“You shouldn’t interrupt my interruptions: That’s really worse than interrupting.”

 — T.S. Eliot (1888–1965)

T.S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot, born Thomas Stearns Eliot on September 26, 1888, was an influential American-British poet, essayist, playwright, and literary critic. He is widely regarded as one of the most important poets of the 20th century and a central figure in modernist literature. Eliot’s works often reflect the disillusionment and fragmentation of the post-World War I era.

Early Life

Eliot was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States. He attended Harvard University, where he was awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees in philosophy. He also spent a year at the Sorbonne in Paris.

Move to England

In 1914, Eliot moved to England, where he would settle permanently. He studied at Oxford University and eventually became a British citizen in 1927.

The Waste Land

His most famous work is the poem The Waste Land, published in 1922. This poem is often seen as a landmark of modernist literature due to its fragmented structure, diverse literary allusions, and exploration of themes such as disillusionment and the decline of Western civilisation.

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Another significant poem by Eliot is The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, published in 1915. It is known for its modernist style, exploration of its protagonist’s inner thoughts and anxieties, and themes of alienation and the fear of ageing.

Other Works

Eliot’s other notable works include the poetry collection Four Quartets, which he wrote during World War II and explores themes of time, faith, and spiritual enlightenment. He also wrote several plays, including Murder in the Cathedral and The Cocktail Party.

Literary Criticism

In addition to his poetry, Eliot was a highly influential literary critic. His essays, such as Tradition and the Individual Talent and The Sacred Wood, had a significant impact on literary theory and criticism.

Nobel Prize

Eliot was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948 for his outstanding, pioneer contribution to present-day poetry.

Later Life

Eliot worked as an editor at Faber and Faber’s publishing house for many years. He was also active in literary circles, associating with other notable writers such as Ezra Pound and Virginia Woolf.

Legacy

T.S. Eliot’s works continue to be studied and admired for their complexity, richness of language, and profound exploration of the human condition. He remains one of the most influential figures in 20th-century literature.