Existentialism in T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land': An Analysis of Philosophical Value

This thesis has explored the philosophical value of T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land' by analyzing its themes through an existentialist perspective. We began by introducing existentialism and its key concepts, including its views on existence, death, time, absurdity, and meaning-searching. We then examined T.S. Eliot's life and work, focusing on the poem 'The Waste Land' and its potential connections to existentialist thought. Through an in-depth analysis of 'The Waste Land', we found that the poem embodies existentialist themes of being-towards-death, temporality, and absurdity. This analysis included exploring the paradox between desire and desolation, propriety and impropriety, as well as the poem's portrayal of a revolt against the absurd world, represented as 'The Way Up'.

In conclusion, our analysis has demonstrated that existentialist thought is deeply embedded in 'The Waste Land'. The poem reflects existentialist concerns about death, time, and absurdity, and its exploration of these themes contributes significantly to its philosophical value. The presence of these existentialist themes suggests that 'The Waste Land' is not merely a poetic expression of despair but a profound reflection on the human condition.

This research offers a new interpretive angle for understanding 'The Waste Land', providing insights into its philosophical depth and its relevance to existentialist thought. Moreover, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding 'The Waste Land' and its philosophical significance, providing valuable perspectives for future research on the poem and its intersection with existentialist philosophy.