The second coming

Definition

The Second Coming refers to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ to Earth, a concept rooted in Christian eschatology. In modernist poetry, this term symbolizes not only religious themes but also the chaos and disillusionment of the early 20th century, often reflecting on societal upheaval and the search for meaning in a fractured world. It serves as a metaphor for change, rebirth, and the potential for salvation amidst despair.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the Second Coming is rooted in biblical texts, particularly in the New Testament, where it signifies hope for redemption and restoration.
2. In modernist poetry, references to the Second Coming often highlight feelings of uncertainty and existential dread following World War I and other societal upheavals.
3. W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Second Coming' is one of the most famous modernist works that explores this theme, portraying a chaotic world on the brink of transformation.
4. The imagery associated with the Second Coming frequently evokes feelings of impending doom or crisis, capturing the anxieties of a rapidly changing society.
5. The idea contrasts with traditional religious notions by emphasizing ambiguity and questioning whether redemption is achievable in such troubled times.

Review Questions

• How does modernist poetry reinterpret the traditional notion of the Second Coming?
  • Modernist poetry reinterprets the traditional notion of the Second Coming by infusing it with themes of chaos, disillusionment, and existential questioning. Rather than merely portraying a hopeful return of Christ, poets like W.B. Yeats reflect on societal breakdown and the uncertain future facing humanity. This shift highlights how modernists use religious imagery to comment on contemporary issues, portraying a world that feels lost rather than assuredly saved.
• In what ways does W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Second Coming' embody modernist themes through its use of imagery?
  • W.B. Yeats' 'The Second Coming' embodies modernist themes through its stark and unsettling imagery that captures the tumultuous spirit of its time. The poem presents apocalyptic visions where 'things fall apart' and a 'rough beast' emerges, symbolizing chaos and transformation. This vivid portrayal conveys both fear and anticipation, illustrating how modernists grappled with radical changes in society and sought to articulate their anxieties through potent visual symbols.
• Evaluate the significance of the Second Coming as a metaphor in modernist poetry in relation to social upheaval during the early 20th century.
  • The significance of the Second Coming as a metaphor in modernist poetry lies in its ability to encapsulate profound social upheaval during the early 20th century. As poets grappled with the impacts of World War I, industrialization, and rapid societal shifts, this metaphor became a lens through which they examined themes of despair, crisis, and potential renewal. By invoking the Second Coming, modernist poets not only critique prevailing norms but also explore the paradoxical hope for salvation amidst overwhelming chaos, offering readers a complex understanding of their era's struggles.

Related terms

Apocalypse: A prophetic revelation regarding the end of the world and the final judgment, often associated with dramatic transformations and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and a focus on new techniques to express complex realities.

Symbolism: A literary movement that uses symbols to convey deeper meanings and emotions, often exploring the complexities of life through suggestive imagery.