of the poem—"the Second Coming"—is introduced openly here. Yeats references biblical prophecy, implying the return of a messianic figure or a new era of upheaval.
Analysis:
- Represents the anticipated renewal or reckoning.
- Signifies the end of the current age and the beginning of something new, albeit tumultuous.
- Echoes traditional Christian eschatology but with Yeats’s mystical interpretation.
---
Line 11: "The darkness drops again; but now I know"
This line suggests a recurring cycle of darkness and light, with Yeats acknowledging a deeper understanding. The darkness indicates chaos, confusion, or evil, but there is an implication of knowledge gained through experience or insight.
Analysis:
- Reflects the cyclical nature of history and prophecy.
- Suggests that darkness will return, but with awareness.
- Points to Yeats’s mystical knowledge and perception of history’s patterns.
---
Line 12: "That twenty centuries of stony sleep"
Yeats refers to the long period—roughly 2000 years—since the birth of Christ, symbolized as "stony sleep." This phrase evokes the idea of a dormant or unconscious state, perhaps referencing the Christian era’s dormancy or spiritual stagnation.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes a period of spiritual dormancy or waiting.
- Signifies the long silence before a cosmic or spiritual awakening.
- Implies that the current chaos is a result of this long slumber ending.
---
Line 13: "Were merely a dream;"
This suggests that the past centuries, including the Christian era, are transient, fleeting, or illusory—like a dream. It emphasizes the instability of history and the transient nature of human civilization.
Analysis:
- Highlights the impermanence of societal structures.
- Implies that the current chaos may also be temporary or illusory.
- Reinforces the idea of cyclical renewal.
---
Line 14: "The rough beast, its hour come round at last,"
This provocative line introduces the "rough beast," an ominous symbol of chaos or destructive force. "Hour come round at last" indicates that a significant, perhaps destructive, event is finally arriving after long anticipation.
Analysis:
- Represents an unpredictable, primal force emerging from chaos.
- Signifies the culmination of cycles of history.
- Implies impending upheaval and transformation.
---
Line 15: "Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
This famous closing line employs the image of a "slouching" creature headed toward Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. It suggests the birth of a new figure, possibly antithetical to the peaceful Messiah of Christian tradition. The slouching movement implies reluctance or menace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes the birth of a new epoch, but one that may be violent or monstrous.
- Contrasts the peaceful nativity with a sinister, primal force.
- Reflects Yeats’s view of history as a tumultuous, cyclical process leading to unpredictable outcomes.
---
Overall Themes and Significance
The line-by-line analysis of The Second Coming reveals several overarching themes:
- Cyclical Nature of History: The imagery of gy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'The Second Coming' poem and how is it reflected line by line?
Yeats refers to the long period—roughly 2000 years—since the birth of Christ, symbolized as "stony sleep." This phrase evokes the idea of a dormant or unconscious state, perhaps referencing the Christian era’s dormancy or spiritual stagnation.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes a period of spiritual dormancy or waiting.
- Signifies the long silence before a cosmic or spiritual awakening.
- Implies that the current chaos is a result of this long slumber ending.
---
Line 13: "Were merely a dream;"
This suggests that the past centuries, including the Christian era, are transient, fleeting, or illusory—like a dream. It emphasizes the instability of history and the transient nature of human civilization.
Analysis:
- Highlights the impermanence of societal structures.
- Implies that the current chaos may also be temporary or illusory.
- Reinforces the idea of cyclical renewal.
---
Line 14: "The rough beast, its hour come round at last,"
This provocative line introduces the "rough beast," an ominous symbol of chaos or destructive force. "Hour come round at last" indicates that a significant, perhaps destructive, event is finally arriving after long anticipation.
Analysis:
- Represents an unpredictable, primal force emerging from chaos.
- Signifies the culmination of cycles of history.
- Implies impending upheaval and transformation.
---
Line 15: "Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
This famous closing line employs the image of a "slouching" creature headed toward Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. It suggests the birth of a new figure, possibly antithetical to the peaceful Messiah of Christian tradition. The slouching movement implies reluctance or menace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes the birth of a new epoch, but one that may be violent or monstrous.
- Contrasts the peaceful nativity with a sinister, primal force.
- Reflects Yeats’s view of history as a tumultuous, cyclical process leading to unpredictable outcomes.
---
Overall Themes and Significance
The line-by-line analysis of The Second Coming reveals several overarching themes:
- Cyclical Nature of History: The imagery of gy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'The Second Coming' poem and how is it reflected line by line?
This provocative line introduces the "rough beast," an ominous symbol of chaos or destructive force. "Hour come round at last" indicates that a significant, perhaps destructive, event is finally arriving after long anticipation.
Analysis:
- Represents an unpredictable, primal force emerging from chaos.
- Signifies the culmination of cycles of history.
- Implies impending upheaval and transformation.
---
Line 15: "Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
This famous closing line employs the image of a "slouching" creature headed toward Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. It suggests the birth of a new figure, possibly antithetical to the peaceful Messiah of Christian tradition. The slouching movement implies reluctance or menace.
Analysis:
- Symbolizes the birth of a new epoch, but one that may be violent or monstrous.
- Contrasts the peaceful nativity with a sinister, primal force.
- Reflects Yeats’s view of history as a tumultuous, cyclical process leading to unpredictable outcomes.
---
Overall Themes and Significance
The line-by-line analysis of The Second Coming reveals several overarching themes:
- Cyclical Nature of History: The imagery of gy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'The Second Coming' poem and how is it reflected line by line?
The central theme is the chaos and disorder in the world leading to a new, often unsettling, era. Line by line, the poem portrays a world in turmoil, with images of violence and upheaval, culminating in the emergence of a fearsome creature symbolizing a new, unpredictable order.
How does the opening line of 'The Second Coming' set the tone for the poem?
The opening line, 'Turning and turning in the widening gyre,' introduces a sense of spiraling chaos and loss of control, establishing a tone of instability that pervades the entire poem.
What is the significance of the image 'The darkness drops again' in the poem?
This line signifies a return to ignorance or chaos, symbolizing a period of darkness and confusion that precedes the arrival of the new, ominous entity described later in the poem.
How does Yeats use religious symbolism in the line 'And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, / Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?'?
Yeats employs religious symbolism to depict the emergence of a new, possibly destructive force, paralleling biblical themes of birth and prophecy. The 'rough beast' slouching towards Bethlehem suggests an ominous birth of chaos or a new world order.
What does the phrase 'The centre cannot hold' imply in the context of the poem?
This phrase suggests the breakdown of societal or moral stability, emphasizing the collapse of order and the impending chaos that the poem predicts.
How does the poem's tone shift from the beginning to the end when analyzing line by line?
Initially, the tone is one of confusion and chaos, but as the poem progresses, it becomes more ominous and foreboding, culminating in a sense of inevitable upheaval marked by the image of the 'rough beast.'
What literary devices are most prominent in the line-by-line analysis of 'The Second Coming'?
Key literary devices include imagery, symbolism, alliteration, and paradox, all of which work together to create a vivid, unsettling depiction of societal collapse and transformation.
Why is analyzing 'The Second Coming' line by line important for understanding its message?
A line-by-line analysis helps uncover the nuanced symbolism, tone, and imagery Yeats uses, providing a deeper understanding of his commentary on chaos, prophecy, and societal change.
