What Does Yeats Allude To In The Second Coming

What Does Yeats Allude To in "The Second Coming"?

William Butler Yeats's "The Second Coming" is a poem riddled with allusions, making it a rich tapestry of symbolism and meaning open to various interpretations. Published in 1919, it reflects the turbulent aftermath of World War I and the anxieties of a world seemingly spiraling into chaos. Understanding the allusions is crucial to grasping the poem's profound message about societal collapse and the looming possibility of a new, potentially terrifying, age. This exploration will delve into the key allusions in "The Second Coming," analyzing their significance and how they contribute to the poem's overall impact.

The Falcon Cannot Hear the Falconer: A Breakdown of Disorder

The poem opens with the famous line, "Turning and turning in the widening gyre / The falcon cannot hear the falconer." This immediately sets the tone of disintegration and loss of control. The "gyre" refers to a spiral, often associated with Yeats's fascination with the cyclical nature of history and the recurring patterns of rise and fall in civilizations. The falcon, representing order, tradition, and established power structures, is losing its connection to the falconer, symbolizing the guiding hand of authority and reason. This loss of connection signifies a breakdown in societal order and the impending chaos. The widening gyre emphasizes the escalating nature of this disorder; the problem isn't simply a minor disruption, but a rapidly expanding spiral of instability.

This allusion to the falcon and falconer, while not explicitly referencing a specific historical event or text, acts as a powerful metaphor for the general sense of societal unraveling that Yeats observed in the post-war world. The image is visually striking and immediately conveys the sense of impending doom and the loss of control that permeates the poem.

Blood-Dimmed Tide: Allusions to Historical and Mythological Chaos

The poem continues with the unsettling lines, "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; / Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, / The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere / The ceremony of innocence is drowned." These lines evoke a sense of complete societal breakdown. The "centre cannot hold" alludes to the crumbling of established social, political, and moral structures. This is not merely a political upheaval, but a fundamental shattering of the very foundations of civilization. The "blood-dimmed tide" is a powerful image of violence and destruction, possibly referencing the immense bloodshed of World War I. The "ceremony of innocence" refers to the loss of traditional values and beliefs that once provided a sense of order and morality. The imagery conjures a world overwhelmed by brutality and stripped of its former innocence.

These powerful images, while evocative and visceral in their own right, also function as allusions to broader historical and mythological themes of societal collapse. The imagery is reminiscent of apocalyptic narratives found in various religious and mythical traditions, hinting at a world plunging into primal chaos. The phrase "blood-dimmed tide" evokes images of bloodshed and destruction found in numerous historical conflicts, reinforcing the sense of a world consumed by violence.

An Image of the Sphinx: Allusion to Ancient Mysteries and Prophecy

The poem's central image, "And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, / Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?" presents a powerful and ambiguous allusion. The "rough beast" is often interpreted as an anti-Christ figure or a symbol of a new, destructive force emerging to replace the old order. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, is used ironically to highlight the impending arrival of something profoundly different and potentially evil. This inversion of expectation creates a disturbing juxtaposition.

The imagery hints at the Sphinx, a creature from ancient Greek mythology known for its riddles and enigmatic nature. The Sphinx represents the unknown and the unpredictable, symbolizing the mysteries of the future and the challenges humanity faces in the face of uncertainty. Its presence suggests a connection to ancient prophecies and warnings about the cyclical nature of history, hinting that the future might be a return to a dark past or the emergence of something wholly new and unforeseen. This serves as a chilling metaphor for the unpredictable and potentially destructive forces at play in the post-war world.

The "rough beast" is not merely a physical entity; it is a symbol of the societal changes and the unknown dangers that loom in the future. The allusion to Bethlehem adds a layer of religious irony, suggesting that the birth of something profoundly different – something potentially destructive – is about to occur. The beast's slow approach, described as “slouching,” enhances the sense of inevitability and dread.

The Second Coming: Allusions to Christian Eschatology

The title itself, "The Second Coming," is a direct allusion to Christian eschatology, the study of the end times. While not explicitly a Christian poem, Yeats utilizes the imagery and themes associated with the Second Coming of Christ to explore the anxieties surrounding the post-war world. The poem doesn't necessarily predict the literal return of Christ, but rather employs the concept of a transformative, apocalyptic event that will fundamentally alter the course of history.

The poem, however, subtly twists this Christian concept. Instead of a benevolent savior, a monstrous and unpredictable force is anticipated. This subversion of traditional Christian imagery highlights Yeats's skepticism and pessimism about the future. The expected savior is replaced by something far more terrifying, reflecting Yeats's own disillusionment with the promise of progress and the perceived descent into chaos.

The "blood-dimmed tide" and the "ceremony of innocence drowned"

These lines directly relate to the collapse of traditional social structures and the rise of violence and anarchy that followed World War I. The "blood-dimmed tide" represents the widespread bloodshed of the war, while the drowning of the "ceremony of innocence" symbolizes the loss of traditional values and beliefs in the wake of the conflict. These lines represent an expression of Yeats’s anxiety and fear in the face of extreme turmoil and societal change.

A "Spiritus Mundi" and the Disintegration of Order: A Deeper Dive into Yeats's Philosophy

Yeats's poetry is deeply rooted in his esoteric beliefs and philosophical system, heavily influenced by his interest in mysticism and the concept of a "Spiritus Mundi," a universal spirit or collective consciousness. The poem hints at this concept through the imagery of disintegration and the arrival of a new, potentially chaotic force. The breakdown of order might, in Yeats's view, be a necessary stage in the cyclical process of historical change, allowing for the emergence of something new from the ashes of the old. The poem, therefore, isn't simply a lament for the past but also a contemplation of the potential for both destruction and renewal inherent in the cosmic order.

The "Spiritus Mundi" concept also helps to explain the poem's ambiguous tone. The poem isn't merely a prediction of doom, but an exploration of the uncertainty and anxiety associated with the potential shifts in the collective consciousness of humanity. This adds a layer of complexity to the poem, making it not just a political commentary but also a philosophical meditation on the cyclical nature of history and the unpredictable forces that shape human destiny.

The "Rough Beast" and the Transformation of Humanity

The poem's ambiguity also relates to its exploration of the potential transformation of humanity. The "rough beast" could be interpreted as a symbol of both destructive and creative forces. The birth of this beast might signify the end of one era and the beginning of another, potentially leading to the transformation of human consciousness and the emergence of a new societal order, however brutal or unexpected.

The poem's open-ended nature suggests that the future remains uncertain. The arrival of the "rough beast" is not simply a catastrophe, but a catalyst for change. While the immediate implications are unsettling, the poem also hints at the potential for renewal and transformation, even if that transformation comes at a significant cost.

The "blood-dimmed tide" and the “falcon cannot hear the falconer”: Interconnected Themes

The themes of societal disintegration and loss of control are interconnected throughout the poem. The “blood-dimmed tide” represents the violent consequences of the collapse of societal order, while the “falcon cannot hear the falconer” alludes to the loss of authority and guidance that allows this chaos to escalate. These lines work together to create a unified message about a world spinning out of control.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Ambiguity and Enduring Relevance

"The Second Coming" remains a powerful and unsettling poem because of its deliberate ambiguity. The allusions used by Yeats are not straightforward; they invite multiple interpretations and encourage readers to engage in their own analysis. This ambiguity contributes to the poem's lasting power and relevance.

The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with readers across different historical contexts. While written in response to the specific anxieties of the post-World War I era, its themes of societal breakdown, the loss of order, and the emergence of new, unpredictable forces continue to resonate with contemporary readers grappling with global crises and uncertainties.

The allusions, far from being merely decorative elements, are essential to the poem's meaning and its capacity to evoke powerful emotions. They serve as a catalyst for reflection and provide a framework for understanding the complexity of human history and the unpredictable forces that shape our destinies. "The Second Coming" remains a testament to Yeats’s masterful use of language and his ability to capture the anxieties and uncertainties of a world on the brink of transformation. Its enduring relevance is a testament to its potent imagery and its exploration of themes that continue to challenge and provoke us.