The Roaring ‘20s is a period characterized by extravagance and expense because of the magnificent events and upper middle class. Although, such lavishness was used as a distraction from the pessimism characterizing the time period. In “The Hollow Men” by T. S. Eliot, the author utilizes rhetorical strategies to criticize the hedonist and rebellious practices that prevented individuals from leading a fulfilled life. To convey this universal idea, the author uses symbolism to emphasize profound messages, disguised as trivial objects. In the fourth section of the poem, Eliot discusses the hollow men’s lack of physical sight to indicate a much deeper meaning: “Sightless, unless / The eyes reappear / As the perpetual star / Multifoliate rose / Of death’s twilight kingdom / The hope only / Of empty men” (61-67). The “empty” men’s absence of sight symbolizes their ignorance and blindness to their unethical lifestyle, a comment Eliot makes concerning the extravagance and carelessness of society in the Roaring ‘20s. The individuals’ incapability to understand the extent of their actions demonstrates the author’s apprehensive nature about humanity at the time. Furthermore, Eliot’s usage of “death’s twilight kingdom”, Hell, connects society’s unethical actions to God’s judgement, evident by the “eyes” mentioned in the stanza. Stating that hope only exists in “empty men” is the author’s criticism of their lifestyle through stating of their inability to secure a peaceful position in Heaven. In the last section of the poem, Eliot compares visualizations to actualities: “Between the idea / And the realityFalls the Shadow / For Thine is the Kingdom” (72-91). This Shadow stands between “conception and the creation”, therefore symbolizing ambition and drive. While many can think of creative ideas, only a few have the determination to make such dreams a reality. Such a concept is portrayed as a shad