End of the World: The Second Coming

The video explores William Butler Yeats's poem 'The Second Coming,' focusing on its themes, imagery, and historical context. The analysis delves into the poem's use of binaries and parallels, highlighting its pessimistic view of the world. The second stanza's apocalyptic imagery is examined, revealing Yeats's vision of a destructive future. The poem's influence on literature is discussed, with references to works by Chinua Achebe and Joan Didion.

What is the overall tone of the poem, and how does it reflect Yeats's perspective on the world?

What role does the concept of the 'Second Coming' play in the poem's message?

Analyze the use of repetition in the second stanza and its impact on the reader's understanding.

In what ways has 'The Second Coming' influenced modern literature and culture?