Thinking activity on "The Wasteland" by T.S. Eliot.

Thinking activity on "The Wasteland" by T.S. Eliot

Here I'm giving the answer of the thinking activity which is given by my teacher.

Here is the link of the task... 

" The Waste Land " is a modern epic poem written by T. S. Eliot. This poem is divided into the five parts which represents the sexual perversion and spiritual degradation.

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 mytho-historical answer to the contemporary malaise?

As a writer it is a personal choice to go forward or backward and if we talk about The waste land than Yes, he goes in past and I believe that Eliot's idea of going back to Holy scriptures for finding a solution of present malaises are regressive. We are facing different types of issues, those who are normally reaping in every generation. We have to look back but we have to learn which things we should not repeat but we are doing the same mistakes and we are not looking forward to thinking different so as per Nietzsche’s views, we have to be forward-looking.

Nietzsche’s concept of “Ubermensch” appropriate. This concept talking about to have our own morality for the betterment of humanity and our self.  If we do faith in our self than we can make us

So it is better to go forward than going back.

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

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

I am not agree with the concept of Freud. Because giving free vent to the repressed primitive instinct will automatically lead towards the anarchy. For transitioning happiness, we should not create disorganization in society. Here Eliot seems more powerful than Freud because if we live our lives with some discipline or with the organization than life becomes easier.

3) Write about allusions to the Indian thoughts in 'The Waste Land'. 

( Where, How and Why are the Indian thoughts referred?)

1) The Fire Sermon

“The Fire Sermon” is also the name of one of a sermon given by Buddha. The whole poem describe the theme of sexual perversion and by referring to this sermon of Buddha because he also wants to convey a message to stay detached from all the senses.

2) River Ganga and Himalaya

The Ganga is known for its purity and for purification. While Himalaya is known for spirituality and peace. Eliot finds the solution to all contemporary problems in spirituality. That is the reason he referrers Ganga and Himalaya here. I feel in Varanasi and in Himachal Pradesh that I was feeling like I was far from the world for 15 days.

4)Thunder

Eliot uses the reference of Upanishads through the akashvani Prajapati gives the solutions for all the problems. Eliot gave reference to Thunder to convey that now the solution of all problems will be given by Thunder.

4) Three Da

    1) Datta

2) Dayadhvam

3) Damyata

The first Da “Datta” means to give. Give sacrifice for others and help to others.

The second Da “Dayadhvam” means sympathies and empathies with others.

Third Da “Damyata” means self-control, control over the senses.

5) Shantih mantra

The Shantih mantra is for inner peace. Eliot ends his poem with this mantra and with hope. The hope of re-birth, end of modern malaises, and growth of spirituality.