A Quantum Approach to ‘The Dry Salvages’ IV-V

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Authors: The T. S. Eliot Society Of Korea, Kyumyoung Lee
Cited by: 0

Abstract

This paper addresses the emerging necessity for interdisciplinary integration in the current fourth industrial age by attempting to apply the principles of quantum theory to T. S. Eliot’s profound meditative poem, “The Dry Salvages” IV-V from the perspective of the fusion of humanities and sciences. In this paper, I attempt to apply the principles of quantum theory while acknowledging that humans, as thinking beings, inevitably engage in epistemological approaches to objects. Ignoring the well-known adage in physics that claiming to understand quantum theory is, in fact, indicative of ignorance, I have forcefully drawn upon several aspects of quantum theory. These include wave function, quantum entanglement, singularities, special relativity, general relativity, and quantum jump. Additionally, I applied concepts from gestalt theory and archetypal theory to this work. The attempt to observe things microscopically, as implied by quantum theory, is detached from human everyday life. Accordingly, it contrasts with Newtonian theory, which observes macroscopic objects. Therefore, while acknowledging that the certainty of Newtonian theory is currently applicable, it cannot be denied that the simultaneous application of the uncertainty of quantum theory has significantly enhanced human cultural life while giving rise to the risk of competition between humans and machines. When analyzing human life at an atomic level, we witness the collapse of metaphysical sandcastles, prompting a renewed awareness of the inauthentic reality.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Poetry Analysis and Criticism Modernist Literature and Criticism Literary Analysis and Cultural Studies

Publication details

Volume
35
Issue
2
Pages
131–165
Publication date
30 January 2026
Language
EN