Iam analyzing T S Eliot's poem Boston Evening Transcript. I know he is comparing readers with nonreaders but I can't come up with the theme. I can't figure out what the message is by Eliot taking jabs at the readers of the paper.
I think the theme is that readers of this paper are intellectually lazy and not interested in real news.
http://genius.com/Ts-eliot-the-boston-evening-transcript-annotated
To determine the theme of T.S. Eliot's poem "Boston Evening Transcript," you need to closely examine the poem's tone, language, and imagery to unravel the underlying message or main idea conveyed by the poet. Here's a step-by-step process to help you in analyzing the theme:
1. Read the poem: Make sure you have a clear understanding of the poem's content, structure, and literary devices used. Read it multiple times to gain familiarity with its overall tone and imagery.
2. Identify the key elements: Pay attention to any recurring images, symbols, or motifs in the poem. Look for patterns or significant details that stand out. Take note of the language used and any juxtapositions or contrasts presented.
3. Explore the poet's intentions: Consider the historical context and background of T.S. Eliot to gain insight into his motivations and beliefs. Eliot often depicted the disillusionment and fragmentation of modern life, so this might influence your understanding of the poem's theme.
4. Analyze tone and language: Determine the overall tone of the poem. Is it sarcastic, satirical, critical, or ironic? Look for specific phrases, allusions, or rhetorical devices that convey the poet's attitude towards the subject matter.
5. Consider the juxtapositions: Look for contrasting elements between readers and non-readers in the poem. What does Eliot highlight about each group? How does he portray or criticize them differently? This might give you clues about the theme and the message Eliot is trying to convey.
6. Connect the observations: Start connecting your observations and interpretations to develop a coherent understanding of the theme. Think about the relationship between readers and non-readers portrayed in the poem. Is Eliot lamenting the decline of intellectual engagement, criticizing the triviality of mainstream culture, or commenting on the alienation caused by mass media?
7. Reflect and interpret: Finally, draw on your analysis to form your interpretation of the poem's theme. Remember, different readers may have slightly different interpretations, so as long as you can provide evidence from the text to support your claim, your interpretation is valid.
By following these steps and closely examining the poem's language, imagery, and tone, you should be able to arrive at a well-supported interpretation of the theme in T.S. Eliot's "Boston Evening Transcript."