Disorder and decay of modern civilization in The Waste Land

Answer

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