The Hollow Men: A Fragmented Masterpiece and its Musical Roots
2025-08-10
T.S. Eliot's iconic poem, "The Hollow Men," wasn't written in one go. This article traces its fragmented publication history across various literary magazines, highlighting its musicality, drawing parallels to Beethoven's late string quartets. The poem's structure and imagery reveal a deep engagement with music, reflecting Eliot's own love for ragtime and vaudeville. The poem's ambiguous ending, a fragmented attempt at the Lord's Prayer, continues to fuel critical debate, with interpretations ranging from religious conversion to a persistent sense of emptiness. Its lasting impact resonates across art forms, inspiring paintings, installations, and even influencing pop music lyrics.
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