The Role of Symbolism in T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land"

Abstract

This paper analyzes the extensive use of symbolism in T.S. Eliot's modernist masterpiece, "The Waste Land." It explores the significance of various symbols, such as the wasteland itself, the mythical figures, and the fragmented landscape, in conveying the poem's themes of spiritual desolation, cultural decay, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. The analysis will delve into the historical and literary contexts that inform Eliot's use of symbolism and its impact on the interpretation of the poem.