Understanding the characters within T. S. Eliot's poetry helps in appreciating the depth and complexity of his works. The question asks about the appearance of the character Tiresias in Eliot's major poems.

Tiresias in T. S. Eliot's Poetry

Tiresias is a significant figure in classical mythology, known as a blind prophet of Thebes who was transformed into a woman for seven years before becoming a man again. This experience gave him unique insight, having lived life from both perspectives. Eliot borrows this figure for a specific purpose in one of his most famous poems.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the given options to determine where Tiresias appears:

• 'Gerontion': This poem features an old man speaking, reflecting on history and his own condition in a decaying world. While it shares themes with other Eliot works, Tiresias is not a central or named character here.
• 'Murder in the Cathedral': This is a verse drama about the martyrdom of Thomas Becket. The characters are primarily historical figures and the Chorus. Tiresias does not feature in this play.
• 'The Love Song of Alfred Prufrock': This is an earlier dramatic monologue from the perspective of J. Alfred Prufrock, who suffers from inertia and emotional paralysis. Tiresias does not appear in this poem.
• 'The Wasteland': This is Eliot's monumental poem reflecting the spiritual and cultural decay of post-World War I Europe. Tiresias is explicitly mentioned and serves a crucial role as a unifying consciousness within the poem.

Tiresias's Role in 'The Wasteland'

In 'The Wasteland', T. S. Eliot introduces Tiresias in Part III, "The Fire Sermon". Eliot himself noted that Tiresias is a key figure, stating in his notes to the poem that Tiresias "unites all the rest". Tiresias is described as having "foresuffered all / Enacted on this same divan or bed" (lines 243-244). Because of his unique history and prophetic sight, Tiresias observes and comments upon the sterile and meaningless encounters depicted in the poem, such as the typist and the young man carbuncular scene.

Tiresias embodies the historical memory and the collective human experience across different eras and genders. His presence allows Eliot to connect disparate scenes and characters, providing a perspective that transcends individual lives and sees the cyclical nature of human suffering and lack of spiritual connection in the modern world.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of T. S. Eliot's works, the character of Tiresias is a prominent figure explicitly used as a narrative device and symbolic presence in 'The Wasteland'.

Revision Table: T. S. Eliot Characters and Works

Revisiting key characters and their respective works is essential for exam preparation.

• J. Alfred Prufrock: 'The Love Song of Alfred Prufrock'
• Thomas Becket: 'Murder in the Cathedral'
• Tiresias: 'The Wasteland'
• The Old Man: 'Gerontion'

Additional Information: Symbolism in 'The Wasteland'

'The Wasteland' is rich in symbolism drawn from various sources including Arthurian legend (the Fisher King), fertility myths, Eastern religions, and classical literature. Tiresias is one such classical figure whose mythological background adds layers of meaning to the poem's themes of barrenness, prophecy, and the blurring of traditional identities in the modern age.

The poem uses a fragmented structure and multiple voices, which Tiresias helps to unify. His ability to "see" across time and gender serves as a metaphor for the poet's attempt to synthesize diverse experiences and traditions into a coherent vision of the post-war spiritual wasteland.