“The Second Coming,” one of W.B. Yeats’ most famous poems, has fascinated readers with its vivid imagery, profound themes, and prophetic tone. Written in 1919, during a time of great social and political upheaval, the poem reflects Yeats’ apprehension about the future and his contemplation of a world in transition. This article explores the meaning of “The Second Coming,” examining its historical context, symbolic elements, and the poet‘s philosophical and spiritual concerns.
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Historical Context and Background
The Post-World War I Era
“The Second Coming” was written in the aftermath of World War I, a conflict that profoundly altered the course of history. The war had devastating consequences, leading to widespread destruction, loss of life, and a deep sense of disillusionment. The old world order seemed to be crumbling, and traditional values were being questioned. This period of uncertainty and chaos is reflected in the opening lines of the poem, where Yeats describes a world in turmoil.
The line “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold” captures the sense of instability and the breakdown of social, political, and moral structures. Yeats was deeply concerned with the state of the world, and “The Second Coming” serves as a meditation on the collapse of civilization and the potential emergence of a new, darker era.
Yeats’ Vision of History
Yeats was influenced by his belief in cyclical history, a concept he explored in his work A Vision. According to this theory, history is divided into roughly 2,000-year cycles, with each cycle representing the rise and fall of civilizations. Yeats believed that the world was transitioning from one cycle to another, moving from the Christian era into a new age characterized by chaos and anarchy.
This belief in historical cycles informs the structure and symbolism of “The Second Coming.” The poem’s title itself alludes to the Christian doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ, a momentous event that signifies the end of the world and the beginning of a new era. However, Yeats’ vision of the Second Coming is not one of salvation but rather one of dread and foreboding.
Symbolism and Imagery
The Falcon and the Falconer
The opening image of the falcon and the falconer symbolizes the loss of control and the disintegration of order. In falconry, the falconer controls the falcon’s flight, but in the poem, the falcon “cannot hear the falconer.” This suggests a breakdown in communication and a severing of the connection between humanity and the guiding principles that once governed it.
The image can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the loss of spiritual direction. The falcon, representing humanity, has strayed from the path, unable to hear the call of the divine or moral authority. This disconnection results in chaos, as evidenced by the line “The ceremony of innocence is drowned,” indicating that innocence and purity are overwhelmed by the tide of violence and corruption.
The Sphinx and the Beast
One of the most striking images in the poem is the vision of a monstrous creature emerging from the desert. Yeats describes it as “a shape with lion body and the head of a man,” resembling the Sphinx, a mythical creature associated with mystery and enigma. This image is central to the poem’s meaning, representing the emergence of a new and terrifying force.
The beast’s slow movement towards Bethlehem, “its hour come round at last,” symbolizes the birth of a new era. However, this birth is not a cause for celebration but a harbinger of doom. The “rough beast” embodies the antithesis of the Christian savior, a symbol of destruction and chaos. Its emergence signals the end of the old order and the beginning of a new, darker age.
The Gyre and Cyclical History
The concept of the gyre is crucial to understanding Yeats’ vision of history. A gyre is a spiral or vortex, and Yeats used it to represent the cyclical nature of time. In the poem, he refers to “the widening gyre,” suggesting that the cycle of history is expanding and reaching a critical point.
The idea of the gyre also reflects Yeats’ belief that each cycle of history is characterized by an increasing divergence from the previous one. As the gyre widens, it moves further away from the center, symbolizing the growing instability and fragmentation of the world. The poem suggests that humanity is on the brink of a new cycle, one marked by violence and upheaval.
Philosophical and Spiritual Themes
The Collapse of Civilization
A central theme in “The Second Coming” is the collapse of civilization. Yeats believed that the world was in a state of decline, and the poem captures his sense of foreboding about the future. The imagery of chaos and destruction reflects the poet’s belief that the old order was disintegrating, making way for a new and uncertain era.
The poem’s opening lines, with their reference to things falling apart and the center not holding, encapsulate this theme. The metaphorical center represents the core values and structures that hold society together. As these begin to break down, chaos and anarchy take their place, leading to a world devoid of meaning and purpose.
The Loss of Spiritual Guidance
“The Second Coming” also explores the theme of spiritual crisis. The disconnection between the falcon and the falconer symbolizes the loss of spiritual guidance and the absence of a moral compass. This loss is further emphasized by the image of the rough beast, a symbol of a new, malevolent force that challenges the traditional notions of good and evil.
Yeats was concerned with the spiritual state of the world, and the poem reflects his belief that humanity was moving away from spiritual truth. The reference to the “blood-dimmed tide” and the drowning of innocence suggest a world engulfed in violence and moral decay. In this context, the Second Coming is not a moment of redemption but a time of reckoning and judgment.
Prophecy and Foreboding
The prophetic tone of “The Second Coming” adds to its sense of urgency and dread. The poem’s language and imagery convey a sense of inevitability, as if the events it describes are already in motion and cannot be stopped. Yeats’ use of biblical and mythological references underscores the gravity of the situation, suggesting that humanity is on the brink of a profound and irreversible change.
The poem’s closing lines, with their reference to the rough beast slouching towards Bethlehem, leave the reader with a sense of unease. The image of the beast’s slow, deliberate movement suggests that the new era is inevitable, and its arrival will bring about a fundamental transformation of the world.
Conclusion
“The Second Coming” is a powerful and evocative poem that captures W.B. Yeats’ vision of a world in transition. Through its vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem explores themes of chaos, spiritual crisis, and the cyclical nature of history. Yeats’ prophetic vision of a new and terrifying era reflects his deep concerns about the state of the world and the future of humanity.
The poem’s enduring relevance lies in its exploration of universal themes and its reflection of the anxieties of its time. As readers, we are drawn to Yeats’ portrayal of a world on the brink of change, and the poem continues to resonate with us as we navigate our uncertainties and challenges. “The Second Coming” remains a testament to Yeats’ profound insight and poetic genius, offering a powerful meditation on the human condition and the inexorable march of time.