Here's why:
* Fragmentation and Discontinuity: Eliot employs fragmented lines, disjointed imagery, and a lack of traditional narrative structure to mirror the shattered state of the modern world and the fragmented inner lives of the "hollow men."
* Alienation and Isolation: The poem's themes revolve around the sense of emptiness, meaninglessness, and the inability to connect with others. The hollow men are "stuffed men" who are "filled with straw," representing the superficiality and lack of genuine feeling in modern society.
* Modernist Techniques: Eliot uses several modernist techniques, including:
* Free Verse: The poem doesn't follow a traditional rhyme scheme or meter, reflecting the chaotic and uncertain nature of modern life.
* Juxtaposition and Allusion: Eliot juxtaposes images of the past (the "dead king's" decay) with the present, creating a sense of historical and cultural disconnect. He also uses allusions to religious and literary figures, adding layers of meaning and complexity.
* Internal Monologue: The poem often appears to be a stream of consciousness, reflecting the inner turmoil and fragmented thoughts of the hollow men.
"The Hollow Men" is considered a powerful and influential modernist poem that captures the disillusionment and alienation of the post-World War I era.