The Second Coming Theme : Themes

“The Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats is a complex and enigmatic poem that reveals several important themes. Some of the key themes in the poetry include:

Apocalypse and Chaos: The poem reveals the chaos and uncertainty of the post-World War I world. Yeats utilizes vivid and unsettling imagery to get a sense of impending doom and societal breakdown. The “rough beast” slouching towards Bethlehem symbolises chaos and destruction.

Historical Cycles: The poem investigates the idea that history is cyclical because societies go through periods of order and chaos. Yeats advances that the world is spiralling into a new era marked by the return of chaos and violence.

Anarchy and Disintegration: The poem mentions a sense of anarchy and disintegration, with falcon and falconer symbolizing the breakdown of traditional authority and control.

The Loss of Innocence: Yeats mourns the loss of innocence and the ideals of the past. He notices the world as a place where the best lack all conviction while the worst are full of passionate intensity.

Myth and Symbolism: Yeats mentions rich mythological and symbolic imagery throughout the poem. The “widening gyre” and the “rough beast” draw from various mythical and mystical traditions to make a sense of foreboding and mystery.

Spirituality and the Occult: The poem touches on Yeats’s interest in the occult and spiritualism. He was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and was impacted by mysticism. The idea of a new spiritual awakening is indicated in the poem.

Fear and Uncertainty: The poem evokes a sense of fear and uncertainty, reflecting the anxieties of the time. It conveys a feeling of foreboding about the future.

Nationalism and Identity: Here, the speaker mentions a reflection on the state of Ireland and its struggle for independence. Yeats was deeply concerned with the Irish nationalist movement, and the poem can be read as a commentary on the nation’s state.

These themes express the depth and complexity of “The Second Coming, “making it a rich and enduring work that continues to be studied and investigated for its profound commentary on the human condition and the state of the world.