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How Does Yeats Use Allusions In The Second Coming

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How Does Yeats Use Allusions In The Second Coming
In his poem, "The Second Coming," William Butler Yeats describes the appalling state of civilization, and indicates that the catastrophic actions of humankind will result in the birth of a dark age for humanity. “The Second Coming” serves as a precaution of what be in store for humanity if society continues down its destructive path. Yeats uses allusions, imagery, and symbols to convey his ominous message.

Yeats uses many allusions in his poem, most of which tend to be religious. One example of allusion in “The Second Coming” is the image Yeats creates of Spiritus Mundi. Spiritus Mundi is portrayed by a Sphinx, a beast with the head of a human with the body of a lion. Yeats makes several other religious allusions in his poem including the
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