It was quite depressing/relieving to realize that this fifth section of Wasteland would be the last of Eliot. However, after my initial shock (if you could call it that) and a second read-through, I realized the significance and the symbolism behind this climactic ending. After our online discussion on water during class, I cannot help but wonder about Eliot’s repetitive use of water and the wasteland’s lack thereof. With the wasteland’s lack of water and the rain that eventually comes, Eliot certainly makes it seem as though water is pure and brings life. After the rooster cock-a-doodle-doos, rain is ushered forth from the heavens and brings life to the barren wasteland. Although this sounds beautiful and enlightening, I feel confused by Eliot’s previous condemnation of Spring and April as the cruelest month. Could it be that Eliot merely used the Wasteland as a symbol for the dormant state of society and rain ushering forth the birth of true reality? Or does he simply mock Spring, Summer, Sex, and all the other splinters of society and claim that the Wasteland, although now more lively, will eventually become more corrupted than before? That brings me to another interesting point that I would hope to discuss: the use of the Rooster as a calling for rain. The symbolism for this empty chapel, this single rooster, and the rain that ensues certainly has significance regarding the Bible and almost mimics Jesus’ return to our Earth. I certainly cannot say that I comprehend his metaphors and symbolism (or even my own logic for that matter).
London Bridge is falling down falling down falling down
Poi s'ascose nel foco che gli affina
Quando fiam uti chelidon - O swallow swallow
Le Prince d'Aquitaine à la tour abolie
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