T.S Eliot

T.S. Eliot

An American-British poet born in 1888, known for his modernist works and theories on poetry.

Modernist Movement

A literary movement in the late 19th to early 20th century that sought to break away from traditional literary forms and reflect contemporary life.

Objective Correlative

A theory proposed by Eliot stating that emotions must be embodied in an object to be effectively relayed to the reader.

Impersonality in Poetry

Eliot's concept that the poet should submerge their own personality and emotions into their poetry, making it an extension of the subjects rather than of the poet.

The Waste Land

A key work by T.S. Eliot that addresses themes of fragmentation and alienation in modern culture.

War

• Eliot lived through wars and explored their impact on society and individual psyche in his poetry. e.g. in ‘Out, Out-’ shows the innocent YOUNG loss of life possibly a comment on young boys being sent to war and dying when really they are “trying to do a mans work”

Influences on Eliot

Influenced by poets such as Ezra Pound and Matthew Arnold, as well as philosophical ideas from Immanuel Kant.

Fragmentation

A characteristic of modernist literature where traditional structures are broken and disjointed narratives are used.

Alienation

The feeling of isolation and separation from others, often explored in modernist poetry, including Eliot’s works.

Psychological Themes

Recurring themes in Eliot's poetry that address the damaged psyche of humanity and the complexities of gender roles.

Frost farming

• A practice involving farmers, particularly in New England, that emphasizes the harsh realities of agricultural life. Frost farming acknowledges the challenges faced by farmers through seasons, including dealing with frost, which impacts crop survival.

• It celebrates the tireless work and resilience required to cultivate the land and provide food, rather than romanticizing farming as a pastoral ideal.

• This approach highlights the necessity of hard labor, adaptability, and the connection between human effort and nature's unpredictability.