In this post, notes of “Unit 1B: (ii) the second coming summary” from “DSC- 13: Twentieth Century Poetry & Drama” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.
The Second Coming
Overview
the second coming summary
Simple Summary of “The Second Coming”
William Butler Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming,” written in 1919, shows his worries about society falling apart, the horrors of war, and the possible end of civilization. It reflects the chaos after World War I and the Russian Revolution. The poem talks about themes of disorder, predictions, and how history repeats itself.
The poem starts by describing how the world feels like it is spinning out of control. Yeats uses the idea of a “gyre,” a circular movement, to show how history cycles through chaos. This spinning represents a world breaking down, where old ways are ending and something new is starting, but this new thing is confusing and scary. The first part describes this disorder, showing that the center can no longer hold, and everything is falling apart.
In the second part, Yeats describes a “rough beast” moving toward Bethlehem to be “born.” This beast represents a new, frightening power coming into the world. It stands for the collapse of old moral values and the rise of something violent and dark. This new era is approaching, but it brings fear and uncertainty.
The title, “The Second Coming,” refers to the Christian idea of Christ returning to Earth. But for Yeats, this return is not peaceful or hopeful. Instead, it signals the arrival of a darker force. The beast being “born” in Bethlehem is the opposite of Christ’s expected return; it means chaos and destruction rather than salvation.
The poem ends with a feeling of fear and an unclear future. Yeats leaves us with the image of the “rough beast” heading toward an unknown fate, suggesting that humanity is close to a new and scary time that we cannot fully understand yet. The last lines raise the troubling question of what kind of world this new power will create, hinting at destruction and turmoil.
In short, “The Second Coming” gives a dark view of the end of one time and the frightening start of another. Yeats shows a world in chaos where old beliefs and structures are no longer trusted. The poem’s strong images convey that humanity is heading toward an unpredictable and dangerous future.
the second coming theme
- Destruction and Chaos: The poem talks about the end of a time and the breakdown of society, hinting at the start of a new, darker period.
- Prophecy and Warning: Yeats suggests a vision of a scary figure coming, which is seen as a sign of bad times ahead.
- History Cycles: The poem shows Yeats’s belief that history goes in cycles, where one time leads to another, often filled with trouble.
Poetic Devices and Techniques:
- Imagery: Yeats uses strong and disturbing images, like “blood-dimmed tide” and “rough beast,” to create a feeling of fear and certainty.
- Symbolism: The “widening gyre” stands for losing order, while the “rough beast” represents a new, threatening force.
- Metaphor: The poem is full of metaphors, using the falcon and falconer to show losing control and falling into chaos.
- Structure: The poem flows freely, reflecting the chaotic and prophetic ideas within it.
the second coming (poem) analysis
Structure and Form:
“The Second Coming” is written in free verse, allowing Yeats to express his vision without strict rules. It has two parts: the first shows the current chaos, and the second warns of a new, dark force coming.
Imagery and Symbolism:
- Widening Gyre: Shows the loss of order and control.
- Falcon and Falconer: Represents the gap between people and their guiding values.
- Blood-dimmed Tide: Reflects the violence of the time.
- Rough Beast: Symbolizes the new, threatening force that will come after the old order falls apart.
Themes of Destruction and Chaos:
Yeats’s poem thinks about how history repeats itself and how societies decay and are reborn. The themes of destruction and chaos are important, reflecting the poet’s fears about the future and his belief in the cycles of history.
Critical Perspectives
Historical and Political Contexts:
“The Second Coming” was written after World War I, during a time of major political and social change. Yeats’s poem shows the widespread disappointment and sense of doom that many felt after the war.
Reception and Impact:
The poem has been studied and praised for its visionary qualities. It has inspired many writers and thinkers who see connections between its themes and various historical events.
Scholarly Interpretations:
Scholars have looked at “The Second Coming” from different angles, including its historical background, use of symbolism and imagery, and thoughts on the cycles of history. The poem remains a popular topic for study and discussion.
Comparative Study
Similarities and Differences
Themes and Motifs:
- Power and Violence: Both “Leda and the Swan” and “The Second Coming” look at power and violence. In “Leda and the Swan,” Zeus’s violent encounter with Leda shows this power. In “The Second Coming,” images of chaos represent a different type of violence and struggle for power.
- Transformation: Change is an important idea in both poems. “Leda and the Swan” shows a physical and historical change from the encounter, while “The Second Coming” shows a change in society and spirit as the old ways fall apart.
- Historical Context: Both poems are shaped by history. “Leda and the Swan” is based on Greek mythology, and “The Second Coming” reflects the effects of World War I and a feeling of disaster ahead.
Poetic Techniques:
- Imagery and Symbolism: Yeats uses strong images and symbols in both poems. “Leda and the Swan” uses the swan and Leda to show divine power and human weakness, while “The Second Coming” uses symbols like the widening gyre and the rough beast to show chaos and a new age.
- Structure: “Leda and the Swan” is a sonnet, giving it a tight structure. “The Second Coming” is in free verse, allowing for a more flowing expression.
- Language: Both poems use powerful language to express their themes, but “The Second Coming” has a darker tone compared to the dramatic tone of “Leda and the Swan.”
Philosophical and Cultural Contexts:
- Mythology and History: “Leda and the Swan” relies on Greek myths, while “The Second Coming” takes a wider historical view, showing Yeats’s belief in history’s cycles.
- Modernism: Both poems are important Modernist works, showing the confusion and challenges of the early 20th century.
Yeats’s Evolution as a Poet
- Transition from Early to Later Works: Yeats’s early poetry was influenced by Romanticism and Irish myths. His later works, including these two poems, show a deeper engagement with history, mythology, and modern life.
- Development of Style and Themes: Over time, Yeats’s style became richer with symbols, and his themes became more universal. “Leda and the Swan” and “The Second Coming” show this evolution, highlighting his skill in using symbols and deep thoughts about humanity and history.
Conclusion
- Summary of Key Points: Both “Leda and the Swan” and “The Second Coming” are important Modernist poems that discuss power, change, and historical shifts. Yeats’s use of strong imagery, symbols, and different poetic styles adds depth to these themes.
- Yeats’s Contribution to Twentieth Century Poetry: Yeats’s work is a major part of 20th-century poetry, mixing personal, mythological, and historical themes to create lasting and powerful works.
- Relevance in Contemporary Literature: The themes in Yeats’s poetry, like the cycles of history, the effects of power, and the changes brought by violence, are still important in today’s literature and culture, making his work relevant now as it was then.