Choruses from 'The Rock' Summary

Section I: This is a treatise on humanity's abandonment of faith in their daily lives. Eliot speaks of civilization running back and forth, gaining knowledge, but never learning truths. He returns to his theme of humankind striving for physical gain at the expense of spiritual enlightenment. Eliot says that countrysides are for picnics, that people do not want the Church there, or in the suburbs and towns. The poem continues as a talk between Jesus Christ (The Rock) and humankind (The Workmen). The Rock tells everyone that life is about living righteously; we reap what we sow, so we must sow properly. He also relates that the universal struggle is the battle between Good and Evil. The Workmen answer Christ saying they will begin new, productive works and rebuild a better society with the true Church as...