Eliot’s use of Symbolism in The Waste Land
The Waste Land is a notable literary work by T. S. Eliot. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Waste Land.
Answer
What symbols are used by Eliot in the poem ‘The Waste Land’?
Or,
Comment on Eliot’s use of symbolism in The Waste Land.
Or,
Show how The Waste Land is a fabric of myth and symbolism.
‘The Waste Land’ (1922) by T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) is a celebrated modernist poem formed in a fragmented structure with rich symbolism. The poem upholds modern men’s post-World War spiritual desolation. Eliot utilizes numerous symbols throughout the poem to show its thematic depth.
The Waste Land: The title is a central symbol of the modern world’s barren and desolate state. It displays the spiritual, emotional, and cultural barrenness resulting from the devastation of the War. The wasteland represents an image of a fragmented and broken society that lacks unity and meaning.
Water: Water is a recurring symbol in this poem, which is the representation of both life and death. It mirrors the double nature of existence, where water can bring both resurrection and destruction. In the earlier part, water stands for drowning and fear of death, and in the later section, it signifies hope and the possibility of renewal. For instance:
“April is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.”
In this case, the “spring rain” represents the hope for rebirth, yet it just fosters “dull roots,” implying that the regeneration is partial or impossible.
The Fisher King: The Fisher King is a mythical figure representing a barren land’s wounded or impotent ruler. In ‘The Waste Land,’ the Fisher King symbolizes modern society’s impotence and spiritual decay. He symbolizes the lost connection between the spiritual and the material world.
The Tarot: The image of the hanged man in the Tarot Cards symbolizes sacrifice and spiritual transformation. Madame Sosostris is a character with 78 tarot cards. She tells the future of his followers by using these cards. She also fears the police standing for human hypocrisy. We find the following excerpt about her in the poem.