The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers for Class 11″ is a vital resource for 1st Semester, 2024-2025, WBCHSE students of Class 11, featuring essential multiple-choice questions designed to aid comprehension and assessment of W.B. Yeats’ poem.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 1:
1. What is the primary metaphor used in the excerpt?
A) A storm B) A falcon and its falconer C) A river D) A labyrinth
Answer: B) A falcon and its falconer
2. What does Yeats suggest about the state of society in the lines “The best lack all conviction, while the worst / Are full of passionate intensity”?
A) The worst individuals are more likely to succeed. B) Both the best and worst lack passion. C) The best are indecisive, while the worst are committed to their beliefs. D) Society is evenly balanced between good and evil.
Answer: C) The best are indecisive, while the worst are committed to their beliefs.
3. What does “the widening gyre” symbolize in the poem?
A) Chaos and disorder B) A peaceful revolution C) Stability and order D) The natural cycle of life
Answer: A) Chaos and disorder
4. What does the phrase “The ceremony of innocence is drowned” suggest?
A) Innocence is celebrated. B) Innocence is being destroyed or overwhelmed. C) Innocence is protected. D) Innocence is admired.
Answer: B) Innocence is being destroyed or overwhelmed.
5. Why does Yeats mention “the blood-dimmed tide”?
A) To describe a literal flood of blood B) To symbolize violence and turmoil C) To highlight a peaceful era D) To emphasize prosperity
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 2:
1. What creature is mentioned in the poem’s imagery?
A) Lion B) Falcon C) Tiger D) Eagle
Answer: A) Lion
2. According to the poem, what is happening to “the centre”?
A) It is holding strong B) It is falling apart C) It is expanding D) It is celebrating
Answer: B) It is falling apart
3. What does the falcon symbolize in the poem?
A) Freedom B) Destruction C) Control D) Chaos
Answer: C) Control
4. Which phrase indicates a state of chaos?
A) “The best lack all conviction” B) “The blood-dimmed tide” C) “The centre cannot hold” D) “The falcon cannot hear the falconer”
Answer: B) “The blood-dimmed tide”
5. What ceremony is being drowned?
A) A wedding B) A funeral C) A coronation D) The ceremony of innocence
Answer: D) The ceremony of innocence
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 3:
1. What is the primary metaphor used in the excerpt?
A) A storm B) A falcon and its falconer C) A river D) A labyrinth
Answer: B) A falcon and its falconer
2. According to Yeats, why is “the centre” unable to hold?
A) Because of external forces B) Because of its own weakness C) Because of a lack of support D) Because of natural disasters
Answer: B) Because of its own weakness
3. What phrase describes the state of society in the poem?
A) Peace and harmony B) Chaos and anarchy C) Unity and strength D) Progress and development
Answer: B) Chaos and anarchy
4. What does the phrase “Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world” suggest?
A) An organized society B) Complete disorder C) Peaceful coexistence D) Stable governance
Answer: B) Complete disorder
5. According to the poem, what happens to “the ceremony of innocence”?
A) It is celebrated B) It is ignored C) It is overwhelmed D) It is protected
Answer: C) It is overwhelmed
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 4:
1. Who are described as lacking conviction in the poem?
A) The worst B) The falconer C) The best D) Innocence
Answer: C) The best
2. What kind of intensity do the worst possess according to the poem?
A) Passive intensity B) Emotional intensity C) Intellectual intensity D) Spiritual intensity
Answer: B) Emotional intensity
3. What is the condition of “the blood-dimmed tide” in the poem?
A) It is calm B) It is clear C) It is loosed D) It is controlled
Answer: C) It is loosed
4. Which image troubles the poet’s sight in the desert?
A) A peaceful oasis B) A lion with a human head C) A serene sunset D) A majestic eagle
Answer: B) A lion with a human head
5. What does the poet believe is approaching Bethlehem?
A) A new leader B) A peaceful revolution C) A rough beast D) A spiritual awakening
Answer: C) A rough beast
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 5:
1. What does the phrase “Turning and turning in the widening gyre” suggest about the falcon’s movement?
A) It is flying straight. B) It is circling widely. C) It is diving down. D) It is hovering in place.
Answer: B) It is circling widely.
2. What does Yeats mean by “the ceremony of innocence”?
A) A formal ritual B) A celebration C) A symbolic state of purity and naivety D) A political gathering
Answer: C) A symbolic state of purity and naivety
3. Why does Yeats describe the beast’s gaze as “blank and pitiless as the sun”?
A) To show its indifference B) To emphasize its warmth C) To depict its blindness D) To highlight its beauty
Answer: A) To show its indifference
4. What does the poet suggest has troubled “twenty centuries of stony sleep”?
A) A peaceful awakening B) A long period of turmoil and unrest C) A period of creativity and innovation D) A deep slumber
Answer: B) A long period of turmoil and unrest
5. What does the phrase “slouches towards Bethlehem to be born” suggest about the beast?
A) It is walking hurriedly B) It is moving with hesitation C) It is approaching Bethlehem lazily and ominously D) It is sprinting towards Bethlehem
Answer: C) It is approaching Bethlehem lazily and ominously
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 6:
1. What is the significance of the phrase “The best lack all conviction, while the worst / Are full of passionate intensity” in the poem?
A) It emphasizes the balance of good and evil in society. B) It highlights the moral ambiguity of human nature. C) It suggests a lack of leadership and direction among the virtuous. D) It symbolizes the struggle between order and chaos.
Answer: C) It suggests a lack of leadership and direction among the virtuous.
2. How does the imagery of “the blood-dimmed tide” contribute to the poem’s theme?
A) It conveys a sense of peace and tranquility. B) It symbolizes overwhelming violence and chaos. C) It represents a cleansing of society. D) It signifies a harmonious coexistence.
Answer: B) It symbolizes overwhelming violence and chaos.
3. What does the poet mean by “the darkness drops again”?
A) Nightfall is approaching. B) A sense of gloom and despair returns. C) The poem ends abruptly. D) The world descends into chaos.
Answer: B) A sense of gloom and despair returns.
4. How does Yeats use the image of the falcon and falconer to symbolize the state of society?
A) It suggests a harmonious relationship. B) It illustrates the breakdown of communication and control. C) It symbolizes a successful hunt. D) It represents freedom and independence.
Answer: B) It illustrates the breakdown of communication and control.
5. What is Yeats implying about the future with the phrase “what rough beast, its hour come round at last”?
A) A peaceful era is approaching. B) A new leader will emerge. C) A destructive force is rising. D) A cultural renaissance is beginning.
Answer: C) A destructive force is rising.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 7:
1. What does Yeats imply by stating “Surely some revelation is at hand”?
A) A religious prophecy is being fulfilled. B) A significant discovery is about to occur. C) A political revolution is imminent. D) A natural disaster is approaching.
Answer: B) A significant discovery is about to occur.
2. How does Yeats use the concept of “the Second Coming” in the poem?
A) To describe a historical event. B) To symbolize a new era or transformation. C) To criticize religious beliefs. D) To celebrate a political victory.
Answer: B) To symbolize a new era or transformation.
3. What is the significance of the phrase “a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi”?
A) It represents a mirage in the desert. B) It symbolizes a vision from a spiritual realm. C) It describes a historical artifact. D) It signifies a natural wonder.
Answer: B) It symbolizes a vision from a spiritual realm.
4. How does Yeats describe the appearance of the “rough beast”?
A) With a head of a lion and body of a man. B) With wings and feathers. C) As a creature of the sea. D) As a mythical dragon.
Answer: A) With a head of a lion and body of a man.
5. What does the phrase “gaze blank and pitiless as the sun” imply about the beast?
A) It is compassionate and understanding. B) It is cruel and indifferent. C) It is joyful and carefree. D) It is wise and contemplative. Answer: B) It is cruel and indifferent.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 8:
1. How does the imagery of “indignant desert birds” contribute to the poem?
A) It suggests the birds are happy and content. B) It adds to the sense of chaos and disturbance. C) It symbolizes peace and harmony. D) It signifies the end of the world.
Answer: B) It adds to the sense of chaos and disturbance.
2. What is the significance of “the darkness drops again” in the poem?
A) It indicates the end of a day. B) It suggests a return to ignorance. C) It symbolizes the onset of night. D) It represents a solar eclipse.
Answer: B) It suggests a return to ignorance.
3. How does the poet suggest that “twenty centuries of stony sleep” have been disturbed?
A) By a gentle awakening. B) By a violent storm. C) By a rocking cradle. D) By a peaceful revolution.
Answer: C) By a rocking cradle.
4. What does the phrase “its hour come round at last” suggest about the rough beast?
A) It is finally awakening. B) It is preparing for a nap. C) It is searching for food. D) It is celebrating a victory.
Answer: A) It is finally awakening.
5. Why does Yeats mention Bethlehem in the poem?
A) To describe a historical event. B) To symbolize a place of birth and renewal. C) To criticize religious beliefs. D) To celebrate a political victory.
Answer: B) To symbolize a place of birth and renewal.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 9:
1. What is the poet suggesting by stating “Surely the Second Coming is at hand”?
A) A religious event is about to occur. B) A political revolution is imminent. C) A natural disaster is approaching. D) A historical figure is returning.
Answer: A) A religious event is about to occur.
2. What emotion does the imagery of “shadows of the indignant desert birds” evoke?
A) Fear. B) Happiness. C) Sadness. D) Confusion.
Answer: A) Fear.
3. What does Yeats mean by “troubles my sight” in the poem?
A) He is physically troubled. B) He is spiritually troubled. C) He is confused. D) He is delighted.
Answer: B) He is spiritually troubled.
4. What does the phrase “Spiritus Mundi” refer to?
A) The spirit of the world. B) A famous philosopher. C) A historical event. D) A religious text.
Answer: A) The spirit of the world.
5. What is the significance of the phrase “the darkness drops again”?
A) It signals the end of the poem. B) It suggests a return to ignorance or chaos. C) It signifies the end of the day. D) It represents a solar eclipse.
Answer: B) It suggests a return to ignorance or chaos.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 10:
1. What is the significance of the phrase “somewhere in sands of the desert” in the poem?
A) It suggests the setting is in an ancient city. B) It implies the location is barren and desolate. C) It symbolizes a place of historical significance. D) It represents a peaceful oasis.
Answer: B) It implies the location is barren and desolate.
2. How does the poet use the image of the “rough beast” to comment on human history and progress?
A) It represents technological advancement. B) It symbolizes the destructive force of human nature. C) It signifies political turmoil and revolution. D) It celebrates cultural achievements.
Answer: B) It symbolizes the destructive force of human nature.
3. What does the phrase “slouches towards Bethlehem to be born” suggest about the nature of the rough beast?
A) It is approaching a place of religious significance. B) It is moving with great speed. C) It is hesitant and unsure. D) It is retreating from danger.
Answer: A) It is approaching a place of religious significance.
4. How does the poem reflect the anxieties and uncertainties of the early 20th century?
A) Through references to political leaders. B) Through its apocalyptic imagery and tone. C) Through descriptions of natural disasters. D) Through celebrations of technological progress.
Answer: B) Through its apocalyptic imagery and tone.
5. Discuss the relevance of Yeats’ depiction of “the ceremony of innocence” being drowned in the poem.
A) It highlights the loss of childhood innocence. B) It critiques societal rituals and traditions. C) It symbolizes the corruption of purity and naivety. D) It celebrates cultural diversity.
Answer: C) It symbolizes the corruption of purity and naivety.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 11:
1. What is the poet implying by stating “Turning and turning in the widening gyre”?
A) The world is in constant motion and change. B) The falcon is flying aimlessly. C) The poem is about a circular journey. D) The falcon is lost and confused.
Answer: A) The world is in constant motion and change.
2. How does Yeats use the falcon and falconer metaphor to comment on human relationships and societal breakdown?
A) It symbolizes harmony and cooperation. B) It signifies the breakdown of communication and control. C) It celebrates independence and freedom. D) It critiques religious beliefs.
Answer: B) It signifies the breakdown of communication and control.
3. Explain the symbolism of “the blood-dimmed tide” in the poem.
A) It represents a peaceful river. B) It symbolizes overwhelming violence and chaos. C) It signifies a time of celebration. D) It represents a natural phenomenon.
Answer: B) It symbolizes overwhelming violence and chaos.
4. How does Yeats use the concept of “the Second Coming” to explore the theme of cyclical history?
A) By referencing historical figures. B) By suggesting a repeating pattern of events. C) By critiquing political leaders. D) By celebrating technological advancements.
Answer: B) By suggesting a repeating pattern of events.
5. What does the phrase “Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world” suggest about the state of society in the poem?
A) It suggests a time of peace and order. B) It signifies a breakdown of social order and stability. C) It implies a new era of prosperity. D) It symbolizes political unity.
Answer: B) It signifies a breakdown of social order and stability.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 12:
1. What is the significance of the phrase “widening gyre” in the context of the poem?
A) It symbolizes the chaos and disintegration of society. B) It represents the falcon’s flight pattern. C) It signifies hope and renewal. D) It reflects the stability of the center.
Answer: A) It symbolizes the chaos and disintegration of society.
2. How does the imagery of “blood-dimmed tide” contribute to the poem’s theme?
A) It suggests a peaceful era. B) It symbolizes violence and upheaval. C) It represents tranquility. D) It signifies harmony.
Answer: B) It symbolizes violence and upheaval.
3. What does Yeats suggest about human nature through the contrast between “the best lack all conviction” and “the worst are full of passionate intensity”?
A) The best lack ambition. B) The worst lack empathy. C) The best lack confidence in their beliefs. D) The worst are indifferent to their convictions.
Answer: C) The best lack confidence in their beliefs.
4. Why does the falcon “cannot hear the falconer” in the poem?
A) The falconer is too far away. B) There is a communication barrier. C) The falcon is disobedient. D) The gyre widens, causing separation.
Answer: D) The gyre widens, causing separation.
5. What does the phrase “ceremony of innocence is drowned” imply about the state of affairs in the poem?
A) Innocence is preserved. B) Innocence is celebrated. C) Innocence is lost or corrupted. D) Innocence is worshipped.
Answer: C) Innocence is lost or corrupted.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 13:
1. In the context of the poem, what role does Spiritus Mundi play?
A) It is a character. B) It is a setting. C) It is a symbolic concept. D) It is a historical event.
Answer: C) It is a symbolic concept.
2. How does the image of “a shape with lion body and the head of a man” contribute to the poem’s theme?
A) It symbolizes courage. B) It represents the divine. C) It embodies a monstrous threat. D) It signifies peace.
Answer: C) It embodies a monstrous threat.
3. What does the poet mean by “twenty centuries of stony sleep”?
A) A period of peace and rest. B) A long period of ignorance. C) A time of chaos and disorder. D) A time of cultural stagnation.
Answer: B) A long period of ignorance.
4. What is the significance of Bethlehem in the poem’s context?
A) It symbolizes birth and renewal. B) It represents a place of peace. C) It signifies destruction. D) It is a historical location.
Answer: A) It symbolizes birth and renewal.
5. Why does the poet describe the gaze of the shape as “blank and pitiless as the sun”?
A) To suggest the shape’s blindness. B) To emphasize its indifference and cruelty. C) To show its admiration for the sun. D) To highlight its brightness.
Answer: B) To emphasize its indifference and cruelty.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 14:
1. How does the repetition of “Surely” in the poem affect its tone and meaning?
A) It suggests uncertainty. B) It emphasizes conviction. C) It indicates hesitation. D) It conveys fear.
Answer: B) It emphasizes conviction.
2. What thematic contrast does the poem establish between “the falconer” and “the falcon”?
A) Freedom vs. captivity. B) Control vs. chaos. C) Loyalty vs. disobedience. D) Power vs. weakness.
Answer: B) Control vs. chaos.
3. What does the phrase “the best lack all conviction” reveal about the speaker’s view of society?
A) Pessimism about human resolve. B) Optimism about human nature. C) Indifference towards society. D) Hopefulness about the future.
Answer: A) Pessimism about human resolve.
4. How does the poet use the imagery of “the blood-dimmed tide” to reflect societal change?
A) It suggests progress. B) It symbolizes violence and turmoil. C) It signifies peace and tranquility. D) It represents stagnation.
Answer: B) It symbolizes violence and turmoil.
5. What inference can be drawn about the “rough beast” from its description in the poem?
A) It symbolizes hope. B) It embodies destruction and chaos. C) It represents peace and renewal. D) It signifies wisdom.
Answer: B) It embodies destruction and chaos.
The Second Coming MCQ Questions and Answers Set 15:
1. How does the poet use the imagery of “a shape with lion body and the head of a man” to evoke fear and uncertainty?
A) By emphasizing its beauty. B) By describing its ferocious appearance. C) By highlighting its vulnerability. D) By depicting its gentleness.
Answer: B) By describing its ferocious appearance.
2. What does the poet suggest about the inevitability of change through the imagery of “slouches towards Bethlehem to be born”?
A) Change can be avoided. B) Change is unpredictable. C) Change is gradual. D) Change is deliberate.
Answer: D) Change is deliberate.
3. How does the poet convey a sense of foreboding through the phrase “the best lack all conviction”?
A) By suggesting confidence. B) By indicating uncertainty. C) By expressing determination. D) By highlighting strength.
Answer: B) By indicating uncertainty.
4. What thematic message does the poet convey through the phrase “mere anarchy is loosed upon the world”?
A) Order and stability prevail. B) Chaos and disorder reign. C) Peace and harmony endure. D) Freedom and liberation occur.
Answer: B) Chaos and disorder reign.
5. Why does the poet describe the falconer as unable to hear the falcon?
A) To emphasize their distance. B) To highlight their unity. C) To suggest their communication. D) To show their independence.
