VDM Verlag Mystical Elements in the Poetry of T.S.Eliot

Mysticism is the leap from ordinary intellectualism and apprehension by the senses of the substantial world to the perceptive and intuitive grasp of the intangible depth of Being, particularly aided by God's grace which is pure gift. T.S. Eliot was as aware of prayer as he was of the religious traditions that emphasized mysticism and chose carefully to integrate them both into his poetry, not only intertwining Christian references, but also non-Christian references and beliefs to illustrate mystical elements, particularly into his religious poetry. Many philosophers and poets interested Eliot, and he used their theories eclectically until he formulated his own total vision that encompassed history, spirituality, poetic and critical principles, love, but especially, a sense of the mystical presence of the Absolute. The author traces the progression of mystical elements from selected Eliot poems dating from 1909 to 1942.