A discussion of Part I of T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land from the online course Classics of American Literature: T.S. Eliot, taught by Duke University English Professor Victor Strandberg.
I think the measure of a professor’s worth lies in explaining such complex poetry in a way that is understandable by everyone. I am in love with The Waste Land and always look for inspiration to try and make my high school students love it as much as I do. Thank you for sharing this delightful lecture ❤️
What a wonderful enlightenment taking the listener step by step through this poem. The delivery of this lecture is so calm and knowledgable. Thank you so much for this.
Thank you so much! Frankly, this poem seemed impossibly difficult and obscure, even after the lecture and class I had on The Waste Land at my university, but I think I have a much better understanding. Thank you again!
I’ve studied this poem for years and only now after watching this first part of your lecture do I feel like I actually understand it’s depth and various allusions. Thank you, Professor!
Aligning with the poem's theme of the naturalistic loss of the myth of rebirth, my interpretation of the opening lines was that April is the cruelest month not because of the uprising of desire but because Spring is when nature appears to "resurrect" after the wintertime, mocking the human inability to be born again.
I just casually clicked the video when I stumbled across it but the lecture is so fascinating and comprehensive that it arrested all my attention and believe me, I couldn't keep track of time how these 45 mints passed. The guy seems learned.
Most interesting background and interpretation of Wasteland. From Babel, Princess Antonette,Austria,Romanov dynasty , Music of Wagner, Hyacinth girl, Tempest by Shakespeare to Dante's Divine Comedy.Resurrection, Theory of the Wheel, Bourderlaire, Opera Tristan and Isolda,etc etc Really mind gripping talk! Most enjoyable too. The speaker is obviously rich in Literature and very knowledgeable and well informed.
Thank you very much. I have hugely enjoyed your lectures and learnt a lot. As a professor of social anthropology I am a bit skeptical about the academic value of The Golden Bough and From Ritual to Romance. Of course, this does not diminish their value as sources of inspiration for T. S. Elliot. On the whole, I am really obliged to you.
Could you please elaborate on why you’re skeptical regarding The Golden Bough and From Ritual to Romance? Is the methodology suspect or are there great leaps in logic? Thanks
Dear Professor, - many thanks for your wonderful lectures, - I learn so much. As a musician, however, I must bring to your attention that the words from Wagner’s ‘Tristan’ in the first part are not spoken by Tristan to Isolde, but are the sarcastic remarks addressed to Isolde at the very beginning of the opera, by the Sailor (Seemann). Therefore, the translation of ‘sweetheart’ for ‘Kind (child)’ is inappropriate. Forgive my Beckmesserian correction.
My professor mentioned that this may be a reference to the Grand Canyon, which if you think about it, is a kind of waste land. I personally think this is a viable interpretation, as Eliot was American after all (he emmigrated to England later in life).
That there is no possibility of a salvation in this wasteland. No Messiah like Moses will arrive to strike a stone that will spout water to sustain life. There is no possibility for a miracle.
Sorry but I have to correct one particular : " il miglior fabbro" in Italian , means "the best blacksmith" not " the best writer or atrist" ... Probably because he metaforically worked on the huge poem by reducing and cutting it , just like blacksmiths work on metals moulding them...By the way , perfect Italian pronounciation, my compliments...
In the last part of the Wasteland, What The Thunder Said, is the "Thunder" a good voice or an evil presence? "...there is no water" This does not sound very good.
Find a brain, David, please ....somewhere....there's got to be one going semi-free that would suit you and look nice and pretty on top of your empty head.
I think the measure of a professor’s worth lies in explaining such complex poetry in a way that is understandable by everyone. I am in love with The Waste Land and always look for inspiration to try and make my high school students love it as much as I do. Thank you for sharing this delightful lecture ❤️
I was transported to a different world while listening to this lecture. You are an amazing teacher. Heartfelt thanks.
Exquisite, brilliant. Why can't more people have such a clear perspective as yours?
What a wonderful enlightenment taking the listener step by step through this poem. The delivery of this lecture is so calm and knowledgable. Thank you so much for this.
Thank you so much! Frankly, this poem seemed impossibly difficult and obscure, even after the lecture and class I had on The Waste Land at my university, but I think I have a much better understanding. Thank you again!
These lectures are magnificent!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge
I’ve studied this poem for years and only now after watching this first part of your lecture do I feel like I actually understand it’s depth and various allusions. Thank you, Professor!
Magnificent Professor, great lecture.
After luke-warm, some more appropriate words for this amazing man. He is brilliant.
One of the best lectures on The Waste Land. Hats off to you Professor Victor Strandberg
Aligning with the poem's theme of the naturalistic loss of the myth of rebirth, my interpretation of the opening lines was that April is the cruelest month not because of the uprising of desire but because Spring is when nature appears to "resurrect" after the wintertime, mocking the human inability to be born again.
Fantastic! Thank you very much and a huge hug from Brazil!
I cannot thank you enough. That was one outstanding lecture!
I just casually clicked the video when I stumbled across it but the lecture is so fascinating and comprehensive that it arrested all my attention and believe me, I couldn't keep track of time how these 45 mints passed. The guy seems learned.
“The guy seems learned.” Yah think?! 😉
This was an enriching lecture.thank you Professor.
I'm no scholar of English, but the poem lends itself to multiple interpretations that are simply fascinating to unravel. Good work.
Federico Tak true
Most interesting background and interpretation of Wasteland. From Babel, Princess Antonette,Austria,Romanov dynasty , Music of Wagner, Hyacinth girl, Tempest by Shakespeare to Dante's Divine Comedy.Resurrection, Theory of the Wheel, Bourderlaire, Opera Tristan and Isolda,etc etc
Really mind gripping talk! Most enjoyable too. The speaker is obviously rich in Literature and very knowledgeable and well informed.
What a boss. Thanks Professor!
Absolutely fantastic!
An incredible lecture, thank you
Amazing!!!
Great class!!! Thanks.
Great explanation, thanks a lot
Thank you professor!
Amazing. Thank you.
Wow didn't expected that
Thank you!
Thank you very much. I have hugely enjoyed your lectures and learnt a lot. As a professor of social anthropology I am a bit skeptical about the academic value of The Golden Bough and From Ritual to Romance. Of course, this does not diminish their value as sources of inspiration for T. S. Elliot. On the whole, I am really obliged to you.
Could you please elaborate on why you’re skeptical regarding The Golden Bough and From Ritual to Romance? Is the methodology suspect or are there great leaps in logic? Thanks
You be Woke?
Thank you.
Please provide links of .more lectures
Dear Professor, - many thanks for your wonderful lectures, - I learn so much.
As a musician, however, I must bring to your attention that the words from Wagner’s ‘Tristan’ in the first part are not spoken by Tristan to Isolde, but are the sarcastic remarks addressed to Isolde at the very beginning of the opera, by the Sailor (Seemann). Therefore, the translation of ‘sweetheart’ for ‘Kind (child)’ is inappropriate. Forgive my Beckmesserian correction.
Who has the gall to be putting a thumbs down on this?
And what does he mean by the red rock? is it figurative usage of literal usage?
My professor mentioned that this may be a reference to the Grand Canyon, which if you think about it, is a kind of waste land. I personally think this is a viable interpretation, as Eliot was American after all (he emmigrated to England later in life).
It's an amazing video. I also made a video about Eliot's "Wasteland" in April. I hope you enjoy the good video.
Please answer me
What does the author mean by these lines
The cricket no relief and the dry stone no sound of water.
That there is no possibility of a salvation in this wasteland. No Messiah like Moses will arrive to strike a stone that will spout water to sustain life. There is no possibility for a miracle.
Sorry but I have to correct one particular : " il miglior fabbro" in Italian , means "the best blacksmith" not " the best writer or atrist" ... Probably because he metaforically worked on the huge poem by reducing and cutting it , just like blacksmiths work on metals moulding them...By the way , perfect Italian pronounciation, my compliments...
A nice appraisal.
In the last part of the Wasteland, What The
Thunder Said, is the "Thunder" a good voice or an evil presence? "...there is no water" This does not sound very good.
Speed to 1.25 for easier listening--Victor is a ponderous speaker.
Playing this at 1.5 speed works well...
A Scapeshifter
Lose the medallion.
Find a brain, David, please ....somewhere....there's got to be one going semi-free that would suit you and look nice and pretty on top of your empty head.
Thanks very much for your precious work, I love and enjoy these lectures!