THE WASTE LAND - A GAME OF CHESS

THE WASTE LAND - A GAME OF CHESS

Ø  In this section, Eliot pictures the sexual perversion prevalent among both the upper and lower classes. The first part of this section shows the adulterous relationship between a rich neurotic lady and her adulterous lover. The mention of Philomel who after being raped, was changed into a nightingale throws into bold relief the degeneracy of our time. Philomel, in ancient times was transformed through suffering. But no such transformation is possible for the modern lady. The modern lady is the victim of dread and neurosis. The only remedy that her lover can think of for her neurotic dread is taking bath in hot water and going out in a closed car. The lives of these rich adulterous are shallow and artificial.

Ø  The later half of the section is about the going-on of the demobilized soldier Albert and his wife Lil. He is expected to be back home soon. Having been away from his wife for four years, he is thirsting for sexual satisfaction. Unfortunately his wife, having taken pills to abort herself, has become emaciated and lost all her good looks. She has lost her teeth. Lil’s friend tells her that if she fails to give sexual pleasure to her husband he will go on to other women. Lil’s friend is talking about these matters in a pub. Since it is closing time, the keeper asks these women to hurry up. The injunction also symbolizes a warning to these women to reform themselves in time.