The falcon symbolize power and authority 

"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats is a complex and symbolic poem that reflects the turbulent times of its writing, marked by the aftermath of World War I and the political upheavals in Ireland. The falcon in the poem can be interpreted as a symbol of power and authority, and its significance is layered with historical, mythological, and cultural connotations.

1. Gyres and the Turning of Time

• • The poem introduces the concept of "gyres," symbolic of historical cycles and the idea that history moves in circular patterns. The falcon, described as a "falcon turning in a widening gyre," represents the powerful force driving these historical cycles. The gyre widens as time progresses, signaling a shift in power and authority.

2. The Falcon as a Metaphor for Power

• • The falcon itself is a symbol of power and dominance. Falcons are birds of prey, known for their hunting prowess and ability to control their surroundings. In the context of the poem, the falcon can be seen as a metaphor for those in positions of authority, suggesting that power is cyclical and undergoes transformations.

3. Historical Context and Political Symbolism

• • Considering the historical context in which Yeats wrote the poem, the falcon can be associated with political leaders and regimes. The aftermath of World War I and the Irish War of Independence had profound effects on political structures. The falcon may represent the rise and fall of political powers during times of upheaval.

4. Mythological Allusions

• • Yeats often drew inspiration from mythology, and the falcon may allude to various mythological figures associated with power. In mythology, falcons are sometimes linked to gods or figures with divine authority. The falcon's turning in the widening gyre may symbolize the cyclical nature of divine or cosmic power.

5. Loss of Control and Chaos

• • As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the falcon is losing control. The speaker describes a situation where "Things fall apart; the center cannot hold," suggesting a breakdown in the traditional structures of power and authority. The falcon's descent into chaos mirrors the societal and political turbulence of the time.

6. Vision and Symbolic Visionaries

• • The poem also mentions a "rough beast" with a "gaze blank and pitiless as the sun." This could be another symbolic representation of power, perhaps a new form of authority emerging in the chaotic aftermath. The falcon's turning in the widening gyre may be linked to visionary individuals who foresee or influence the changing tides of power.

In conclusion, in "The Second Coming," the falcon symbolizes power and authority within the framework of historical cycles and societal upheaval. Its movements in the widening gyre reflect the dynamic nature of power, its rise and fall, and the transformative forces that shape the world. The falcon, as a multifaceted symbol, enriches the poem's exploration of the complexities of power and the cyclical nature of historical change.

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