TED-Ed: The Second Coming by William Butler Yeats

The transcript describes a world in chaos, where control is lost and anarchy prevails. It anticipates a significant revelation, the 'second coming,' and presents a vision of a beast emerging from the desert, symbolizing a new era. The narrative reflects on the darkness and the unsettling emergence of this 'rough beast' towards Bethlehem.

What does the falcon symbolize in the context of the poem?

• A bird of prey

• Loss of control and order

• A messenger of peace

• A symbol of hope

What is suggested by the phrase 'the second coming' in the poem?

• A new beginning

• An impending revelation or change

• A peaceful era

• The end of the world

What is the significance of the 'vast image out of Spiritus Mundi'?

• It represents a peaceful vision

• It symbolizes a troubling and mysterious revelation

• It is a depiction of a historical event

• It signifies a dream of prosperity

What does the 'rough beast' symbolize in the poem?

• A guardian of the desert

• A mythical creature

• An impending and unsettling transformation

• A new era of peace

What is the significance of the location 'Bethlehem' in the poem?

• It is a symbol of birth and new beginnings

• It represents a place of destruction

• It is a metaphor for chaos

• It signifies a historical battle