Communication Through Imagism

Throughout “The Waste Land,” there are a few points in the poem where the theme of communication is evident. The best example, one might argue, would be in part II, “A Game of Chess.” Here, human contact is imagined as the interaction between a man and a woman. First, there is the image of an exquisite banquet with very distinct descriptions of the sights and scents of the dinner scene. Although most of the images are positive there is a transformation after the banquet, which makes it seem like the interaction between these two people are taking place in two different places. For instance, failed communication between the man and the women can be seen

The woman’s touch is also represented as a form of japonisme. Her touch is extremely intimate and is compared to the tissue of a Japanese paper napkin, which can be regarded as something feminine, foreign and different. Also, there are no questions being asked aloud between two people in “The Encounter” whereas in “The Waste Land” they are present. The poem is stichic, unlike “The Waste Land,” and it is short and concise. The waste land is lengthy and ambiguous; it can be open to many interpretations. However, both of them are in free verse and display human interactions through speech, feeling and action, negatively and positively. In addition, “The Encounter” uses words/language that is easier for the reader to identify with. This makes the reader feel confident. He or she is able to interpret effectively what the poet is saying. On the other hand, “The Waste Land” uses an array of words that leave the reader bewildered, making communication between the reader and the text ineffective.

Another positive example of music (the playing of) as an action occurs in part IV, “Death by Water.” In this section, the land is a dry and arid desert that is dead. Thunder can be heard from beyond distant mountains: “The shouting and the crying…of thunder spring over distant mountains” (Eliot 325-326), however, it will not rain. The thunder is personified as having the human traits of shouting and crying. These are both acts of getting attention or communicating that are caused by negative emotions.

“What shall we ever do?” (Eliot 130-134)

Thus human interaction is imagined and represented through the action of crying, which can be regarded negatively. But, unlike Philomel, whose cries are neglected or not being heard because of her unfortunate fate, the thunder, whose cries are heard, and are answered (by the rain) is portrayed in a positive manner.

I shall rush out as I am, and walk the street

A woman, who plays the violin with a strand of her hair, hears the thunder. This invokes beautiful music that brings the rains to the ruinous wasteland: “A woman drew her long black hair…then a damp gust bringing rain” (ln. 378-395).

Some topics in this essay:
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