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The Waste Land Study Guide

by T.S. Eliot

The Waste Land study guide contains a biography of T.S. Eliot, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

The poem begins with a section entitled "The Burial of the Dead." In it, the narrator -- perhaps a representation of Eliot himself -- describes the seasons. Spring brings "memory and desire," and so the narrator's memory drifts back to times in Munich, to childhood sled rides, and to a possible romance with a "hyacinth girl." The memories only go so far, however. The narrator is now surrounded by a desolate land full of "stony rubbish."

He remembers a fortune-teller named Madame Sosostris who said he was "the drowned Phoenician Sailor" and that he should "fear death by water." Next he finds himself on London Bridge, surrounded by a crowd of people. He spots a friend of his from wartime, and calls out to him.

The next section, "A Game of…

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The Waste Land Essays and Related Content

 

Posted By oriuwa c #253947 at May 31, 2012 3:27 AM

 

Posted By virendrasinh t #232607 at Feb 25, 2012 12:20 PM

"the waste land as modern myth" elaborate.

i want to know can we say 'the waste land' as a modern myth?if yes than please explain the myths which are used in 'the waste land'.

The Waste Land | Answers: 2

 

Posted By mark w #231027 at Feb 20, 2012 10:29 AM