“The Second Coming” by W.B.

Yeats
Standard: ELA.10. R.1.4: Analyze how authors create multiple layers of meaning and/or ambiguity in a poem.
Objective I can analyze how Yeats creates multiple layers of meaning and/or ambiguity in “The Second Coming.”
1. Yeats uses powerful imagery to evoke a feeling of chaos and doom. How does the image of the falcon who has
lost his falconer contribute to one of the poem’s central themes? What other images further reinforce this theme?
Cite specific examples from the poem to support your answer. At least 75 words in ACEE format.
In the theme of chaos and doom, the definition in terms of benefit and negativity, proposes one of bad terms upon the
earth. With such said, the falcon losing his falconer represents the detachment of concepts such as morality and the
welfare of the population. The author also holds such detachment towards the individuals in the setting of World War 1.
In writing “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold” he refers to himself towards the people living in such time. In the
same reference those people are lost and “lack all conviction” during challenging times.
2. What is the theme message of “The Second Coming”? Use two pieces of evidence to exemplify the theme and
thoroughly explain how these lines illuminate it. At least 75 words in ACEE format.
The theme is revered to “lost humanity and its inability to find control from greater being”. From the falcon to the
falconer, the prompt of a master holds true towards finding order in all chaos. Alternatively, the humans pivot towards
other forms of deity (in reference to evil doings)comes to obscure their vision not letting them see clemency in periods of
conflict. Signified by the beast with the “head of a man” caused the same author blurry vision of which “troubled his
sight” with the vast Spiritus Mundi of the same. Ultimately, in the same case the author finds himself in, others most
likely face the same incident (confused by conflict).
3. EQ: Choose two lines from “The Second Coming” and analyze how they illuminate meaning or are relevant to
the plot of Things Fall Apart. At least 225 words in ACEECEE format.
Amongst all the importance of periods become the important prospect towards the poem. In the case of "The second
coming,” the author introduces the falcon to a spinning gyre across the sky. Through context it is determined that such
time frame refers to the 2000 years occurring after the birth of Christ. Furthermore, after 2000 years it is to be determined
some sort of tribulation after what Yeats considers a point of rejoice (the birth of Christ). With similarity, a time of solemn
being began from the formation of the tribes and continuous existence. With all the villagers in the Igbo society having
some sort of peaceful livelihood, they praised and worshipped their gods, respectively. The same peace among the nations
before World War 1 was held in some form of continuity. As the story progressed, the coming of the missionaries
dispensed an odd sensation of tribulation, a “revelation at hand.” From the introduction of white people, the Igbo society
saw themselves in troubled sight. Where in final analyses comes the second emphasized line, “ Slouches towards
Bethlehem to be born?” Interpreted simply as caution towards an imposing force, the Igbo may have anticipated some
form of interference and inferred some momentous change if such were to happen. Progressing in the story all inferences
held true in the many people converting and the spur of chaos from departing Igbo members.