Disorder and decay of modern civilization in The Waste Land

Discuss how T. S. Eliot reflects on the disorder and decay of modern civilization in his poem ‘The Waste Land.’

‘The Waste Land’ (1922) by T. S. Eliot (1888-1965) is a remarkable modernist poem that reflects the disorder and decay of modern civilization. The poem discusses the modern world’s chaos, disorder, and decay through multiple allusions and complex structure. Through his vivid imagery and symbolic language, Eliot represents the decline of modern civilization and highlights various aspects of human existence.

Fragmentation and Disconnectedness: The poem is replete with numerous voices and displays the fragmented nature of modern society. It is formed with diverse narratives, fragmented conversations, and cultural allusions. The opening lines of this poem exemplify the disjointed nature.

“April is the cruellest month, breeding

Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing

Memory and desire, stirring

Dull roots with spring rain.”

Spiritual Barrenness and Desolation: The poet explains the spiritual barrenness of modern civilization through imagery and symbolism. He mentions “the dead land” to indicate a lack of spiritual nourishment and energy. The “unreal city” image pictures the barren urban landscape where low human connection creates a sense of desolation and emptiness. He also presents a spiritually barren world where traditional religious values have collapsed. This is evident in the section “The Fire Sermon,” where he depicts a scene of sexual depravity:

“The river’s tent is broken; the last fingers of leaf

Clutch and sink into the wet bank.”

The “river’s tent” scenery represents a wasted temple, which illustrates the erosion of spiritual sanctity and moral values. People here have a lack of faith. They go to work at London Bridge at 9 o’clock, which bears the indication of Christ’s crucifixion time. That means when trade starts, religion goes out.

The Futility of Modern Relationships: The poem presents a series of fragmented and failed relationships to mirror the breakdown of human connections in the modern world. Eliot illustrates this through the story of Tiresias, a mythical figure who experienced life as both a man and a woman. He loves a German girl without a connection with her family, society, or country. She represents the true, baseless modern woman. They are caught up in the summer rain when they spend their time in Munich. They take shelter under the trees, neglecting the purifying power of the rain.

The Decay of Language or Communication: Eliot’s poem reflects the degradation of language and communication in modern society. He uses incoherent and fragmented language throughout the text, containing multiple languages and cultural references. For instance, in the section “A Game of Chess,” the man and woman’s dialogue is filled with nonsensical language, which suggests the breakdown of efficient communication in modern life.

Sexual Perversion: Here, we also enjoy the sexual attitude of modern people. Sex is an inevitable part of human life, but modern people consider it above all. In section 3, Mr. Eugenides, a trade person, is looking for a hotel where he can meet his lusty desire. In the evening, the typist girl returns from her office, finishes her dinner, and feels tired and bored. However, when his lover arrives and wants to get intimate, she agrees despite her unwillingness. Even she seems happy after having sex. In the river Thames, the protagonist sees sexual scenery as well as oil and tar. The protagonist expresses his shock in the following manner.

 

“By the waters of Leman, I sat down and wept . . .

Sweet Thames, run softly till I end my song,

………………………………………………………

However, at my back in a cold blast, I hear: 

The rattle of the bones and chuckle spread from ear to ear.”

 

Vulgarization of Commerce: Tiresias describes the state of the Thames. It is autumn, and wealthy merchants’ waste is left out after their picnic, causing water pollution. The river now appears to be barren. The contamination of the river represents modern man’s spiritual decay. The protagonist only hears the people and the noises of the vehicles in the unreal city of London, which is a lover’s cry to his sweetheart.

In conclusion, T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land’ illustrates the disorder and decay of modern civilization through its fragmented narratives, spiritual desolation, and failed relationships. His poem remains an endless masterwork, grasping an era’s spirit and providing timeless insight into the human condition amidst the chaos of modernity.