Module B- T.S.

Eliot
Essay Scaffold
QUESTIONS
memorabie
. It is through a text's distinctive qualities that it becomes
text
Discuss this statement in relation to your prescribed
a view ofexistence
that is ultimately
0 what extent do the poems you have studied present

bleak and futile?

TERMINOLOGY

Ideas
the thematic
encompasses a notion
or a concept. Ideas relate to
An idea is the widest of terms and
you must be
basic components of your paragraphs. So,
concerns of the composer. They are the most
an essay.
familiar with the ideas your text explores before writing

Values
key focus is how the values embedded in
principles. Within this module, a
Values are a set of guiding texts may
audience. The values of different
with a contemporary
the text by the composer resonates context of the
are influenced by the historical,
personal, cultural, or social
not be identical, as they
text and composer.
should still discuss them in your essay
not refer to values explicitly, you
Although the question may chooses to
and purpose of the text. The values composer
a
as they are central to the meaning
issues. For example, in Question 1,
their representation of various
integrate into their text shapes
us to consider how they
the text memorable as they prompt
the values Eliot emphasises make
remain relevant in our own society.

Issues and Concerns

raises. Concerns may relate to

to the concerns that the composer
The values of each text respond
inherent theme that permeates
the text, or they may derive from an
the contextual background of
concerns as opposite to
values.
through time. You may like to consider

Eliot's poetry is the lack of meaning in

the modern world. Journey
For example, a major concern of values spiritual
recent conversion to Christianity, then
of the Magi, influenced by the composer's
for individuals to achieve a renewed and fulfiled self.
redemption as a means

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Attitude, Perspective and Purpose
Within your response, you will need to explore how context impacts upon the text studied. You must
demonstrate a strong understanding of the composer's purpose and perspective to effectively
analyse the text's construction, content, and language. Each composer has a distinctive attitude and
perspective which shapes their unique approach to contextual concerns. Hence, their texts do not
merely 'reflect' their context. Instead, they craft a critical commentary regarding aspects of their
context. They may advocate, affirm, or champion certain beliefs, or they may also criticise, condemn
or challenge
aspects of their context. They might also offer didactic lessons that warn the
consequences of failing to uphold certain values.

CONSTRUCTING RESPONSES
Introduction
The introduction generally follows a structure consisting of around 4 to 5 sentences. Its purpose is
to introduce your ideas. So, avoid writing about specific techniques in your introduction.

As a guide, your introduction should have three key components:

1. The first opening statement must incorporate your thesis and must
directly engage with the
question. This statement should unpack the key words of the question. Avoid being
superficial with this- your statement should not merely include the words of the question,
but also build argument around these key words and briefly clarify what they actually
an

mean. Be careful not to simply restate the question. It is also important that your thesis is
not convoluted - it must be clear and concise.

Ensure that your thesis is not too specific- it must be broad

enough to connect all points
that you are addressing within your essay. However, AVOID LISTING the concepts you want
to address in the essay. It is better to construct an opening statement with a cause and
effect structure which introduces a broad idea common throughout the poems. This means
that idea may correspond with and inform another idea
one
this also adds
-

logical
progression to your essay.

2. Introduce the poems you are including in your

essay, briefly addressing the composer's
purpose and concerns he addresses in the poems. You should introduce the poems
chronologically. For T.s. Eliot, the structure of your introduction depends on how many
poems you are including in your essay. For example, if you are writing about three poems
(Prufrock, Hollow Men, and Magi), you could introduce Prufrock and Hollow Men in one
sentence as they explore similar ideas of futility and stasis within the context of a
disillusioned society. Then, you would introduce Magi in the next sentence as it conveys a
contrasting message. Using words like 'similarly and 'contrastingly' when introducing poems
is also important in distinguishing the relationship between the
poems.

At this stage, the marker should be able to determine

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 what your body paragraphs will be about. The way you arrange your introduction also EVES

structure to your essay as a whole.

3. Provide a link-back to conclude your introduction. This statement should be similar to your

opening thesis statement and provide a view of the unique insights attained from your

critical study of the text.

In your concluding statement, you should consider:

Why do we interpret Eliot's poetry?

concerns?
How does an understanding of Eliot's poetry deepen our understanding of various

Checklist

synthesise the
Thesis must directly respond to the question being asked-it should
into the text
question's key terms and your own critical insights
Define any unusual terms of the question and introduce relevant contextual details (very

briefly)
list out the points you will be discussing. Try to identify a broader idea they all
D o not simply
contribute to so that your essay is cohesive

introduction it must be clear and concise

Do not go into too much detail in your
-

End with a linking sentence back to the question, ensuring it critically engages with the

question

Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentences

that
Each body paragraph begins topic sentence that introduces the ideas explored within
with a
of the
paragraph. It must address the question and your thesis. Remember to use key words
questions in this sentence.

This sentence should follow a cause and effect structure. For example, how does the text's context

influence the composer's representation of a certain issue.

In the topic sentences for your second, third, or fourth body paragraphs, provide a link to the

previous paragraphs to add coherency to your essay. This can be achieved by including linking words

such as 'similarly', or 'in contrast within your topic sentences.

There are several ways to structure your essay, depending on how many poems you are including.
For two poems (A and B), the recommended structure is ABAB. For this, you will need two ideas for
each poem that build on your overall thesis. Another option is to include three poems, and write a
paragraph for each poem. Regardless, your essay must have a central or common concept to ensure

cohesiveness. Make sure to also add links to other poems within your paragraphs.

Checklist

Topic sentence must be relevant to the question (include key terms), must identify the
poem, and should not include techniques or narrative

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 composer
of the
a clear purpose
Must
demonstrate
and question given
each technique
sentence

relate back to
the topic Similarly,
must evidence.
All analysis of
identified for each piece
should be
A technique
evidence from
the text
should be supported by
textual evidence be at the
claim should be supported
by This should
Every structure
(macro-device).
aspect of form
or
Include at least one
extend
well and
beginning of the paragraph Each sentence
should flow
paragraph?
there logical progression to your
s
of
the s t r u c t u r e
your argument
to add flow. Also e n s u r e
furthermore', 'additionally',
Use connecting words, with 'the')
shouldn't all begin
sentences are varied (e.g. they
address
This must
your
s e n t e n c e to
conclude your paragraph?
Have you included a strong
linking within the paragraph.
relevant to what you've
explained and justified
the question and be
introduced.
No new ideas should be

QUESTION ONE
distinctive qualities that it
become memorable
It is through a text's
relation to your prescribed
text
Discuss this statement in

Key Words

Distinctive Qualities
refer to in your essay. Their
distinctive features which you must explicitly
T.S. Eliot's poetry has many works that
their unique quality when compared to
place within the modernist context also shapes
have preceded it.

Some points to consider:

of the poem and is a distinctive feature of

Eliot's use of epigraphs conveys a central concern

his modernist works

allusion to Dante's Inferno. Eliot's inclusion of
o In Prufrock, the epigraph is a literary
this demonstrates his belief in the modernist poet's need to honour literary
antecedents.
o In Hollow Men, the first line of the epigraph refers to Conrad's Heart of Darkness,
'Mistah Kurtz'
and highlights the stasis of modern individuals through the death of
-

a man of action. The second line

alludes to the unexecuted Gunpowder Plot, which
further reflects the inability of modern individuals to achieve their purpose.
Fragmentation in Eliot's poetry exposes the brokenness of modern individuals within an

industrialised or post-war society

o Preludes is a fragmented glimpse into modern life, through which Eliot demonstrates
the ambiguity of meaning in a society pursuing hedonistic pleasures

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 The objective correlative is defining feature ofEliot as he largely developed this device.
a device where a persona's emotions are embodied by an external object or event.
Itis

The fog in Prufrock in an objective corelative which embodies the internal

alienation of modern individuals as it obstructs genuine interpersonal connection
The portrayal of the moon as a senile woman in Rhapsody is an objective correlative
for the modern human condition, reflecting the degeneration of humanity despite
industrial progress
Stream-of-consciousness is a distinctive modernist technique which exposes the layers of
awareness of psyche of the modern individual
o The experimental stream-of-consciousness in Prufrock connects us to the titular
persona who embodies the angst of the modern society
Dramatic monologue form Prufrock) gives a unique voice to the modern human experience
Inversion of traditional paradigms and binaries is a key feature of modernist texts - e.g

psychological over external, naturalism centralised over religion, experimental over

conventional
Modernist writers challenged Romantic aesthetics, reflective of the disillusioned experience
of the generation
o In Rhapsody, the Romantic positivity associated with geraniums is subverted in the
disturbing and violent imagery of "madman shakes a dead geranium". Furthermore,
the senile lunar depiction shatters Romantic notions of the moon. This stems from
the disillusionment of the industrialised society
o The Romantic imagery of the evening at the start of Prufrock is immediately
subverted by the image of a "patient etherised" to emphasise the numbing paralysis
of a destabilised modern world where traditional idealism was undermined

Memorable

A text remains memorable if it discusses values or concerns that resonate with the contemporary
audience. Often, these will be related to aspects of the universal human experience. Eliot's poems
endure as they explore relevant issues through a unique, and distinctive, modernist lens.

These are some points to consider when discussing what universal aspects of humanity Eliot
explores which allows his texts to remain memorable:

Social paralysis of a changing society and the resultant individual confinement

Futility of existence when faced with disillusionment and malaise
Meaninglessness of individuals within the modern cultural decay and indulgence in
superficial, hedonistic pleasures
Conformity to banal, monotonous routines which isolate individuals uncertain of their true
identity
The need to seek fulfilment, perhaps through spiritual freedom

LO

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Paragraph ldeas

Body 1-Prufrock
voice
distinctive modern
form lends the persona a
The dramatic monologue

Social paralysis

Body 2-Preludes

into ambiguous images

of modern life
The fragmentation of the poem
routines
Conformity to meaningless

Body 3-Magi
renewal
which is conquered by spiritual
Portrayal of a corrupt world
Need for spiritual fulfilment

Constructing Responses
as well as why his
sure you addresswhat makes Eliot's poetry memorable,
For your thesis, make freedom in what concerns you
question allows you significant
works are distinctive. This particular However,
as long as you relate it
back to Eliot's distinctive writing style.
want to raise in your essay,
broad enough to encompass all key
is not too specific it must be
-

it is important that your thesis

concepts you address in your essay.

contains distinctive qualities which allow it to be

Avoid restating the question (e.g. T.S. Eliot's poetry
modern audience') as this does not develop
an argument.
memorable to a

Samples Theses

to create a
which rejected personal expression
1. pioneered a distinctive poetic form
T.S. Eliot
others.
memorable portrayal of the universal experience
of a generation disconnected from
audiences in its
memorable as it resonates with modern
2. T.S. Eliot's modernist poetry is
within a consumerist and superficial society.
distinctive representation of a loss of purpose
of the
3. The distinctive modernist qualities
of T.S. Eliot's poetry forms a memorable portrayal
individual struggle for freedom when confined by
the isolation of an industrialised society.

Sample Introduction

the loss of purpose in the

T.S. Eliot's modernist poetry provides a distinctive cynical commentary on
reflects on the disillusioned experience of his
isolated and rapidly changing society. Eliot cynically
and Preludes (1917), as
post-industrial context in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock (1915)
individuals are confined to a meaningless existence in a world
of rapid industrialisation yet cultural
decay. Contrastingly, the Journey of the Magi (1927) portrays that spiritual freedom grants
individuals enlightenment from the challenges of a corrupt and hedonistic world. Hence, we
remember Eliot's poetry to gain a distinctive understanding that a restored faith in religion can

provide freedom from the stifling futility of modern life.

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QUESTION TWO
To what extent do the
poems you have studied present a view of existence that is ultimately Died
and futile?

Key Words

Bleak and Futile Existence

The futility of existence is a major concern common to all of Eliot's selected poems. There are many

points you can consider when writing this essay:

Social paralysis
Prufrock captures the persona's confinement and inability to act within the rapidly
collective paralysis stems from the
changing society of the 20th century. This
disorientation associated with the industrialised society which experienced a jarring
break from traditional values. The poem delves into the persona's innermost

thoughts, which exposes his attempts to escape the stasis. Yet, this attempt is
ultimately futile.
o In Hollow Men, Eliot is influenced by a post-war context, forming his bleak portrayal
of the individuals who are static within a meaningless existence. There is an overall

passivity of society which is portrayed in the poem. From the epigraph, Eliot
establishes the inability of modern individuals to achieve purpose or action.
Consider the paradox "shape without form..gesture without motion". This highlights
the static existence of modern individuals without vitality or meaning.

Isolation
o Prufrock's isolation reflectsthe overalinterpersonal disconnect in the industrialised
world. It is this inability to relate to others that further confines individuals to their

psychological realm. Consider the lack of purpose in human existence when we

cannot connect with each other.

o Influenced, or perhaps even pioneering, the modernist literary style, Eliot fragments
Preludes to reflect the disjunct urban scene and brokenness of interpersonal
relations.
oMagi contrasts to Eliot's other poems in that it explores the alienation of spiritually
renewed individuals from those who remain unfulfilled.
Conformity
There is a distinct lack of freedom in Eliot's world. In Preludes, for example, the
individuals appear to mindlessly follow banal, monotonous routines. This lack of
agency combines with a widespread loss of individuality to paint a bleak portrait of
modern individuals- they conceal their "dingy" true selves behind a carefully
"furnished" façade which conforms to strict social aesthetics.

Cultural decay
o Despite the industrial progress, Eliot portrays the bleak urban landscape resulting
from the cultural deterioration. There is a sense of an inevitable demise of humanity
within his poems, where humankind is on the brink of collapse. This is particularly
explored in Rhapsody.

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Sample Topic Sentences

I n Rhapsody, Eliot bleakly portrays the cultural deterioration and indulgence in hedonism
which ultimately exacerbates the of modern individuals.
futility
in Preludes, Eliot condemns the futility of modern life by painting a bleak portrait of the
conformity to monotonous routines which isolates individuals uncertain of their true

identity.
3. As a dramatic monologue, Prufrock captures the futility of living in Eliot's uncertain society,
leading to the bleak existence of isolation individuals.
4. Hollow Men provides a bleak insight into the futile attempts of individuals to be liberated

from stasis when confined by a meaningless existence.

5. Contrastingly, Magi explores how a search for spiritual freedom can relieve individuals from

the bleak and futile world.

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