W.B. Yeats "The Second Coming". Analysis of an Apocalyptic Poem

Hausarbeit , 2012 , 14 Seiten

Anglistik - Literatur

William Butler Yeats did not just believe in the apocalypse, he was known for his prophetic insights and imaginative visions of the breakdown of civilization. As the Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar ends on December, 21 in 2012, many people suggest this date marks the end of the world or of human civilization. It is of a certain interest that already in the early twentieth century Yeats was concerned with this kind of apocalyptic worldview.

“The Second Coming” therefore is one of the poems that also represents his understanding of the apocalypse, which is not comparable to those who believe in the prophecy of the Mayan calendar. “For him, the apocalypse is always connected with genuine spiritual revelation [and] with vision,” as it is the literal translation of the Greek word (Howes, Kelly 2006: 52).

With this iconic, prophetic poem, he is not only regarded a public hero but also deviates from established popular beliefs, wherefore he is also named the first iconoclastic Modernist in English writing. The stunning, violent imagery and terrifying ritualistic language makes “The Second Coming” an archetypal poem about the return of history with violence. Likewise, as it was composed in 1919 and published in 1920, it represents Yeats’ immediate reaction to the political instable situation of Ireland, England and Europe after Civil War, Russian Revolution and WWI.

In consequence to that, “The Second Coming” is one the most obscure works of Yeats, hence quite difficult to understand in the first place. For this reason, firstly, this paper concentrates on the historical and political background information, which is fundamental to the poem’s understanding.

Secondly, it is this examination’s method to analyze and interpret the poem’s form, structure and images. At that, not only “The Second Coming” in its structure but also this chapter divides into three parts, from which each displays another phase in the development of the poet’s state of mind. Consequently, each line of “The Second Coming” is examined, both to explain the poet’s development and to prove the central issues of W.B. Yeats’ poem.

Eventually, this paper provides a conclusion, wherein its argumentation is summarized. This summary consequently also states the poem’s effect on the reader.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Background Information on W.B. Yeats and "The Second Coming"
• "The Second Coming" - Analysis and Interpretation
  • Form
  • Structure
    • When Things Fall Apart
    • When Some Revelation Is At Hand
    • When A Vast Image Troubles My Sight
• Conclusion
• References

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to analyze and interpret William Butler Yeats' poem "The Second Coming," focusing on its historical and political context, its form, structure, and imagery. The analysis will examine the poet's state of mind and the central issues addressed in the poem.

• The impact of the Irish Civil War, Russian Revolution, and WWI on Yeats' worldview
• The concept of the apocalypse and its connection to spiritual revelation
• The cyclical nature of history and the impending "second coming"
• Yeats' personal experiences and their influence on his poetry
• The role of myth and mysticism in Yeats' work

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction sets the stage for the analysis by introducing the contemporary doomsday theory and Yeats' prophetic insights into the breakdown of civilization. The paper emphasizes the poem's obscurity and the need for historical and political context to understand it.

The second chapter delves into the historical and personal background of "The Second Coming," highlighting the political instability in Ireland and Europe during the early twentieth century. It explores Yeats' personal involvement in Irish politics and his fascination with the Irish eighteenth century, authoritarian forms of government, and violent historical changes.

The third chapter examines the poem's form, structure, and imagery. It analyzes each section of the poem, revealing the poet's development and proving the central issues of Yeats' work. The chapter explores the connection between the poem's structure and the phases in the poet's state of mind.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key themes and concepts explored in "The Second Coming" include apocalyptic worldview, spiritual revelation, cyclical history, Irish nationalism, political instability, violence, myth and mysticism, and the philosophy of gyres. The poem draws on historical events such as the Irish Civil War, Russian Revolution, and WWI, and explores the personal experiences of the poet, including his involvement in Irish politics and his fascination with the occult.

• Hochschule: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (Institut für Anglistik und Amerikanistik)
• Veranstaltung: William Butler Yeats
• Autor: B.A. Anna Stumpe (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2012
• Seiten: 14
• Katalognummer: V306268
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668042551
• ISBN (Buch): 9783668042568
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: William Butler Yeats, poem analysis, The Second Coming, apocalypse, W.B. Yeats