Write a note on the theme of salvation in “The Waste Land.”

Answer

Write a note on the theme of salvation in “The Waste Land.” [NU: 2017, 19] ★★★

Salvation means the chance of renewal, peace, and new life. The theme of salvation appears at the end of “The Waste Land” (1922). After all the dryness, fear, and despair, Eliot (1888–1965) turns to spiritual hope. The voice of thunder gives three lessons from the Hindu Upanishads. They show the path to renewal and peace. The final word “Shantih shantih shantih” means peace beyond understanding. It suggests that salvation is possible through self-control, compassion, and faith. Below are the main ideas of salvation in the poem.

Religious Imagery: Eliot uses many religious images in the poem. He writes about the Fisher King from an old legend. The king is sick, and his land is dry. His wound makes the land barren. This king is like the modern world after the war. People are hurt, and society is broken. Salvation is possible only if faith and divine help return. Eliot writes:

“I sat upon the shore

Fishing, with the arid plain behind me,

Shall I at least set my lands in order?”

Spiritual Wasteland: The first section shows a land of stones, trees, and the hot sun. But there is no water, no shelter. Only the red rock gives shade. This red rock is the church. The poet says,

“Here is no water but only rock,

Rock and no water and the sandy road.”

Eliot shows that the modern wasteland is like the Bible’s wasteland. Only Christ and true religion can give new life. Just as Christ once saved, he can save again.

Water Imagery: Water is a strong symbol of salvation. It can clean, purify, and give new birth. In Part IV, Eliot writes about Phlebas, the young sailor. He dies in water, but he has no spiritual hope. He lived only for trade, not for faith. So, water brings him death, not life. Let us study this in the