Analysis of Societal Breakdown in Yeats' 'The Second Coming'

Very Hard Reading Comprehension Supporting Details

In the poem 'The Second Coming' by W.B. Yeats, the speaker reflects on a world in chaos, observing the disintegration of social order and the rise of an uncertain future. The speaker invokes vivid imagery connecting historical and prophetic allusions, notably referencing the 'rough beast' slouching towards Bethlehem. The overall themes delve into disillusionment and the cyclical nature of history.

Read the following lines from 'The Second Coming':

'Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; / Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,'

'The best lack all conviction, while the worst / Are full of passionate intensity.'

Based on this excerpt, which of the following lines most strongly supports the theme of societal breakdown as introduced by the speaker?

'The falcon cannot hear the falconer;'

'Turning and turning in the widening gyre.'

'The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere / The ceremony of innocence is drowned.'

'The ceremony of innocence is drowned.'

'And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, / Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?'

Hint

Submitted14.1K

Correct10.2K

% Correct73%