The Waste Land: An Expression of Disillusionment of the Post War Generation. A Brief Analysis

Author(s): Mukut Laskar

Abstract:

T.S. Eliot’s poetry is a very important landmark in the Twentieth century literature. The poem reveals the disillusionment caused by First World War. It also shows dissatisfaction with the so-called scientific achievement and on industrial progress Europe and ushered new value of modern society. As a historical landmark in English poetry The Waste Land throws light on the living condition of people belonging to different sections of the society in the modern world and Critics consider it as a basic document on contemporary society. Actually, the First World War did not solve the problems of Europe. On the other hand, it led to establishment of ‘Communism’ among many European capitals. Thousands of refugees moved all over Europe in search of food and shelter. Eliot thinks communism is no solution to the problems of Europe because of its violence and godlessness and this tragedy is poignantly in the poem in the image of women in the last section of the poem. Eliot recorded not only disillusionment of the modern generation but spiritual disease of the age. It refers to a universal tragedy of man, spiritual sterility and lack faith and character. The world had to undergo pains and sufferings because the current values of material civilization. Eliot’s The Waste Land undoubtedly had an immediate relevance to the atmosphere, mood and temper-i.e., the years following the end of World War-I. Critics of 1930’s felt that the poem’s importance lay in its reflection of the decay of the western civilization. However, the poem goes beyond the immediate situation to embody a universal dilemma. The poem has a contemporary relevance and it has also a visionary and timeless quality at the same time. I think, this study will be helpful to understand Eliot’s poetical themes, poetical values, conflict of the modern mind and a picture of spiritual chaos of European society. In this paper a little attempt has been made to explain the poem ‘The Waste Land as an expression of disillusionment of post war generation, a vision of desolation and spiritual draught.

Keywords: Eliot, waste land, disillusionment, decay, contemporary society, spiritual draught.

Pages: 29-31      |       35 View       |       4 Download