RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM IN T.S. ELIOT’S FOUR QUARTETS

Abstract

T.S. Eliot (1888–1965) is widely regarded as one of the most important and innovative poets of the 20th century, whose work significantly influenced modern literature. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Eliot moved to England in 1914 to pursue studies in philosophy at Oxford University. He soon became a key figure in the London literary scene, contributing to modernism with his groundbreaking poetic techniques, including fragmented structure, allusions, and the exploration of psychological and societal disillusionment. Eliot’s early poetry, notably The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock (1915), revolutionized the literary landscape, offering an introspective portrayal of modern alienation. His landmark work, The Waste Land (1922), cemented his reputation as a master of modernist poetry, depicting the fragmentation and decay of Western civilization after World War I. Through its use of complex symbolism, mythology, and references to various religious and cultural traditions, The Waste Land captured the disillusionment of the era while challenging conventional poetic forms.