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What, according to the speaker in "The Second Coming," is coming "towards Bethlehem to be born"?

1) The Golden Age
2) A period of violence and terror
3) An Eden-like peace
4) The serpent and heir of Eden

User Sequoia
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Final answer:

The speaker in 'The Second Coming' suggests an ominous entity representing a period of violence and terror is approaching Bethlehem to be born.

Step-by-step explanation:

In "The Second Coming," the speaker suggests that something ominous "is coming towards Bethlehem to be born." This entity is not a herald of peace or a return to Eden. Rather, drawing from the apocalyptic imagery present in the poem, the implication is that what is approaching Bethlehem is a symbol of a period characterized by violence and terror.

It is a stark contrast to the original Christian narrative of Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem, which symbolized hope and salvation. W.B. Yeats' poem envisions a 'second coming' that is far from the Golden Age or an Eden-like peace, subtly referencing a 'rough beast' slouching towards Bethlehem, ready to bring about an era of darkness and confusion.

User Hazem Taha
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