Interpreting 'The Second Coming' by W. B. Yeats: The Antichrist, Autocracy, or Ruin?

The renowned Irish poet W. B. Yeats composed the poem The Second Coming in 1919, a time marked by rapid global change and uncertainty. While the poem has more than one interpretation, many readers and scholars see the second coming referenced in the poem as potentially referring to the anti-christ, autocracy, or ruination. This exploration delves into these interpretations and examines the context and language of the poem to determine which of these meanings might be the most fitting.

The Context and History of the Poem

W. B. Yeats was a prolific poet and a leading figure in the Irish Literary Revival. The Second Coming was among his notable works, published in his collection The Tower. The poem was composed in the aftermath of the First World War, a period marked by profound political and social changes. Throughout history, different calamities and upheavals have inspired similar works of literature, fueling conjectures and debates about the meaning behind the words.

The Anti-Christ Interpretation

One of the most common interpretations of 'The Second Coming' is that it predicts the arrival of the anti-christ. This view is rooted in the Middle East, where the poem's imagery might be used in reference to various current events or historical ones. The lines 'Surely some revelation is at hand/... the widening gyre of the storm' are often seen as highlighting the impending appearance of a figure who will bring about chaos and destruction.

Furthermore, the phrase 'A terrible beauty is born' can be interpreted as a metaphor for the anti-christ's emergence, reflecting the paradox that such a malevolent force can arise from the very beauty and goodness of human existence. Yeats's use of religious and mythological imagery, such as the image of the 'sickening speed' and 'things fall apart, the center cannot hold,' suggests a vision of the end times, invoking the concept of the anti-christ as the harbinger of the apocalypse.

The Autocracy Interpretation

Another prevalent interpretation centers on the idea that 'The Second Coming' is about autocracy, specifically the rise and dominance of oppressive regimes. In this view, the poem warns of the looming threat of authoritarianism, an interpretation that aligns with the contemporary political climate of Yeats's time and beyond.

The lines 'The best lack all conviction, while the worst/Are full of passionate intensity' and 'Prison and hell are full of dread assigned zones' might suggest the emergence of tyrants, and the breakdown of moral and ethical structures. The imagery of violence and disorder, such as 'the blood-dimmed tide is loosed' and 'a damp green road' forming beyond the struggle can be seen as representative of the harsh realities of autocratic governance.

The Ruination Interpretation

The third interpretation suggests that 'The Second Coming' is a broader reflection on the ruination of the world. In this view, Yeats is not only warning of a specific entity or system but rather the devastating consequences of unsustainable actions and moral decay. This interpretation sees the poem as a commentary on the environmental, social, and political crises that define our time.

The phrase 'And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?' poses a question about the nature of this ruination. Whether one views the beast as a destructive force or a metaphor for the indifferent natural forces that will inevitably reshape the world, the poem emphasizes the inevitability and-powerlessness of such changes, evoking a sense of impending doom.

Moreover, the imagery of 'Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold' is indicative of the disintegration of societal structures and the failure of traditional frameworks to maintain order. The poem's depiction of chaos and the absence of a clear moral compass aligns with this interpretation, suggesting that the ruination Yeats speaks of is not the arrival of a specific entity but a broader crisis.

Conclusion

Whether 'The Second Coming' by W. B. Yeats references the anti-christ, autocracy, or ruination, the poem remains a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature. Each interpretation offers a unique window into the human condition and our capacity to envision both the best and the worst of what is to come. As with many of Yeats's works, the poem's rich imagery and layered meanings continue to resonate with readers and scholars, inviting ongoing discussion and analysis.

Related Keywords

Second coming, W. B. Yeats, The Second Coming, Yeats poem, anti-christ

Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into the interpretations of 'The Second Coming,' further reading might include Yeats's biographical materials, critical essays on his work, and contemporary analyses of modern political and social issues as they relate to the poem's themes.

References:

Yeats, W. B. The Second Coming (1919). Lovely, R. (1973). Yeats: The Politics of Poetic Form. Harris, J. (1995). W.B. Yeats and Irish History.