Comment on the collective madness as described in the poem?
Question: Comment on the collective madness as described in the poem?
The poem "The Second Coming" by William Butler Yeats is a powerful and prophetic vision of the collapse of civilization and the rise of a new and terrifying order. The poet uses vivid imagery and symbolism to depict a world that is spinning out of control, where the best lack conviction and the worst are full of passionate intensity. The poem also suggests that history is cyclical and that a new era of violence and chaos is about to begin, as the "rough beast" slouches towards Bethlehem to be born.
What can we make of this bleak and pessimistic view of humanity? How can we comment on the collective madness as described in the poem? One possible way is to relate the poem to the historical and cultural context in which it was written. Yeats wrote the poem in 1919, shortly after the end of World War I, which was one of the most devastating and brutal wars in history. He also witnessed the Irish War of Independence, which was a violent struggle for national liberation from British rule. These events may have influenced his perception of the world as a place of anarchy and bloodshed, where the old values and institutions were crumbling and a new and unknown force was emerging.
Another possible way to comment on the collective madness is to compare and contrast the poem with other literary works that explore similar themes. For example, we could compare it with George Orwell's novel "1984", which depicts a dystopian society where totalitarianism, propaganda, and surveillance are rampant. We could also contrast it with Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech "I Have a Dream", which expresses a hopeful and optimistic vision of racial harmony and justice. These works show different perspectives on the human condition and the potential for change.
A third possible way to comment on the collective madness is to reflect on our own personal experiences and opinions. How do we feel about the state of the world today? Do we agree or disagree with Yeats' outlook? Do we see any signs of hope or despair in our own lives or in the lives of others? Do we have any suggestions or solutions for improving the situation? These questions can help us engage with the poem on a deeper level and form our own critical responses.
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