Which poem by T. S. Eliot deals directly with a sense of desolation and modernity?

"The Hollow Men" is a poignant exploration of the themes of desolation and modernity, reflecting T.S. Eliot's deep concern with the disillusionment of the post-World War I era. The poem conveys a world devoid of meaning and full of emptiness, resonating with the feelings of fragmentation and despair that characterized much of early 20th-century literature.

Eliot uses powerful imagery and stark symbolism to create a haunting atmosphere, illustrating the paralysis and emptiness experienced by individuals in a rapidly changing world. The repeated refrain of "This is the way the world ends / Not with a bang but a whimper" encapsulates the sense of resignation and hopelessness that permeates the poem. "The Hollow Men" serves as a critical commentary on the loss of spirituality and identity within modern society, making it a central work in understanding Eliot's view of contemporary life.

The other choices, while significant in their own right, do not capture the same level of existential despair and commentary on modernity as "The Hollow Men." For example, "The Weary Blues" focuses more on the musical and sociocultural aspects of blues poetry, "Harlem" addresses the themes of racial identity and dreams, and "Old Possum