Which of the following books is considered one of the sources behind T. S. Eliot’s poem, The Waste Land?
Show Hint
- William James’ Principles of Psychology
- Jessie Weston’s From Ritual to Romance
- Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis
- Sigmund Freud’s Interpretation of Dreams
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand the influence on T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land
T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land is known for its use of diverse literary references, including mythology, religion, and psychology. One significant source of influence for Eliot’s work is Jessie Weston’s From Ritual to Romance, which discusses the connection between the Grail myth and fertility rituals, a theme that appears prominently in Eliot’s poem.
Step 2: Analyze the options
Now, let's analyze the options:
- (A) William James’ Principles of Psychology influenced Eliot, but this work is not directly tied to the creation of The Waste Land in the same way as Jessie Weston’s work.
- (B) This is the correct answer. From Ritual to Romance by Jessie Weston, which explores the Grail myth and fertility rituals, had a significant impact on Eliot’s writing, particularly in his use of myth and ritual.
- (C) Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is an important work, but it is not a direct influence on Eliot’s The Waste Land.
- (D) Sigmund Freud’s Interpretation of Dreams did influence Eliot’s writing, but it was not as central to the creation of The Waste Land as Weston’s From Ritual to Romance.
Step 3: Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer is (B), as Jessie Weston’s From Ritual to Romance is one of the key influences behind the themes and structure of T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land.
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