This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 106 - The Twentieth Century Literature: 1900 to World War II, Sem - 2, 2026
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Paper 106: The Twentieth Century Literature: 1900 to World War II
Assignment of Paper: 106 Apocalyptic Anxiety and the Collapse of Order: Re-reading The Second Coming and On Being Asked for a War Poem in the Context of Pandemic Fear, Global Conflict, and Contemporary Political Instability.
Table of Content
1. Abstract
2. Keywords
3. Research Questions
4. Hypothesis
5. Introduction
6. Historical Crisis and Yeats’s Vision of a Changing World
6.2 The Symbolism of the Gyre
7.2 The Birth of the “Rough Beast”
8.2 The Independence of Artistic Expression
9.2 Pandemic Fear and Social Disruption
10.2 Cultural Memory and Symbolic Language
11.1 The Enduring Relevance of Yeats’s Poetry
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: “Apocalyptic Anxiety and the Collapse of Order: Re-reading The Second Coming and On Being Asked for a War Poem in the Context of Pandemic Fear, Global Conflict, and Contemporary Political Instability.”
- Submitted To: Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
- Submitted Date: 03 May 2026
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- Reading time: 9 m 13 s
Abstract
This research paper examines apocalyptic anxiety and the collapse of social order in the poems The Second Coming and On Being Asked for a War Poem by W. B. Yeats in relation to contemporary global crises. Written in the aftermath of the World War I, Yeats’s poetry reflects deep concerns about cultural instability, moral disintegration, and the transformation of historical epochs. Through symbolic imagery such as the “widening gyre,” the collapse of the “centre,” and the emergence of the “rough beast,” Yeats presents a vision of a world experiencing profound political and spiritual turmoil. This paper reinterprets these poetic images within the context of modern anxieties generated by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, global conflict, and increasing political instability. Drawing upon contemporary philosophical and psychoanalytic scholarship, the study argues that Yeats’s apocalyptic imagery remains highly relevant in the twenty-first century because it reflects recurring human fears about the fragility of civilization and the uncertainty of historical change. Furthermore, the paper examines Yeats’s refusal to produce propaganda in On Being Asked for a War Poem, highlighting the poet’s belief in the ethical independence of literature during times of political conflict. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that Yeats’s poetry continues to provide valuable insight into modern experiences of crisis, cultural transformation, and collective anxiety.
Keywords
Apocalyptic Anxiety, Modern Crisis and Literature, Political Instability, Pandemic Literature, War Poetry, Symbolism and Historical Cycles, Cultural Collapse, Modernist Poetry
Research Questions
- How does W. B. Yeats portray the collapse of social and moral order in The Second Coming?
- In what ways does On Being Asked for a War Poem reflect Yeats’s perspective on the ethical responsibility of poets during times of war?
- How can Yeats’s apocalyptic imagery be reinterpreted in relation to contemporary global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and modern political instability?
- Why does Yeats’s vision of historical transformation continue to resonate with modern readers living in an era of uncertainty and global conflict?
Hypothesis
This study hypothesizes that the apocalyptic imagery and symbolic language used by W. B. Yeats in The Second Coming and On Being Asked for a War Poem remain profoundly relevant to contemporary society because they articulate universal anxieties about the collapse of political authority, cultural instability, and historical transformation. It further assumes that modern global crises particularly events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing geopolitical tensions mirror the social fragmentation and uncertainty depicted in Yeats’s poetry. Therefore, re-reading Yeats’s works in the context of contemporary crises reveals how modernist literature continues to provide critical insight into the psychological and cultural dimensions of global instability.
1. Introduction
Literature has long served as a powerful medium for interpreting historical crises and collective anxieties. During moments of political instability, pandemics, and global conflict, readers often return to earlier literary works that articulate similar fears about the fragility of civilization. One of the most frequently cited poets in such contexts is W. B. Yeats, whose poetry vividly captures the sense of cultural breakdown and historical transformation that defined the early twentieth century.
Written shortly after the devastation of the World War I, Yeats’s poem The Second Coming presents a haunting vision of a world descending into chaos. The poem reflects a profound sense of uncertainty about the future of human civilization, suggesting that established systems of authority, morality, and order are collapsing. In contrast, Yeats’s poem On Being Asked for a War Poem expresses the poet’s resistance to nationalist propaganda and his belief that poetry must maintain moral and intellectual independence during times of conflict.
In the twenty-first century, these poems have acquired renewed relevance in the context of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing geopolitical tensions, and widespread political instability. Contemporary scholars argue that apocalyptic imagery frequently re-emerges during periods when societies experience uncertainty about their political and cultural future. Michael A. Peters notes that modern societies often interpret crises through narratives of civilizational collapse and transformation (Peters, 2021).
This research paper explores how Yeats’s poems The Second Coming and On Being Asked for a War Poem can be reinterpreted in relation to contemporary fears of social collapse. By examining the poems alongside modern philosophical, psychoanalytic, and historical perspectives on crisis, the study demonstrates how Yeats’s poetic vision continues to illuminate the anxieties of the modern world.
2. Historical Crisis and Yeats’s Vision of a Changing World
2.1 The Cultural Trauma of Early Twentieth-Century Europe
The early twentieth century was marked by unprecedented political upheaval and cultural disillusionment. The catastrophic consequences of the World War I shattered the belief that modern civilization was progressing steadily toward stability and peace. Millions of lives were lost, empires collapsed, and Europe entered a period of deep political uncertainty.
Yeats observed these transformations with growing anxiety. His poetry reflects a profound awareness that the established cultural order was disintegrating. Scholars have noted that Yeats developed a unique philosophy of history in which civilizations move through cyclical phases of order and disorder.
Fahmy Farag explains that Yeats believed history progresses through recurring cycles in which “a dominant cultural system gradually loses its stability and is eventually replaced by another historical order” (Farag, 1975). This concept of cyclical history forms the intellectual foundation of The Second Coming.
2.2 The Symbolism of the Gyre
One of the most significant symbols in Yeats’s poetry is the gyre, a spiraling structure that represents historical movement. The opening lines of The Second Coming introduce this symbol through a striking visual metaphor:
“Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer.” (Yeats, 1919)
The widening gyre represents a world spinning beyond control. The falcon, traditionally guided by the falconer, symbolizes a society that has lost connection with its guiding authority. This image suggests that social institutions are no longer capable of maintaining order.
Susan Johnston Graf argues that Yeats’s fascination with mystical symbolism and occult philosophy deeply influenced his interpretation of historical change. According to Graf, Yeats viewed history as “a spiritual and cultural process marked by dramatic shifts between opposing forces of order and chaos” (Graf, 2005).
3. Apocalyptic Imagery and the Collapse of Social Order
3.1 “Things Fall Apart”: The Disintegration of Authority
Perhaps the most famous line in Yeats’s poem captures the essence of social breakdown:
“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.” (Yeats, 1919)
This line expresses a profound sense of cultural and political instability. The “centre” symbolizes the moral and institutional structures that traditionally maintain social order. When this centre collapses, society becomes vulnerable to chaos and violence.
Modern scholars often interpret this line as a reflection of the anxieties that accompany periods of historical crisis. Michael A. Peters observes that apocalyptic narratives frequently emerge when societies begin to fear the collapse of their political and cultural systems. He writes that “discourses of civilizational collapse are increasingly common in contemporary philosophical and political debates” (Peters, 2021).
The enduring popularity of Yeats’s line demonstrates its ability to capture a universal experience of instability.
3.2 The Birth of the “Rough Beast”
The final lines of The Second Coming introduce one of the most haunting images in modern literature:
“And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?” (Yeats, 1919)
This image transforms the traditional Christian expectation of salvation into a disturbing vision of historical transformation. Instead of the birth of a redeemer, Yeats imagines the emergence of a monstrous new force.
Torbjörn Gustafsson Chorell argues that modern interpretations of apocalypse often emphasize historical change rather than divine judgment. According to Chorell, apocalyptic narratives represent moments “when one cultural order dissolves and another begins to take shape” (Chorell, 2024).
In this sense, the “rough beast” symbolizes the unpredictable forces that accompany major historical transitions.
4. The Ethical Responsibility of the Poet in Times of War
4.1 Rejecting Propaganda
While The Second Coming explores the collapse of civilization, Yeats’s On Being Asked for a War Poem addresses the moral dilemma faced by writers during wartime. As Europe moved toward the Second World War, many poets were encouraged to produce patriotic literature that supported national unity.
Yeats resisted this pressure. Instead of glorifying war, he expressed skepticism about the role of poetry in political conflict.
He writes:
“I think it better that in times like these
A poet’s mouth be silent.” (Yeats)
This statement reflects Yeats’s belief that poetry should not be reduced to propaganda. Rather than celebrating violence, he emphasizes the importance of reflection and moral responsibility.
4.2 The Independence of Artistic Expression
Literary critic Denis Donoghue notes that Yeats maintained a complex relationship with politics throughout his career. While he was deeply interested in political events, he resisted the idea that poetry should serve ideological purposes.
Donoghue argues that Yeats “refused to transform poetry into a vehicle of political persuasion” (Donoghue, 2018). Instead, Yeats believed that literature should explore the deeper emotional and philosophical implications of historical conflict.
This perspective highlights the tension between artistic freedom and political responsibility that continues to shape debates about literature today.
5. Contemporary Apocalyptic Anxiety
5.1 Crisis Narratives in the Modern World
In the twenty-first century, global society has experienced multiple crises that have revived interest in apocalyptic narratives. These include pandemics, climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical conflict.
Philosopher Michael A. Peters argues that contemporary political discourse frequently invokes the concept of “civilizational collapse” to describe these challenges (Peters, 2021). Such narratives reflect widespread fears that existing political systems may not survive the pressures of the modern world.
These anxieties closely resemble the fears expressed in Yeats’s poetry.
5.2 Pandemic Fear and Social Disruption
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of modern societies. Healthcare systems were overwhelmed, economies faced severe disruption, and millions of people experienced isolation and uncertainty.
During the early months of the pandemic, many commentators quoted Yeats’s famous line “Things fall apart” to describe the sense of global instability.
The pandemic demonstrated how quickly social structures can become fragile when confronted with unexpected crises.
6. Psychoanalytic Interpretations of Apocalyptic Imagery
6.1 Collective Fear and the Unconscious
Psychoanalytic scholars often interpret apocalyptic imagery as an expression of collective psychological fears. Paul Hoggett argues that societies frequently struggle to confront “the darker dimensions of human behavior that emerge during periods of crisis and conflict” (Hoggett, 2024).
From this perspective, Yeats’s terrifying imagery reflects the unconscious anxieties that accompany political instability and social breakdown.
The monstrous “rough beast” can therefore be interpreted as a symbolic representation of humanity’s suppressed fears about the future.
6.2 Cultural Memory and Symbolic Language
Suzi Naiburg observes that the phrase “slouching towards Bethlehem” has become a powerful cultural metaphor used to describe the emergence of troubling historical forces (Naiburg, 2020).
The image combines religious symbolism with political uncertainty. Bethlehem traditionally represents hope and redemption, yet Yeats transforms it into a symbol of ominous historical change.
This transformation reinforces the poem’s central theme: the collapse of familiar meanings and the arrival of an uncertain future.
7. Literature as a Lens for Understanding Crisis
7.1 The Enduring Relevance of Yeats’s Poetry
One of the reasons Yeats’s poetry remains influential is its ability to capture the emotional complexity of historical crisis. Rather than offering political solutions, his poems explore the psychological and cultural dimensions of social transformation.
Literature allows readers to confront fears that are difficult to express through political discourse alone. As a result, literary texts often acquire new meanings when interpreted in different historical contexts.
Yeats’s vision of a world where “the centre cannot hold” continues to resonate in the modern era, reminding readers that civilization is more fragile than it often appears.
8. Conclusion
The poems The Second Coming and On Being Asked for a War Poem remain among the most powerful literary reflections on crisis, historical transformation, and moral responsibility. Through vivid imagery and philosophical insight, W. B. Yeats explores the collapse of social order and the emergence of new historical forces.
When interpreted in relation to contemporary crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising political instability, these poems reveal their enduring relevance. Yeats’s famous declaration that “things fall apart” continues to capture the anxieties of societies confronting uncertainty and change.
Ultimately, Yeats’s poetry demonstrates that literature can provide profound insight into the emotional and philosophical dimensions of crisis. By revisiting these works in the context of contemporary global challenges, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the fears and transformations that shape the modern world.
9. References:
Chorell, Torbjörn Gustafsson. “Two concepts of apocalypse and apocalyptic history Today.” Rethinking History, vol. 28, no. 3, 10 May 2024, pp. 357–375, https://doi.org/10.1080/13642529.2024.2352315.
Donoghue, Denis. “EASTER 1916.” Yeats Annual, no. 21, 2018, pp. 39–61. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/90020738. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Farag, Fahmy. “W. B. Yeats and the Politics of ‘A Vision.’” The Canadian Journal of Irish Studies, vol. 1, no. 1, 1975, pp. 9–26. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20641983. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
GIFFORD, SANFORD. “Notes on Felix Deutsch as Freud’s Personal Physician.” American Imago, vol. 74, no. 4, 2017, pp. 483–518. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26303694. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Graf, Susan Johnston. “An Infant Avatar: The Mature Occultism of W. B. Yeats.” New Hibernia Review / Iris Éireannach Nua, vol. 9, no. 4, 2005, pp. 99–112. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20558043. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Hoggett, Paul. “Confronting the inhuman.” Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, vol. 38, no. 4, Oct. 2024, pp. 284–293, https://doi.org/10.1080/02668734.2024.2429991.
Muldoon, Paul, and WB Yeats. “CIRCUS ATTRACTIONS.” Last Poems and Two Plays. The Poetry Ireland Review, no. 116, 2015, pp. 178–82. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26509725. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Naiburg, Suzi. “Prologue: ‘Slouching towards bethlehem’: Our analytic self emerges.” Psychoanalytic Inquiry, vol. 40, no. 2, 6 Feb. 2020, pp. 87–89, https://doi.org/10.1080/07351690.2020.1702436.
Peters, Michael A. “Civilizational collapse, eschatological narratives and apocalyptic philosophy.” Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol. 55, no. 14, 31 Oct. 2021, pp. 1599–1607, https://doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2021.1991789.
Pietrzak, Wit. “Living through the state of exception: Paul Lynch’s prophet song.” Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction, 29 May 2025, pp. 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1080/00111619.2025.2509581.
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