T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Wasteland’ is a quintessentially modernist poem due its exploration of cultural decay. The poem is threaded together, carefully attaching fragments which reflect the shattered and despondent society of the post-world war I era. Eliot’s clever use of myth and allusions, especially the Fisher King and the search for the Grail legend, further accentuate the poem’s modernist tendencies and the search of meaning in the disoriented world.

The poem’s fragmented structure, juxtaposed with Eliot’s allusions, creates a sense of alienation and perplexity. The characters in ‘The Wasteland’ are usually passive and aimless, reflecting the spiritual anxiety characteristic of the post war society. Furthermore, his description and exploration of London underscore the cultural fragmentation and spiritual decay. This is another essential element of modernist poetry.

In addition to his modernist tendencies, Eliot has also drawn influence from Ezra Pound, who encouraged him to utilize and further experiment with new poetic styles and technique. Eliot’s interest in the philosophical ideologies of Immanuel Kant also molds his understanding of the human condition and the state of reality. Thus, Eliot’s influences, along with his own experiences, aided in the birth of ‘The Wasteland’, a venerated landmark in modernist poetry