Assignment of Paper: 106 Modern Anxiety and Cultural Crisis in The Second Coming and Modern Society

Paper 106: The Twentieth Century Literature: 1900 to World War II 

 

Assignment of Paper: 106 Modern Anxiety and Cultural Crisis in The Second Coming and Modern Society   

 

 

 

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Academic Details 

 

• Name: Sandhya Bhut 

• Roll No.: 25 

• Enrollment No.: 5108250004 

• Sem.: 2 

• Batch: 2025 - 2026 

• E-mail: sandhyabhut06@gmail.com 

 

Assignment Details 

 

• Paper Name: The Twentieth Century Literature: 1900 to World War II 

• Paper No.: 106 

• Paper Code: 22399 

• Unit:  4 - Poems: W. B. Yeats 

• Topic: Modern Anxiety and Cultural Crisis in The Second Coming and Modern Society 

• Submitted To: Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University 

• Submitted Date: November 10, 2025 

 

The following information—numbers are counted using Quill Bot. 

 

• Images: 3 

• Words: 3598 

• Characters: 25107 

• Characters without spaces: 21614 

• Paragraphs: 109 

• Sentences: 262 

• Reading time: 14 m 26 s  

 

Abstract 

The early twentieth century was a period of intense political upheaval, social transformation, and cultural uncertainty. One of the most significant literary responses to this crisis is found in The Second Coming, written by W. B. Yeats in 1919. Composed shortly after the devastation of World War I, the poem reflects the widespread sense of anxiety and instability that characterized modern age. Traditional beliefs, political structures, and cultural values appeared to be collapsing, leaving society uncertain about the future. 

This study explores how Yeats represents modern anxiety and cultural crisis through powerful symbolism, historical references, and philosophical ideas. The poem portrays a world where order has disintegrated, and chaos has taken control. Yeats also introduces the idea of cyclical history, suggesting that civilizations move through phases of growth and decline before being replaced by new forms of order. By analyzing the imagery, symbolism, and thematic structure of the poem, this assignment argues that The Second Coming expresses the psychological and cultural tensions of modern society. Furthermore, the poem continues to remain relevant today, as contemporary societies still struggle with political instability, cultural fragmentation, and uncertainty about the future. 

 

Keywords 

Modern Anxiety; Cultural Crisis; Modernism; Symbolism; Historical Cycles; Social Instability; Apocalypse; World War I; Cultural Transformation

Research Question 

How does The Second Coming reflect modern anxiety and cultural crisis, and how can its themes be related to the social and political instability of modern society? 

 

Hypothesis 

This study hypothesizes that The Second Coming symbolically represents the cultural and psychological crisis that emerged in the modern world after the collapse of traditional institutions and values. The poem suggests that historical transitions between civilizations create periods of chaos and uncertainty, which produce anxiety within society. Yeats’s imagery and symbolic language therefore express the fears and instability experienced during times of cultural transformation. 

 

1. Introduction 

The transition from the nineteenth to the twentieth century brought dramatic changes to human society. Scientific discoveries, industrialization, and political revolutions transformed traditional social structures and challenged established beliefs. However, the most significant event that shaped the modern world was World War I. The war resulted in enormous human loss, economic destruction, and widespread psychological trauma. Millions of people began to question the values and institutions that had previously guided society. 

 

Writers and intellectuals responded to this crisis by exploring themes of alienation, uncertainty, and cultural collapse. Among them, W. B. Yeats produced one of the most powerful poetic expressions of the modern crisis in The Second Coming. Written in 1919, the poem presents a disturbing vision of a world where traditional moral and social order has broken down. 

Yeats’s poem reflects the deep anxiety that many people experienced in the aftermath of the war. Instead of presenting a hopeful vision of the future, the poem suggests that humanity is entering a new historical era characterized by chaos and uncertainty. Through symbolic imagery and prophetic language, Yeats portrays a civilization standing at the edge of transformation. 

2. Historical Background: The Crisis of the Modern World

 

2.1 Impact of World War I

The composition of The Second Coming is deeply connected with the devastating consequences of World War I. This war is often considered one of the most destructive conflicts in modern history, resulting in the death of millions of soldiers and civilians, the destruction of entire cities, and severe economic damage across Europe. Prior to the war, many intellectuals believed that scientific progress, industrial development, and modern education would inevitably lead to a peaceful and progressive society. However, the unprecedented brutality of the war shattered this optimistic belief. Instead of demonstrating the benefits of modern civilization, technological advancement was used to create more efficient instruments of destruction. As a result, the war produced widespread disillusionment and despair. Writers and thinkers began to question the moral foundations of modern civilization, and this atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety strongly influenced Yeats’s poetic imagination. 

 

2.2 Political and Social Instability

The aftermath of the war produced significant political and social upheaval throughout Europe. Many governments became weak or unstable, and several societies experienced revolutions, political protests, and ideological conflicts. A major example of this instability was the Russian Revolution, which overthrew the centuries-old Tsarist monarchy and established a communist political system. At the same time, several powerful empires including the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires collapsed, leading to the creation of new nation-states and political tensions across the continent. These dramatic transformations generated widespread uncertainty about the future of political order. Many people believed that the traditional structures that had maintained stability in Europe were disintegrating. This sense of political fragmentation and social conflict forms an important background to Yeats’s depiction of a world where “things fall apart” and chaos threatens to dominate society. 

 

2.3 Loss of Traditional Authority 

Another important aspect of the early twentieth-century crisis was the weakening of traditional institutions that had historically provided social stability. For centuries, institutions such as monarchy, organized religion, and aristocratic social hierarchies had played a central role in shaping political and cultural life. However, the devastation of World War I led many people to question the legitimacy of these institutions. Critics argued that traditional political and religious authorities had failed to prevent the war or protect society from its destructive consequences. As a result, public confidence in established systems of authority declined significantly. This loss of faith created a moral and spiritual vacuum in which individuals struggled to find new sources of meaning and guidance. Yeats reflects this crisis of authority through symbolic images in his poem, suggesting that humanity has become disconnected from the forces that once maintained order and balance. 

 

2.4 Cultural Anxiety

The combination of war, political instability, and the collapse of traditional authority produced a deep sense of cultural anxiety across Europe. Many people felt that the world was entering a period of profound historical transformation in which the familiar structures of civilization were disappearing. This atmosphere of uncertainty and fear is vividly captured in Yeats’s poetic vision. Through symbolic imagery and prophetic language, Yeats portrays a world in which established values are collapsing and chaos is spreading throughout society. The poem therefore reflects not only a historical moment but also a broader psychological condition experienced by many individuals in the modern age. By presenting images of disorder and impending change, Yeats expresses the collective anxiety of a civilization confronting the possibility of its own decline. 

 

3. The Collapse of Social Order 

 

One of the most significant themes in The Second Coming is the breakdown of social, moral, and political order in the modern world. W. B. Yeats presents a powerful vision of a society in which the traditional structures that once maintained stability and unity have begun to disintegrate. The poem reflects the anxiety and uncertainty experienced by many people in the early twentieth century, particularly in the aftermath of World War I. Through striking imagery and symbolic language, Yeats portrays a world in which chaos and disorder are gradually replacing stability and moral authority. 

This sense of cultural and social collapse is most clearly expressed in the famous lines: 

“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.” 

These lines have become some of the most frequently quoted expressions of modern cultural anxiety. The phrase “things fall apart” suggests that the structures that once held society together are breaking down. The “centre” symbolizes the core values, institutions, and moral principles that provide stability to a civilization. These may include political systems, religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and shared ethical norms. When Yeats states that the centre cannot hold, he implies that these stabilizing forces have lost their authority and effectiveness. As a result, society becomes vulnerable to disorder, fragmentation, and conflict. 

The phrase “mere anarchy is loosed upon the world” further intensifies this vision of chaos. Anarchy here does not simply refer to the absence of government; rather, it represents the complete collapse of moral and social order. Yeats suggests that once the central organizing principles of society weaken, destructive forces begin to dominate public life. The poem therefore reflects a deep fear that civilization itself may be entering a period of instability and decline. 

Yeats develops this idea further in the following lines: 

“The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.” 

These lines highlight the moral confusion and imbalance that characterize periods of social crisis. Yeats observes that individuals who possess wisdom, moderation, and moral responsibility often appear hesitant or uncertain when confronting major social problems. In contrast, those driven by aggressive ideologies or destructive ambitions often act with great confidence and intensity. This reversal of moral authority creates a dangerous situation in which extremist forces gain influence while responsible leadership becomes weak or ineffective. 

In the historical context of the early twentieth century, these lines can be understood as reflecting the political instability that followed World War I. The collapse of empires, economic crises, and widespread social unrest created conditions in which radical political movements began to gain support. Although Yeats did not explicitly refer to specific political ideologies, later critics have interpreted these lines as anticipating the rise of authoritarian regimes in Europe during the interwar period. 

The poem therefore captures the psychological atmosphere of a society experiencing deep cultural uncertainty. Fear, confusion, and the erosion of traditional values create a situation in which social cohesion becomes increasingly fragile. In this sense, the “collapse of the center” represents not only a political crisis but also a broader moral and cultural disintegration. 

Through these powerful images, Yeats portrays modern civilization as standing at a critical historical moment. The established order is collapsing, yet the nature of the new order that will replace it remains unknown. This uncertainty generates the sense of anxiety and foreboding that defines the poem’s vision of the modern world. 

 

4. Yeats’s Theory of Historical Cycles 

 

The philosophical framework underlying The Second Coming derives from Yeats’s complex theory of historical cycles, which he elaborates in his mystical treatise A Vision. According to this theory, human history progresses through a series of cyclical phases rather than following a linear trajectory of continuous improvement. 

Yeats conceptualizes these cycles through the image of the gyre, a spiraling movement that expands and contracts over time. Each gyre represents a particular historical era characterized by distinctive cultural values and social structures. As one gyre widens and loses coherence, it eventually gives way to the emergence of a new historical cycle. 

The opening lines of The Second Coming illustrate this concept vividly: 

“Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer.” 

Here the falcon symbolizes humanity or social order, while the falconer represents the spiritual or moral authority that once guided civilization. As the falcon spirals outward, it becomes increasingly detached from the falconer’s control. This image suggests that modern society has lost its connection with the moral and spiritual principles that previously maintained order. 

According to Yeats’s cyclical philosophy, such moments of disintegration are not accidental but inevitable. Every civilization eventually reaches a point at which its internal contradictions lead to collapse. The widening gyre therefore represents the transitional phase between the end of one historical epoch and the beginning of another. 

 

5. The Symbolism of the “Rough Beast” 

 

Perhaps the most powerful and enigmatic image in The Second Coming appears in the poem’s final lines: 

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

This image represents the birth of a new historical era that will replace the declining Christian civilization. The reference to Bethlehem is particularly significant because it traditionally symbolizes the birthplace of Christ and the beginning of a spiritual age centered on compassion and redemption. 

Yeats subverts this expectation by imagining the birth of a monstrous creature rather than a divine savior. The “rough beast” therefore symbolizes the terrifying and unpredictable forces that accompany the transition between historical epochs. 

Literary critic Harold Bloom suggests that the beast represents the violent energies released when a civilization collapses, and a new cultural order begins to emerge. Instead of promising moral progress, the new age appears primitive, brutal, and uncertain. 

The ambiguity of the beast’s identity enhances the poem’s symbolic richness. It may  

represent political tyranny, cultural barbarism, or the resurgence of irrational forces within modern society. Whatever its precise meaning, the image conveys a profound sense of historical dread and uncertainty. 

 

6. Cultural Crisis and Modern Society 

 

 

6.1 Continuing Relevance of the Poem

Although The Second Coming was written in 1919, its depiction of cultural crisis remains remarkably relevant to contemporary society. W. B. Yeats captured a universal experience of historical transition in which established systems of order appear to be collapsing. In the early twentieth century, this crisis was largely connected with the aftermath of World War I, which destroyed the stability of European political and cultural life. However, the poem’s themes extend beyond its immediate historical context. Even in the twenty-first century, societies around the world continue to face political tensions, ideological divisions, and social instability. Because of this universality, Yeats’s poem continues to resonate with readers who perceive similar patterns of uncertainty and disorder in modern society. 

 

6.2 Political Polarization and Social Fragmentation

One of the key aspects of modern cultural crisis is the increasing polarization of political and social life. Many contemporary societies experience deep ideological divisions that weaken collective unity and mutual understanding. Conflicts between political groups, religious communities, and cultural identities often create an atmosphere of distrust and confrontation. These tensions make it difficult for societies to maintain a stable consensus regarding shared values and national goals. Yeats’s description of a world where “things fall apart” reflects this fragmentation. His poetic vision suggests that when social groups lose a sense of common purpose, the stability of the entire political system becomes fragile. 

 

6.3 The Impact of Globalization and Technological Change

Another significant factor contributing to modern cultural anxiety is the rapid pace of technological change and globalization. Advances in digital communication have transformed the ways in which people interact, exchange information, and participate in public discourse. While these developments have created new opportunities for global connectivity, they have also intensified social tensions. The widespread use of digital platforms sometimes enables the rapid spread of misinformation, political propaganda, and ideological extremism. As a result, societies often struggle to maintain a shared understanding of truth and reality. This situation contributes to a sense that the traditional mechanisms of social stability are weakening, echoing the atmosphere of uncertainty depicted in Yeats’s poem. 

 

6.4 Crisis of Shared Values and Identity 

Modern societies also face challenges related to the erosion of shared cultural values and collective identity. In earlier historical periods, institutions such as religion, national traditions, and community structures provided individuals with a clear sense of belonging and moral guidance. However, the rapid social transformations of the modern era have weakened many of these traditional frameworks. As individuals encounter diverse cultural influences and competing ideological perspectives, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a unified moral vision. This fragmentation of values can produce feelings of alienation and cultural insecurity. Yeats’s famous assertion that “the centre cannot hold” symbolically captures this condition in which the central principles that once unified society appear to be dissolving. 

6.5 The Poem as a Metaphor for Modern Crisis 

Because of these continuing social and political tensions, Yeats’s poem has often been interpreted as a powerful metaphor for the instability of modern democratic societies. The phrase “the centre cannot hold” has entered public discourse as a way of describing situations in which institutions fail to maintain order or consensus. Although Yeats originally wrote the poem in response to the crisis of his own historical moment, the symbolic nature of his imagery allows it to transcend that context. The poem therefore functions not only as a historical reflection on the early twentieth century but also as a broader commentary on the recurring cycles of cultural anxiety that shape human history. 

 

7. Modernism and Literary Expression 

 

7.1 The Poem within the Modernist Movement

The Second Coming occupies a significant position within the broader movement of literary modernism. Modernist writers sought to develop new artistic forms capable of representing the fragmented and complex realities of modern life. The rapid social and political changes of the early twentieth century made many traditional literary conventions seem inadequate for expressing contemporary experience. As a result, modernist authors experimented with innovative narrative techniques, symbolic imagery, and unconventional structures in order to capture the psychological tensions of the modern age. 

 

7.2 Symbolism and Prophetic Language 

In The Second Coming, Yeats employs powerful symbolism and prophetic language to convey his vision of cultural crisis. Rather than presenting a straightforward narrative, the poem constructs a series of striking images that evoke the atmosphere of a civilization in turmoil. The symbolic nature of these images allows the poem to express complex philosophical ideas in a condensed and emotionally powerful form. Through prophetic language, Yeats adopts the voice of a visionary observer who perceives the approaching transformation of history. This stylistic approach reflects the broader modernist attempt to explore the deeper psychological and spiritual dimensions of modern experience. 

 

7.3 Fragmentation and Modernist Structure 

Another important modernist characteristic of the poem is its fragmented structure. Instead of following a traditional poetic narrative, Yeats presents a sequence of vivid images and symbolic statements that together create a sense of impending catastrophe. This fragmentation mirrors the cultural and social disintegration that the poem describes. By breaking away from conventional poetic forms, Yeats aligns his work with other modernist writers who sought to represent the chaotic and uncertain nature of modern life. The poem’s structure therefore reinforces its thematic focus on disorder and transformation. 

 

7.4 Symbolic Imagery and Psychological Tension 

The imagery of the poem, particularly the widening gyre, the falcon and falconer, and the mysterious “rough beast” creates a symbolic landscape that reflects the psychological tensions of the modern age. These images function not merely as decorative elements but as central metaphors for the historical and cultural transformations that Yeats believed were unfolding. The widening gyre symbolizes the loss of social control, the falcon’s separation from the falconer represents humanity’s detachment from moral authority, and the rough beast suggests the emergence of a new and uncertain historical era. By combining philosophical speculation with vivid poetic imagery, Yeats transforms the historical anxieties of his time into a powerful artistic vision that continues to resonate with readers today. 

 

8. Conclusion 

 

In conclusion, The Second Coming remains one of the most powerful poetic representations of modern anxiety and cultural crisis. Written in the aftermath of World War I, the poem reflects a historical moment in which the political, social, and moral foundations of Western civilization appeared to be collapsing. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, W. B. Yeats captures the sense of instability and fear that characterized the early twentieth century. The famous line “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold” expresses the breakdown of social order and the weakening of traditional systems of authority that once maintained stability in society. 

At a deeper philosophical level, the poem presents Yeats’s vision of history as a series of recurring cycles in which civilizations rise, decline, and eventually give way to new cultural orders. Through powerful symbols such as the widening gyre and the mysterious “rough beast,” Yeats suggests that the collapse of an old order is often accompanied by uncertainty and anxiety about the future. Yet this transformation also signals the beginning of a new historical phase. For this reason, The Second Coming continues to resonate with modern readers, as contemporary societies still experience political conflict, cultural fragmentation, and rapid social change. The poem therefore remains a timeless reflection on the fragile balance between order and chaos in human history. 

 

9. References:  

Berg, Manfred, and Axel Jansen. “Americans in World War I – World War I in America.” The Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, vol. 17, no. 4, 2018, pp. 599–607. Cambridge University Press, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-gilded-age-and-progressive-era/article/americans-in-world-war-i-world-war-i-in-america/EC1F5742A80B76A3EF71830A0BBC8A0D. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026. 

 

Booker, M. Keith. “Cultural Crisis Then and Now: Science, Literature, and Religion in John Banville’s Doctor Copernicus and Kepler.” Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction, vol. 39, no. 2, 1998, pp. 176–192. https://doi.org/10.1080/00111619809599529. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026. 

 

Dawson, Matt. “Modern Maturity: Middle-Aged Anxiety in Modern American Fiction.” Literature Compass, vol. 6, no. 1, 2009, pp. 253–273. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00591.x. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026. 

 

Leoussi, Athena S. “Classical Humanism and Modern Societies.” Society, vol. 37, no. 1, 2000, pp. 70–77. Springer, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12115-000-1040-z. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026. 

 

Mejdahl, Christina T., et al. “COVID-19 as Moral Breakdown: Entangled Ethical Demands Experienced by Hospital-Based Nurses in the Early Onset of the Pandemic.” Nursing Inquiry, vol. 30, 2023, article e12508. Wiley Online Library, https://doi.org/10.1111/nin.12508. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026. 

 

W. B. Yeats. “The Second Coming.” Poetry Foundation, 1920, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43290/the-second-coming. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026. 

 

Wheeler, Richard P. “Yeats’ ‘Second Coming’: What Rough Beast?” American Imago, vol. 31, no. 3, 1974, pp. 23