Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
W.B. Yeats’ “The Second Coming,” written in 1919 in the aftermath of World War I and amidst the Irish War of Independence, is a seminal poem of the modernist era. It’s a powerful and disturbing vision of societal disintegration and the anticipation of a new, brutal age. The poem’s enduring impact stems not just from its evocative language, but from Yeats’ masterful weaving together of historical anxieties and ancient mythological patterns. Rather than simply referencing these elements, Yeats organically integrates them, using mythology as a lens through which to understand and interpret the unfolding historical crisis, and vice versa. This synthesis creates a sense of inevitability and profound dread.
The Historical Context and its Mythological Echoes
Yeats was deeply concerned with the cyclical nature of history, influenced by his study of esoteric philosophies and the work of Italian historian Giambattista Vico. Vico’s theory of historical cycles – the age of gods, heroes, and men – profoundly shaped Yeats’ worldview. The poem reflects the anxieties of a Europe reeling from the devastation of the First World War, the collapse of empires, and the rise of revolutionary ideologies. This historical turmoil is not presented as a unique event, but as a recurring pattern, mirroring the decline and rebirth of civilizations throughout history.
Imagery of Disintegration: A Breakdown of Order
The opening stanza vividly depicts a world falling apart. The lines “Turning and turning in the widening gyre / The falcon cannot hear the falconer” establish a central image of lost control and spiraling chaos. The “gyre,” a conical spiral, is a key symbol in Yeats’ system, representing historical cycles. The falcon, traditionally a symbol of nobility and control, is now disconnected from its master, signifying the breakdown of traditional authority and social order. This image directly reflects the political instability of post-war Europe, where established powers were crumbling and new, often radical, forces were emerging.
The Beast and the Sphinx: Mythological Archetypes of a New Age
The second stanza introduces the terrifying image of “a shape with lion body and the head of a man, / A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun.” This creature, often referred to as “the Beast,” is a composite figure drawing on various mythological sources. Its lion body evokes the Egyptian god Sekhmet, a fierce warrior goddess associated with destruction and chaos. The human head suggests a distorted, inhuman intelligence. The “rough beast” slouching towards Bethlehem is a deliberate inversion of the Christian Nativity, suggesting not a savior, but a monstrous harbinger of a new, terrifying era. The Sphinx-like gaze, “blank and pitiless,” further emphasizes the creature’s indifference to human suffering and its embodiment of a cold, impersonal force.
The Role of Christian and Esoteric Symbolism
Yeats deliberately subverts Christian imagery throughout the poem. Bethlehem, traditionally associated with the birth of Christ, is now the destination of the Beast, signifying the death of traditional values and the arrival of a new, anti-Christian force. The poem also draws heavily on esoteric traditions, particularly Theosophy, which Yeats explored extensively. The concept of “rough beast” can be linked to the idea of a cosmic force that periodically destroys and renews the universe. The poem’s structure itself, with its cyclical imagery, reflects the esoteric belief in reincarnation and the eternal return.
Integration, Not Just Inclusion: A Unified Vision
The power of “The Second Coming” lies in how Yeats doesn’t simply *add* mythology to history, but *fuses* them. The historical anxieties of the early 20th century are not merely illustrated by mythological symbols; they are *understood* through them. The breakdown of order in Europe is not just a political event; it’s a manifestation of a larger, cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth. The Beast is not just a monstrous creature; it’s the embodiment of a historical force, a symbol of the barbarity that Yeats believed was lurking beneath the surface of civilization. This integration creates a sense of profound inevitability and a chillingly prescient vision of the future.
Furthermore, the poem’s fragmented structure and ambiguous language contribute to this sense of integration. The lack of clear narrative or resolution mirrors the chaotic nature of the historical moment and the uncertainty of the future. The poem doesn’t offer answers; it presents a disturbing vision that forces the reader to confront the darker aspects of human history and the potential for societal collapse.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Second Coming” is a masterful example of how history and mythology can be integrated into a powerful and unified artistic vision. Yeats doesn’t merely use mythological symbols to illustrate historical events; he employs them as a framework for understanding the cyclical nature of history and the potential for societal disintegration. The poem’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to tap into our deepest fears about the future and to remind us of the fragility of civilization. It remains a haunting and prophetic warning about the dangers of unchecked chaos and the potential for the birth of a new, terrifying age.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.