Khushi Rathod's blog: The Wast Land

This blog is a part of thinking activity.

- Assigned by Dilip Barad sir.

🌸 Points to ponder :-

1) What are your views on the following image after reading 'The Waste Land'? Do you think that Eliot is regressive as compared to Nietzsche's views? or Has Eliot achieved universality of thought by recalling the mytho-historical answer to contemporary malaise?

2) Prior to the speech, Gustaf Hellström of the Swedish Academy made these remarks: (read in the blog)

What are your views regarding these comments? Is it true that giving free vent to the repressed 'primitive instinct' leads us to a happy and satisfied life? Or do you agree with Eliot's view that 'salvation of man lies in the preservation of the cultural tradition'?

3) Write about allusions to Indian thoughts in 'The Waste Land'. (Where, How and Why are the Indian thoughts referred?)

4) Is it possible to read 'The Waste Land' as a Pandemic Poem?

** Key to drafting your response:

1) Introductory paragraph: Write about the poem in 50 words. Write about the central theme of the poem.

2) Sub-heading for your response to point no. 1 > then explain the point, > thereafter express your views.

3) As above for the other three points . . .

🌸 Introduction :-

The Waste Land, by T.S. Eliot, is a landmark poem of the 20th century, often recognized as one of the most important works of modernist literature. Its publication in 1922 revolutionized the poetic landscape with its fragmented narrative, allusions to various cultures and mythologies, and exploration of profound themes like alienation, spiritual emptiness, and the search for meaning in a post-war world.

Here's a breakdown of the poem's key aspects:

∆ Structure:

Divided into five sections: "The Burial of the Dead," "A Game of Chess," "The Fire Sermon," "Death by Water," and "What the Thunder Said."

Each section uses diverse voices, settings, and cultural references, creating a layered and fragmented narrative.

Eliot employs multiple languages and historical allusions, challenging readers to piece together the poem's meaning.

∆ Themes :-

1. Spiritual Aridity and the "Waste Land": The poem's title serves as a powerful metaphor for a world devoid of spiritual sustenance. Barren landscapes, hollow rituals, and fragmented myths paint a picture of a society lacking faith and meaning. This spiritual barrenness manifests in feelings of alienation, isolation, and emptiness that plague many characters.

2. Loss and Fragmentation:

Echoes of World War I trauma and the breakdown of traditional values pervade the poem. Fragmentary narratives, diverse voices, and cultural allusions depict a fragmented society struggling to piece itself together. Loss permeates not just on a societal level but also in individuals' broken relationships, unfulfilled desires, and fractured memories.

3. The Search for Meaning and Renewal: Despite the bleakness, The Waste Land doesn't entirely succumb to despair. Hints of hope emerge through references to myths and rituals that suggest the possibility of spiritual renewal and individual rebirth. The poem urges readers to confront fragmented memories, engage in acts of self-reflection, and seek sources of meaning beyond the barrenness of the present.

4. Cyclical Nature of Life and Myth:

Eliot's extensive use of myths from various cultures highlights the cyclical nature of life, death, and renewal. These myths provide a framework for understanding human experience and suggest that even in the midst of decay, the potential for regeneration exists.

Que :- 1

What are your views on the following image after reading 'The Waste Land'? Do you think that Eliot is regressive as compared to Nietzsche's views? or Has Eliot achieved universality of thought by recalling the mytho-historical answer to contemporary malaise?

Ans.

Eliot stands for Regressive, backward looking as it tries to find answers of contemporary malaise in Upanishad, Buddhism and Christianity.

On the other side Nietzche stands for progressvie and forward looking, in giving solution to the problem of contemporary crises in faith and self.

In contrast to Nietzsche's ideas, Eliot may seem regressive, but he doesn't just critique society; he also offers potential solutions. He emphasizes learning from history's mistakes as the cycle of time repeats. While new questions may not find answers in ancient texts, they can guide us in developing our understanding and approach to life.

Que :- 2

Prior to the speech, Gustaf Hellström of the Swedish Academy made these remarks:

Ans.

I am disagree with Eliot. By suppressing the desires or by controlling it the desire get more strong and it also affect at psychological level. It is better to give free vent to primitive instincts as Freud suggest to do. Here I want to give example of movie “Murder 2” in which the villain of movie Dheeraj, have sex addiction and he is also straight man but to control his sex addiction he castrated him self and become eunuch. As now he cant satisfy his hunger he started killing girls and become serial killer. So we can see how suppression leads to the harsh endings. Though Dheeraj has inappropriate addiction which suppose to be controlled but he himself willingly and with understanding should do the needful but he is doing it with the wrong ideas in brain it turns out rude. So the desires which all normal human beings naturally have should not be suppressed. It is better to give free vent to the desires which leads to the happy and satisfactory life.

Que .3

Write about allusions to Indian thoughts in 'The Waste Land'. (Where, How and Why are the Indian thoughts referred?)

Ans.

T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" is a complex poem filled with allusions to various cultures and philosophies, including Indian thought. Here's a breakdown of where, how, and why these references appear:

* Where (Places):

• Section III, "The Fire Sermon": This section is directly inspired by the Buddha's Fire Sermon from the Pali Canon. It explores themes of dissatisfaction, impermanence, and the cycle of desire and suffering. The poem echoes the Buddha's teachings on detachment and the path to enlightenment.

• Section V, "What the Thunder Said": This section explicitly mentions the Ganges river and the Himalayas, invoking the geographical and spiritual landscape of India. It also concludes with the Sanskrit words "Datta, Dayadhvam, Damyata," which translate to "Give, Sympathize, Control." These words are derived from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and represent essential virtues for spiritual growth.

* How:

• Direct references: The poem uses direct quotations from Indian texts like the Fire Sermon and the Upanishads. Additionally, specific words like "Ganges" and "Himalayas" clearly point to India.

• Indirect references: The poem also employs symbolism and imagery that resonate with Indian thought. For example, the poem's barren landscape can be seen as a metaphor for the state of spiritual dryness, a concept explored in Hinduism and Buddhism.

• Juxtaposition: Eliot often juxtaposes Indian and Western ideas, highlighting the poem's exploration of diverse cultural and philosophical perspectives.

* Why:

• Eliot's interest: Eliot was deeply interested in Eastern philosophies, including those of India. He saw them as offering potential solutions to the spiritual malaise he perceived in Western society.

• Universality of themes: The themes of "The Waste Land" - loss, fragmentation, and the search for meaning - resonate with Indian thought systems that explore similar concerns. By incorporating Indian perspectives, Eliot expands the poem's reach and depth.

• Contrasting viewpoints: The poem's juxtaposition of Indian and Western ideas allows for a critical reflection on both cultures and their approaches to human existence.

Que :-4

Is it possible to read 'The Waste Land' as a Pandemic Poem?

Ans.

It's absolutely possible, and even insightful, to read "The Waste Land" as a pandemic poem, even though it was written in 1922, long before COVID-19. Here's why:

Shared Themes:

Isolation and Loneliness: Both the pandemic and the poem explore themes of isolation and disconnection, with individuals struggling to find meaning in a fragmented world.

Loss and Death: The poem reflects the immense loss of life and societal disruption caused by World War I, mirroring the pandemic's impact.

Spiritual Aridity: Both present a sense of spiritual aridity and the search for renewal.

Specific Examples:

The Fragmented Landscape: The poem's fragmented structure and multiple voices resonate with the pandemic's disruption of daily routines and connections.

Wasteland Imagery: The barren landscapes and dried-up rivers in the poem evoke the pandemic's forced isolation and the feeling of a world on hold.

Mythic References: The poem's use of myths about fertility and renewal offers hope for overcoming challenges, similar to the pandemic's search for a cure and return to normalcy.

Limitations and Considerations:

While "The Waste Land" reflects universal human experiences, it's important to remember its specific historical context and avoid oversimplification.

The poem's complexity and ambiguity allow for multiple interpretations, not just a pandemic lens.

Overall:

Reading "The Waste Land" as a pandemic poem offers a valuable perspective, highlighting its timeless themes and their relevance to our contemporary experience. It can deepen our understanding of the poem's rich layers and provide solace and reflection during challenging times.

The Waste Land as a Pandemic Poem.. from BhavyataKukadiya