Burnt Norton
"Burnt Norton" is the first of the four poems in T.S. Eliot's collection titled Four Quartets. Written in 1935, it explores themes of time, memory, and the nature of existence. The poem reflects on the past and the present, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's experiences to find meaning in life.
The title refers to a specific location, Burnt Norton, a country house in Gloucestershire, England, where Eliot had a significant experience. The poem uses rich imagery and philosophical musings to convey the idea that time is cyclical and that moments of clarity can emerge from the chaos of life.