disillusionment and fragmentation of the post-World War I era His innovative use of language juxtaposition and exploration of psychological states mark him as a key modernist poet Cultural and Historical Context Eagleton places Eliot's poetry within its cultural and historical context He discusses how Eliot's work responds to the societal changes and intellectual currents of his time Religious and Spiritual Themes Eagleton pays attention to Eliot's exploration of religious and spiritual themes in his poetry Eliot's conversion to Anglicanism had a profound influence on his later work and his poems often grapple with questions of faith doubt and the search for meaning in a secular world Language and Tradition Eagleton appreciates Eliot's engagement with literary and cultural traditions Eliot's poetry frequently incorporates allusions to classical literature philosophy and various mythologies enriching his poetry and contributing to its depth Personal and Universal Themes Eagleton acknowledges that while Eliot's poetry often draws from his personal experiences and emotions it also addresses universal concerns Eliot's exploration of love alienation time and the human condition resonates with readers on a broader level Critique of Modernity Eagleton discusses how Eliot's poetry offers a critique of modernity particularly the loss of spiritual values and the dehumanizing effects of mechanization Eliot's poetic voice is often seen as lamenting the fragmentation and decay of contemporary society Influence on Literary Tradition Eagleton emphasizes Eliot's lasting impact on the literary tradition He discusses how Eliot's innovative techniques such as the use of the objective correlative have influenced subsequent generations of poets and writers In summary Terry Eagleton's evaluation of T S Eliot as a great modern poet recognizes his contributions to innovative poetic techniques his engagement with cultural and philosophical ideas and his exploration of religious and spiritual themes Eagleton's assessment situates Eliot within the context of the modernist movement