The Second Coming”: Is Yeats’ poem still relevant in today’s world?
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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Background
In 2020, writer and journalist Dorian Lynskey wrote an extensive analysis of WB Yeat’s “The Second Coming” poem in The Guardian newspaper. He discusses at length the influence this 164-word poem has had on culture. He explores political and social movements, how Hollywood and other mainstream media, and music could have all been influenced by this one short poem.
Directions
Write a 2-3 page essay arguing for or against the relevance of Yeats’ poem “The Second Coming” in today’s world. Your essay should be an organized and insightful response to the topic.
Here are the steps for this assignment:
Read the Lynskey article: WB Yeats The Second ComingDownload WB Yeats The Second Coming
In your essay, spend a paragraph summarizing the article. Find the two major claims being made by Lynskey.
After reading and summarizing two major claims being made by Lynskey, decide whether you believe this poem is relevant today.
Write your essay’s thesis statement — an argument about whether “The Second Coming” is still a relevant poem today. Answer these questions and provide this evidence:
Does pop culture embrace such notions or possibly refute them?
Provide at least three examples from today’s world: mainstream media, writers, poets, or political policies who you believe support your findings.
Finally, is it a natural response to literature that makes such works by Yeats famous, or is it more about our obsession with the apocalyptic possibilities ahead?
Submit your finished essay as a file upload.
Criteria for Success
A 2-3 page essay answering the questions above and arguing for or against The Second Coming’s relevance in today’s world
The plot summary is to be avoided; instead, focus on presenting, explaining, and supporting your ideas.
Solid essay structure and clear organization are crucial to the success of this project. (If you need a refresher in essay structure, submit to our NOVA Tutoring Center, either on campus or online.)
To make your answer convincing, be sure to support it with specific details from the text. Each point you make should be supported with evidence from the text and an explanation of how those details develop your point.
Be sure to edit and proofread carefully so that your ideas are clear to readers, and remember that help is available in the Writing Center as well.
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
Since it was released in 1919, “The Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats has been a topic of debate. Journalist Dorian Lynskey examined the poem’s cultural impact in a 2020 essay he published in The Guardian. I’ll review Lynskey’s main points, consider the poem’s applicability today, and present evidence to back up my position in this essay.
According to Lynskey’s study of “The Second Coming,” the poem significantly influenced culture. He first asserts that the poem has had an impact on social and political movements. Lynskey points out that politicians like Pat Buchanan and Ronald Reagan have cited passages from the poem, such as “The falcon cannot hear the falconer,” in speeches. Second, according to Lynskey, the poem has influenced popular cultures, such as Hollywood and music. Lynskey points out that numerous movies, TV series, and music have all referred to the poem, including The Sopranos and The Walking Dead.
Despite the poem’s historical importance, some could doubt its applicability in the modern world. But I contend that “The Second Coming” is still timely poetry. The poem’s universal and everlasting themes of chaos, bloodshed, and the loss of innocence. These topics are, in fact, more important than ever.
These concepts are frequently accepted in pop culture rather than contested. The television program Black Mirror, for instance, portrays the violent and chaotic effects of technological developments. Similar to this, the movie Joker features a protagonist who personifies the loss of innocence and portrays a society on the verge of anarchy and violence.
Additionally, authors and poets keep making references to “The Second Coming” in their writing. In her book The Handmaid’s Tale, which addresses issues of societal breakdown and the loss of individual freedom, Margaret Atwood cited the poem in 2017. The poem was also mentioned by poet Tracy K. Smith, who used it to examine the evil side of human nature.
Last but not least, current political practices continue to exemplify the concepts of “The Second Coming.” Gun control laws, for instance, address the violence and loss of innocence that can arise from catastrophes involving firearms while climate change measures acknowledge the mayhem and damage that can be caused by environmental degradation.
Finally, “The Second Coming” is still pertinent poetry today. Its ubiquitous and ageless themes of chaos, violence, and the loss of innocence continue to be welcomed in pop culture, cited in the literature and mirrored in political decisions. The Second Coming’s ongoing relevance is a testament to its ability to depict the human experience and the cataclysmic possibilities that lie ahead, even though it may be a natural response to literature that makes such works renowned.
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