Rajeshvari Rana's blog : "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot

"The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot

Introduction :

"The Waste Land" is a modernist masterpiece and one of the most influential poems of the 20th century. Written by T.S. Eliot and published in 1922, the poem is a fragmented and complex exploration of the disillusionment and decay of Western civilization in the aftermath of World War I. With its wide-ranging allusions, shifting perspectives, and fragmented structure, "The Waste Land" captures the fractured and disorienting experience of life in the modern world. Through its vivid imagery and haunting themes, the poem continues to fascinate and challenge readers more than a century after its initial publication.

Central Theme :

"The Waste Land's" central theme is the spiritual and cultural decay of Western civilization in the aftermath of World War I.

Sexual Perversion
Spiritual Degradation

Eliot suggests that this decay is rooted in a fundamental spiritual emptiness that has resulted from the loss of religious faith and the failure of human relationships to provide meaningful connections. Through its exploration of these themes, "The Waste Land" offers a powerful critique of modernity and a bleak vision of humanity through its exploration of these themes. This poem is a modern epic of the 20th century.

This poem is divided into five parts.

The Burial of the Dead.
A Game of Chess.
The Fire Sermon.
Death by Water.
What the Thunder Said.

What are your views on the following image after reading 'The Waste Land'? Do you think that Eliot is regressive as compared to Nietzche's views? or Has Eliot achieved universality of thought by recalling mytho-historical answer to the contemporary malaise?

Friedrich Nietzsche :

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) was a German philosopher, cultural critic, and poet who is known for his ideas on morality, the meaning of existence, and the nature of power. He is considered one of the most influential thinkers of modern times and his work has had a profound impact on philosophy, literature, and culture. One of Nietzsche's most famous concepts is the idea of the "Übermensch," or "Superman," who is an individual who has transcended traditional morality and lives according to their own values. He also developed the concept of the "will to power," which refers to the basic human drive to exert control and influence over one's environment.

Nietzsche's Ubermensch represents a rejection of traditional morality and values, whereas Eliot's poem is steeped in religious and cultural allusions that reflect a sense of loss and a longing for spiritual renewal.

Nietzsche's philosophy celebrates the idea of breaking free from tradition and creating a new, more enlightened future. In contrast, Eliot's poem is heavily influenced by the past, drawing on literary and cultural traditions to create a sense of continuity in the midst of chaos.

Nietzsche gives the idea of breaking tradition and Eliot made critic upon those who breck tradition.

Prior to the speech, Gustaf Hellström of the Swedish Academy made these remarks:

What are your views regarding these comments? Is it true that giving free vent to the repressed 'primitive instinct' lead us to happy and satisfied life? or do you agree with Eliot's view that the 'salvation of man lies in the preservation of the cultural tradition'?

Here Eliot's view is more traditional. And tradition is useful for society but if tradition is not unchangeable then it's problematic. It can be changed with time and requirements.

The idea that giving free vent to our repressed "primitive instincts" can lead to a happy and satisfied life is associated with the philosophy of primal therapy and other similar approaches. Proponents of this view argue that repressed emotions and desires can create psychological problems and that allowing these primal instincts to be expressed and released can lead to greater psychological well-being and fulfillment.

There may be some truth to the idea that repressed emotions can cause psychological problems, it is important to recognize that the expression of these instincts is not always beneficial or healthy. An unrestrained expression of primal instincts can lead to destructive behavior and conflict within society.

Write about allusions to the Indian thoughts in 'The Waste Land'. (Where, How and Why are the Indian thoughts referred to?)

The references to the river Ganga in "The Waste Land" reflect Eliot's fascination with Eastern spirituality and his exploration of themes of purification and pollution, life and death, and the cyclical nature of existence. The river is a potent symbol of both renewal and decay, and it plays an important role in the poem's exploration of the human condition.

"Ganga was sunken, and the limp leaves

Waited for rain, while the black clouds

Gathered far distant, over Himavant."

“Ganga” is the Ganges River. It is the most holy river to Hinduism. People thought that the water in this river could partially wash away their sins and help them to escape the cycle of life and death. When a person can escape that cycle that is when he becomes God because you can make decisions on other people’s lives.

"The Waste Land" reflects Eliot's interest in Eastern spirituality and his belief that Western society was in need of a spiritual revival. By drawing on these rich and ancient traditions, Eliot was able to create a powerful and deeply resonant poem that continues to captivate readers to this day.

Sound of the thunder as "DA DA DA".

"Datta, Dayadhvam, Damyata"

"Shantih shantih shantih"

This a direct quotation from the Upanishads, and can be translated as "Give. Sympathize. Control. Peace, peace, peace." Shantih (Peace), that Eliot want to spread among the all mankind.

Eliot borrows the three virtues as a guide to achieving nirvana or "happiness" from Chapter 5 of the divine Hindu text Brihadaranyak Upanishad. In this Brahma, the creator teaches the demons to achieve true enjoyment there needs to be a balance between decadence and restraint. Eliot, in turn, seems to think the wasteland can be fixed by being more thoughtful in these regards. This balance as opposed to living without feelings and comforts or being greedy having too many such as the class struggles between the rich and the poor affecting their personal lives as well as the environment. (study.com)

This all references coming in "The Waste Land" because T.S. Eliot learned Indian Ancient Language.

Is it possible to read 'The Waste Land' as a Pandemic Poem?

Yes, It's possible to study "The Waste Land" as a Pandemic Poem.

In December 1918 Spanish Flu was spread. this all information is found with the help of studying biological elements. And in letters of those times gave evidence of the pandemic.

Many critics and readers read it as a War poem but Study as a Pandemic Poem is not a vastly researched topic. Because the experience of the pandemic is an Individualized experience. War is connected with Sacrificial Structure but a Pandemic is not connected with Sacrificial Structure. (Viral Modernism by Elizabeth Outca)

Many of its themes and images can also be seen as relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on society.

The poem's preoccupation with themes of isolation, fragmentation, and disconnection could be read as reflecting the experiences of many people during lockdowns and social distancing measures. The famous lines "I will show you fear in a handful of dust" could be interpreted as a commentary on the fears and anxieties that many people have experienced during the pandemic.