What key theme does T.S. Eliot's poem "The Wasteland" predominantly explore?

In T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land," the predominant theme is indeed the spiritual bankruptcy of modern Europe. The poem captures the disillusionment and fragmentation experienced in the aftermath of World War I, reflecting a world devoid of meaning and connection. Through a series of shifting perspectives, voices, and allusions, Eliot illustrates the emptiness that pervades contemporary life. Symbols of decay, desolation, and a lack of spiritual fulfillment permeate the text, underscoring the deep crisis of identity and purpose faced by individuals in a post-war society. This theme is articulated through vivid imagery and intertextual references that highlight the contrast between a once vibrant culture and its current state of malaise.

Other options, such as the celebration of nature, the prosperity of industrialization, and the triumph of love and unity, suggest positive themes that are not prevalent in "The Waste Land." Instead, the poem vividly illustrates the struggles and challenges of modern existence, making the exploration of spiritual emptiness a central focus.