1. Allusion: The poem makes extensive use of allusion, referring to literary and historical figures and events to convey deeper meanings. For example, references to the Lord’s Prayer, the Guy Fawkes conspiracy, and the biblical figure of Lazarus contribute to the poem’s complex layers of symbolism.
2. Imagery: Eliot employs vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem to create sensory experiences and enhance the reader’s understanding. Examples include “hollow men” with “dry grass” and “broken glass,” symbolizing their fragmented and lifeless existence.
3. Repetition: The poem uses repetition of phrases, words, and images to create a sense of rhythm and emphasize key themes. The repetition of phrases like “This is the way the world ends” and “Shape without form, shade without color” reinforces the poem’s bleak and desolate atmosphere.
4. Metaphor: The poem utilizes metaphorical language to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions. For instance, the “hollow men” are metaphorical representations of spiritually empty and morally compromised individuals.
5. Enjambment: The lines of the poem often run on without a pause or punctuation, creating a sense of flow and continuity. This technique adds to the fragmented and disorienting nature of the poem, reflecting the themes of emptiness and confusion.
6. Symbolism: Eliot employs symbolic imagery to convey abstract ideas and themes. For example, the “eyes I dare not meet in dreams” and the “shadow” represent guilt, fear, and the consequences of moral compromise.
7. Irony: The poem incorporates irony to highlight the contrast between appearance and reality. The “hollow men” are ironically depicted as “stuffed men,” suggesting their lack of substance and authenticity.

The Hollow Men Summary