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. . . after twenty centuries of stony sleep, what rough…

“. . . after twenty centuries of stony sleep, what rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches toward Bethlehem to be born?" W.B. Yeats - from 'The Second Coming” quote by W. B. Yeats
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““ . . . after twenty centuries of stony sleep, what rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches toward Bethlehem to be born?" W.B. Yeats - from 'The Second Coming””

W. B. Yeats

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Yeats envisions a chaotic, violent force emerging after a long period of stagnation, threatening to overturn the old order.

In simple terms: A new, destructive power is rising.

Key Takeaway

History cycles into turmoil.

Themes

apocalypse history chaos rebirth mythology

Mood

foreboding intense mysterious

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • post-war societies
  • cultural upheaval
  • political revolutions
  • social unrest

Key Concepts

civilizational decay symbolic beasts prophetic vision

Practical Applications

  • literary analysis
  • cultural criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the 'rough beast' symbolize in modern contexts?
  • How does this image challenge notions of progress?
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