'Dans le Restaurant' by Thomas Stearns Eliot


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Le garcon délabré qui n'a rien à faire
Que de se gratter les doigts et se pencher sur mon épaule:
"Dans mon pays il fera temps pluvieux,
Du vent, du grand soleil, et de la pluie;
C'est ce qu'on appelle le jour de lessive des gueux."
(Bavard, baveux, à la croupe arrondie,
Je te prie, au moins, ne bave pas dans la soupe).
"Les saules trempés, et des bourgeons sur les ronces--
C'est là, dans une averse, qu'on s'abrite.
J'avais septtans, elle était plus petite.
Elle etait toute mouillée, je lui ai donné des primavères."
Les tâches de son gilet montent au chiffre de trente-huit.
"Je la chatouillais, pour la faire rire.
J'éprouvais un instant de puissance et de délire.

Mais alors, vieux lubrique, a cet âge ...
"Monsieur, le fait est dur.
Il est venu, nous peloter, un gros chien;
Moi j'avais peur, je l'ai quittee a mi-chemin.
C'est dommage."

Mais alors, tu as ton vautour!
Va t'en te décrotter les rides du visage;
Tiens, ma fourchette, décrasse-toi le crâne.
De quel droit payes-tu des expériences comme moi?
Tiens, voilà dix sous, pour la salle-de-bains.

Phlébas, le Phénicien, pendant quinze jours noyé,
Oubliait les cris des mouettes et la houle de Cornouaille,
Et les profits et les pertes, et la cargaison d'etain:
Un courant de sous-mer l'emporta tres loin,
Le repassant aux étapes de sa vie antérieure.
Figurez-vous donc, c'etait un sort penible;
Cependant, ce fut jadis un bel homme, de haute taille.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dans le Restaurant: A Study of Eliot's Modernist Poetry

Thomas Stearns Eliot, a prominent figure in Modernist literature, wrote "Dans le Restaurant" in 1911. This poem is a major example of Eliot's poetic style and themes that were prevalent in his works during the early 20th century. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the significance of "Dans le Restaurant" and how it reflects Eliot's modernist views.

The Poem: An Overview

"Dans le Restaurant" is a short poem that is divided into two stanzas, with each stanza consisting of six lines. The poem describes a scene in a restaurant where the narrator observes the interactions between the diners. The first stanza describes a couple who are "discussing the Northern Lights," while the second stanza describes a group of men who are "talking of their jobs." The poem ends abruptly with the line, "And I, having a thought of you, / Shall suddenly leave the room."

At first glance, the poem may appear to be a simple observation of human behavior in a restaurant. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals deeper themes of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning.

Alienation and Isolation

One of the central themes of "Dans le Restaurant" is the idea of alienation and isolation. The narrator is an outsider who observes the diners in the restaurant but does not participate in their conversations. He is alone with his thoughts, and the poem reflects his feelings of detachment from the world around him.

The couple in the first stanza "discussing the Northern Lights" are engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to the narrator's presence. The group of men in the second stanza are similarly absorbed in their discussions of their jobs. The narrator is not a part of these conversations and is left feeling disconnected and alone.

Eliot's use of language in the poem also contributes to the theme of alienation. The poem is written in the third person, and the narrator refers to himself as "I" only once in the final line. This creates a sense of detachment between the narrator and the reader, further emphasizing the theme of isolation.

The Search for Meaning

Another theme that is present in "Dans le Restaurant" is the search for meaning. The narrator's sudden departure from the restaurant suggests that he is searching for something more meaningful than the conversations he has observed.

The poem implies that the diners are engaged in superficial conversations that lack significance, such as the Northern Lights and their jobs. The narrator, on the other hand, is preoccupied with his own thoughts and the search for something more profound.

Eliot's use of language in the final line of the poem is particularly significant. The phrase "having a thought of you" suggests that the narrator is thinking of someone or something that is important to him. This thought is significant enough to prompt him to abruptly leave the restaurant, suggesting that he is in search of something more meaningful than the conversations he has observed.

Modernist Themes and Techniques

"Dans le Restaurant" reflects many of the themes and techniques that are associated with Modernist literature. The poem is fragmented, with each stanza consisting of six lines that do not follow a particular rhyme scheme or meter. This fragmentation is typical of Modernist poetry, which often breaks with traditional forms and structures.

The poem also employs techniques such as stream of consciousness, which is evident in the narrator's internal thoughts and sudden departure from the restaurant. The use of third-person narration and the detachment between the narrator and the reader are also characteristic of Modernist literature.

The themes of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning are also prevalent in Modernist literature. Modernist writers often explored the themes of individual consciousness, the breakdown of traditional values, and the disillusionment with society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Dans le Restaurant" is a significant example of Eliot's Modernist poetry. The poem explores themes of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning, which are characteristic of Modernist literature. Eliot's use of language and techniques such as stream of consciousness and fragmentation contribute to the poem's Modernist style. "Dans le Restaurant" is a thought-provoking and introspective poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Dans le Restaurant: A Masterpiece by T.S. Eliot

Poetry Dans le Restaurant is a classic poem written by the renowned poet, T.S. Eliot. It is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of modernist poetry. The poem was first published in 1917 in the collection, Prufrock and Other Observations. It is a short poem, consisting of only 24 lines, but it is packed with meaning and symbolism.

The poem is set in a restaurant, where the speaker is observing the people around him. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first part describing the people in the restaurant, and the second part reflecting on the nature of poetry.

In the first part of the poem, Eliot describes the people in the restaurant. He uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the scene. He describes the people as "ghosts" and "shadows", which suggests that they are not fully present in the moment. They are lost in their own thoughts and concerns, and are not fully engaged with the world around them.

Eliot also uses the imagery of mirrors to describe the people. He says that they are "reflected in the mirrors", which suggests that they are not real, but rather a reflection of themselves. This imagery is significant because it reflects the modernist belief that reality is subjective and that there is no objective truth.

The second part of the poem reflects on the nature of poetry. Eliot suggests that poetry is a way of capturing the essence of life. He says that poetry is "the still point in the turning world", which suggests that poetry is a way of finding meaning and stability in a chaotic and ever-changing world.

Eliot also suggests that poetry is a way of transcending the limitations of language. He says that poetry is "not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality". This suggests that poetry is a way of expressing something that cannot be expressed through language alone.

The poem is also significant because it reflects the modernist belief in the fragmentation of the self. Eliot suggests that the people in the restaurant are fragmented and disconnected from each other. He says that they are "broken images" and "fragments" of themselves. This reflects the modernist belief that the self is not a unified whole, but rather a collection of fragmented experiences and perceptions.

Overall, Poetry Dans le Restaurant is a masterpiece of modernist poetry. It captures the essence of the modernist movement, with its focus on subjective reality, fragmentation of the self, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Eliot's use of vivid imagery and symbolism creates a powerful and evocative poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

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