Aethereal rumours
Subtitle: T.S. Eliot's physics and poetics
By: Benjamin G. Lockerd, Jr.
Publisher: Bucknell University Press; Associated University Presses
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Lewisburg, [Pa.]; London; Cranbury, NJ
Language: eng
Number of pages: 318
Subjects: Eliot, T. S. 1888-1965 -- Knowledge -- Physics.; Literature and science -- United States -- History -- 20th century.; Literature and science -- Great Britain -- History -- 20th century.; Physics in literature.; Poetics -- History -- 20th century.
Description: This study combines ideas from many different disciplines and historical periods to yield a broad and penetrating analysis of T. S. Eliot's thinking about the relation between the material and spiritual worlds. Lockerd demonstrates that Eliot developed a poetic theory based on his antidualistic belief that mind and matter are not entirely separate, a theory that emphasizes natural symbols such as the elements and the seasonsnonarbitrary symbols rooted in our physical experience.

The book thus offers a forceful response to those who would see Eliot as a precursor of so-called postmodern literary theory. Instead, Lockerd finds in Eliot's poetic theory and practice an attempt to achieve what is called in Four Quartets the "impossible union / Of spheres of existence."
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 297-308) and index.