Final answer:
The main ideas of T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" concern the disillusionment post-World War I, existential despair, and societal decay, exemplified through quotes like "I will show you fear in a handful of dust" and "April is the cruelest month." It is a critical portrayal of modern society that is distinct from Romantic praises of nature and love.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main ideas of T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land revolve around the disillusionment and desolation of the post-World War I era. Contrary to it exploring the beauty of nature, the poem is known for delving into complex themes such as existential despair, fragmented reality, and the decay of civilization.
A key quote that embodies this sense of existentialism is: "I will show you fear in a handful of dust." This line conveys the poem's preoccupation with mortality and the transient nature of life. Eliot critiques modern society through the depiction of a spiritually barren landscape, reflecting his modernist sensibilities.
Another significant quote is: "April is the cruelest month..." which underscores the inversion of traditional symbols of rebirth and fertility, suggesting a world where such rejuvenation has become twisted into something painful.
Furthermore, Eliot's poem does not specifically discuss the magic of love or commend the beauty of nature as a Romantic work might do. Instead, the poem presents a fragmented vision of a society in decay, often juxtaposing literary and cultural allusions to draw a stark contrast between past and present.
It's important to note that "The world is too much with us..." is a quote from William Wordsworth's poem, not Eliot's. However, Eliot's work does reflect the disillusionment associated with the rapid industrialization and commercialization of society, akin to Wordsworth's critique.
Answering the questions posed about the representation of human beings and nature, the characters' cultural and social values, and the engagement with environmentalism would require a deeper analysis of the text, considering the multitude of voices and references presented throughout the poem.