For Educational Purpose

1. ‘The Waste Land’ as a Pandemic Poem

2. Name: Bhavyata Kukadiya
Roll No: 6 Enrollment No: 4069206420220018
Sem:2
Paper Number : 106
Paper Name: 20th Century Literature-1(1900 - 1945)
Topic: ‘The Waste Land’ as a Pandemic Poem
Submitted to:Smt S.B Gardi ,Department of English, M.K.B.U.
E- mail: bhavyatakukadiya@gmail.com

3. Points to Ponder Upon
Author Introduction
Exploring the poem ‘Waste Land’
The Power of Poetry
Themes of Renewal and Rebirth
The Waste Land as a Pandemic Poem
Conclusion

4. Author Introduction Thomas Stearns Eliot (T.S. Eliot) was a British-American poet, playwright, and
literary critic, born in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, on September 26, 1888. He
is considered one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, and his works
continue to be studied and appreciated by readers and scholars alike.
He was educated at Harvard University
He worked as a teacher, a banker, and a clerk while pursuing his literary career
Eliot's poetry is known for its complexity and allusiveness, drawing on a wide range
of literary and cultural traditions, including the Bible, classical mythology, and the
works of Dante, Shakespeare, and John Donne. His most famous works include
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," "The Waste Land," "Ash Wednesday," and
"Four Quartets."
Eliot was also an influential literary critic, writing groundbreaking essays on poetry
and culture, including "Tradition and the Individual Talent," "The Function of
Criticism," and "Hamlet and His Problems." He was a major force in the
development of modernist literature and helped to establish the reputation of
several important writers, including Ezra Pound, W.B. Yeats, and James Joyce.
Eliot was also an influential literary critic, writing groundbreaking essays on poetry and culture, including "Tradition and the
Individual Talent," "The Function of Criticism," and "Hamlet and His Problems." He was a major force in the development of
modernist literature and helped to establish the reputation of several important writers, including Ezra Pound, W.B. Yeats, and
James Joyce.In 1948, Eliot was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to poetry and
literary criticism. He died in London on January 4, 1965, and was buried in the churchyard of St. Michael's Church, East Coker,
Somerset, England. His legacy continues to influence and inspire poets and readers around the world. (Eliot et al.) (Raine #)

5. Exploring ‘The Waste Land’
The Waste Land is a Poem that speaks to the human experience of
Pandemic. The Poem is written in the early 1920s, the poem is filled with
imagery and death and destruction,but also of hope and renewal. As we
look to the poem through the lens of pandemic,we can see how the poem is
reflection of our current situation.
The Poem conveys the message that when facing a crisis, we must draw
on our past experiences,both successes and failures,and use the wisdom
we have gained to build a better future. It also promotes resilience and
encourages us to use hope,faith and love to preserve and make a
difference.We should strive for justice,peace and harmony and remember
our interconnectedness.

6. ‘The Waste Land’ is its portrayal of a world in which meaning
have been lost.The poem is filled with images of isolation,emp
decay which could be seen as reflecting the feelings of many
the Pandemic. Eliot’s description of the barren wasteland ,whe
tree gives no shelter,the cricket no relief”,could be seen as a m
the sense of desolation and hopelessness that many people h
experienced in the face of the pandemic.
Eliot also suggests that poetry has the power to redeem and revit
spirit. In the final section of the poem, the Fisher King is restored
mysterious figure of the "three-eyed" guru, who speaks to him in a
language that nonetheless conveys a deep spiritual truth. This mo
redemption suggests that poetry has the power to transcend the l
language and communicate directly with the soul.
The Power of Poetry

7. Themes of Renewal and Rebirth
The Wasteland is a poem of renewal and rebirth. In the poem,
Eliot speaks of a world that has been destroyed, but also of a
world that can be reborn. The poem speaks to the idea that in
times of crisis, we must look to the past in order to move
forward. We must remember the lessons we have learned and
strive to build a better future.
The poem also speaks to the idea of hope and the power of the
human spirit to overcome adversity. In times of despair, the
poem reminds us that we are not alone, and that together we
can overcome any obstacle. The poem is a powerful reminder of
the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience.

8. ‘The Waste Land’ As a Pandemic Poem
The poem "The Wasteland" is a powerful illustration of The
fragility of life and the need for determination of difficulty.
Composed in the early 1920s, it is filled with images of death
and devastation, yet also of optimism and revival. When viewed
through the perspective of the pandemic, we can see how the
poem mirrors our current plight.
The poem begins with this line, “April is the cruellest month”
In the context of the poem, this line refers to the way in which
the coming of spring can bring a renewed feeling of
hopelessness and despair. And In the context of the pandemic,
this line takes on new meaning, as April 20202 was the month
when many countries around the world began to see a surge in
COVID-19 cases and death
(Pfefferkorn)

9. “Unreal City”
This line refers to the feeling of disconnection and isolation.
The situation of like this many people experienced in the
aftermath of World War I.
“I had not thought death had undone so many”
This line refers to the sheer number of people who died in
World War I and the damaging impact it had on society..
“The river’s tend is broken”
This line refers to the way in which nature is in a state of decay
and decline.
(Ghosh #)

10. Conclusion
The poem is highlights the power of poetry in times of crisis.The poem is a reflection of
the disconnection and fragmentation that Eliot saw in society at the time. It is a powerful
example of how poetry can be used to address social issues and provide a voice for
those who are struggling to make sense of their experiences.
The poem is filled with a rich array of symbolic imagery that speaks to the deeper
emotional and psychological struggles that people faced in the aftermath of the war.The
poem also uses religious and mythical symbolism to explore themes of death, rebirth,
and redemption.
"The Waste Land" is a powerful example of how poetry can be used to address social
issues and provide a voice for those who are struggling to make sense of their
experiences. Through its use of symbolism, language, and structure, the poem speaks
to the complex emotional and psychological struggles that people face in times of crisis,
and provides a space for readers to engage with these issues in a meaningful way.

11. Works Cited
Eliot, TS. “The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot.” Poetry Foundation,
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47311/the-waste-land. Accessed 10 March 2023.
Eliot, T. S. The Waste Land (Liveright Classics). Liveright, 2013. Accessed 10 March 2023.
Eliot, TS, et al. “T. S. Eliot.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._S._Eliot. Accessed 10 March
2023.
Ghosh, Shirsak. “The Re-Appearance Of T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land In The Times Of Covid-19
Pandemic.” Journal of Positive School Psychology,
https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/view/8879/5794.
Raine, Craig, editor. T. S. Eliot (Lives and Legacies Series). 2006,
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=4ISDu_mi9XgC&q=author+of+the+book#v=onepage&q&f=f
alse. Accessed 11 March 2023.

12. Thank You