What is the significance of the three ‘Da’s 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 is the significance of the three ‘Da’s in “The Waste Land?” [NU: 2016, 22] ★★★
T. S. Eliot (1888–1965) published “The Waste Land” in 1922. The poem ends with three Sanskrit words from the Upanishads: Datta, Dayadhvam, and Damyata. These three ‘Da’s carry deep spiritual meaning. They suggest ways to heal the broken modern world. Eliot uses them as a message of hope in a land of despair.
Datta (Give): The first ‘Da’ means giving. Modern people are selfish and materialistic. Eliot urges generosity and sacrifice. To give is to move beyond greed and despair. It reminds readers that true life comes from selfless action.
Dayadhvam (Sympathize): The second ‘Da’ means sympathy or compassion. In the poem, people are lonely and cut off. They avoid eye contact, walking with their eyes fixed on the ground. Eliot’s call is to rebuild human bonds through empathy. Compassion can heal the wasteland of broken hearts.
Damyata (Control): The third ‘Da’ means self-control or discipline. The modern world is full of lust and corruption. Eliot shows mechanical sex in “The Fire Sermon.” Control of desires can restore order and dignity. Discipline leads to spiritual strength.
A Message 0f Renewal: Together, the three ‘Da’s offer a path of renewal. They suggest moral values for a fallen age. Eliot ends with
“Shantih shantih shantih.”
Thus, the three ‘Da’s give hope after despair.
In summary, the three ‘Da’s are highly significant in “The Waste Land.” They teach generosity, sympathy, and self-control. In a barren and hopeless world, they show the path to peace. Eliot offers this wisdom as the only cure for the wasteland.