Biblical References
From The Waste Land Wiki
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:the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. | :the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. | ||
| − | Although this quotation does not explicitly say that events necessarily take place in these mountains, Mount Zion maintains its place as a significant location in the bible. The law originating within Mount Zion is another indication of this, and its position within the prominent biblical town of Jerusalem supports this as well. However, in this context, | + | Although this quotation does not explicitly say that events necessarily take place in these mountains, Mount Zion maintains its place as a significant location in the bible. The law originating within Mount Zion is another indication of this, and its position within the prominent biblical town of Jerusalem supports this as well. However, in this context, Mount Zion is not associated with the heavy themes of betrayal as in the Last Supper, but instead signifies the law. Perhaps in Isaiah, when they are instructed to "go into the rocks," the rocks refer to the mountains themselves; they are requested to hide within the laws--or rather, to obey the laws--to avoid the wrath of God. In the context of ''The Waste Land'', this allusion is subtle, but nevertheless means something similar in terms of modern times. The "shadow" refers to the sentiments associated with the post-war world--the helplessness and distress--and calls others to wallow in this feeling of despair. |
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===[["The Fire Sermon" Annotations|The Fire Sermon]]=== | ===[["The Fire Sermon" Annotations|The Fire Sermon]]=== | ||
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These two locations--Brahmayoni Temple and Church of the Beatitudes--are connected by a line on the map to represent their association with one another. This line draws the loose connection between ''The Waste Land'' and the Bible. | These two locations--Brahmayoni Temple and Church of the Beatitudes--are connected by a line on the map to represent their association with one another. This line draws the loose connection between ''The Waste Land'' and the Bible. | ||
| − | These two sermons relate the strong passions and desires prevalent in religion, specifically the temptations, to the emotionally devoid state that prevailed during modern times. The burning passions and righteous blessings | + | These two sermons relate the strong passions and desires prevalent in religion, specifically the temptations, to the emotionally devoid state that prevailed during modern times. The burning passions and righteous blessings preached in Buddha's and Jesus' speech act as ironic fragments within the work. They contrast the feelings of despair, emphasizing the absence of emotion--or the loss of faith and hope--within modern society. |
===[["Death by Water" Annotations|Death by Water]]=== | ===[["Death by Water" Annotations|Death by Water]]=== | ||
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:there is no one who does good, | :there is no one who does good, | ||
::not even one.” | ::not even one.” | ||
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| + | These verses reflect the same sentiments found in ''The Waste Land'', talking of a universal hopelessness in any who believe themselves to be righteous. ''The Waste Land'' quote that reads, "Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you," while unrelated to the bible, has some connections to this verse in other ways. It, too, reflects the feeling of hopelessness in regards to inevitable death. A couple stanzas prior to this one outlines his fate: | ||
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| + | Phlebas the Phoenician, a fortnight dead, | ||
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| + | Forgot the cry of gulls, and the deep sea swell | ||
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| + | And the profit and loss. | ||
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| + | Phlebas, despite whatever virtuous qualities he possessed, meets the same fate as all others. These lines request that others do not get fooled into thinking otherwise, similar to the verses in Roman 3. | ||
===[["What the Thunder Said" Annotations|What the Thunder Said]]=== | ===[["What the Thunder Said" Annotations|What the Thunder Said]]=== | ||
