Existentialism in T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land': A Poetic Exploration of Alienation and Meaning

T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land' stands as a landmark of modernist poetry, lauded for its complex structure and profound themes. Central to this work is the embodiment of Existentialist ideas. Eliot's poem transcends personal struggles, acting as a mirror reflecting the broader cultural and historical landscape of the early 20th century. Through close examination, we uncover how Eliot masterfully interweaves various existential concepts - alienation, despair, and the search for meaning - creating a haunting and poignant depiction of the human condition in the modern world.