A Critical Study of the Myths, Classical References and Allusions in the T. S. Eliot's' the Waste Land

Abstract

Abstract:- The present paper sought to analyze myths, allusions and classical references used by T. S. Eliot in his magnus opus poem ‘The Waste Land’. A poem contains symbolic representation of myths, classical references and allusions. The study concentrates on the poet’s attitude towards the contemporary society. He justifies his uneasiness by giving the passing references from classical literatures. A study pinpoints the cultural and social decadences depicted by the poet by presenting the major classical personas and the symbolic events from the great classics. A poem depicts the spiritual deadness and barreness on the glorious land of England. To express his views on the spiritual deadness of the land; he gives classical references and allusions to depict the contemporary situation of the land. Every reference stand symbolic. It presents the loss of spiritual aspects of the glorious land. He uses farfetched classical references and biblical allusions to depict the contemporary perturbance. It is critical commentary on the chaotic situation of the contemporary society. The classical references and allusions used here are very apt and convincing. Eliot has brought it poignantly. The present study is confined with only critical study of allusions, references and symbolic perspectives used by Eliot in his poem, ‘The Waste Land’.