The second coming

Definition

The Second Coming refers to the anticipated return of Christ to Earth as prophesied in Christian eschatology, symbolizing a time of judgment and renewal. This concept reflects a period where societal chaos and moral decline precede a transformative change, often depicted through apocalyptic imagery and themes of hope amidst despair.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'the Second Coming' is prominently featured in various literary works, especially in modernist poetry, which often explores themes of disillusionment and societal upheaval.
2. W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Second Coming' uses vivid imagery to portray a chaotic world on the brink of transformation, highlighting the tension between despair and hope.
3. The concept evokes powerful symbolism, such as the sphinx in Yeats' poem, representing a new era that is both frightening and necessary for rebirth.
4. Modernist poets frequently employed the Second Coming motif to critique contemporary society's moral decay and to suggest that significant change is imminent.
5. The anticipation of the Second Coming can be seen as both a cultural response to the trauma of World War I and a reflection of broader existential concerns during the early 20th century.

Review Questions

• How does W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Second Coming' illustrate modernist themes through its portrayal of societal chaos?
  • In 'The Second Coming,' Yeats captures modernist themes by presenting a world marked by violence and fragmentation. The imagery of the falcon turning away from the falconer symbolizes loss of control in society, while the chaotic swirl of events suggests an impending transformation. This aligns with modernist perspectives that often reflect disillusionment with traditional values and highlight the uncertainty of the future.
• Discuss how the concept of the Second Coming serves as a critique of contemporary society in modernist poetry.
  • The Second Coming serves as a critique by highlighting the moral decay and instability present in contemporary society. Poets like Yeats use this theme to comment on political unrest, social chaos, and spiritual emptiness experienced during their times. By framing these issues within an apocalyptic context, they emphasize the urgency for renewal and transformation, suggesting that only through such upheaval can society find meaning again.
• Analyze the impact of apocalyptic imagery associated with the Second Coming on modernist literature and its reflection on human experience.
  • Apocalyptic imagery associated with the Second Coming profoundly influences modernist literature by creating a sense of urgency and existential reflection. Poets utilize this imagery to convey feelings of despair amidst societal chaos, revealing deeper anxieties about human existence in an unpredictable world. This not only critiques contemporary issues but also resonates with universal themes of rebirth and transformation, inviting readers to consider their own responses to change in their lives.

Related terms

apocalypse: A genre of literature or a prophetic revelation concerning the end of the world, often involving themes of destruction and renewal.

eschatology: The study of last things or end times in religious contexts, encompassing beliefs about death, judgment, heaven, and the afterlife.

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 ways of expression, often reflecting disillusionment and fragmentation.