On September 26, 1888, the seventh child of Charlotte and Henry Eliot was born. Oblivious to what would be, Thomas Stearns Eliot would leave behind a legacy that would be remembered through out time. Born in a traditional home with strong values, Thomas was raised with the family motto "Tace et Fac"; translated, it means "Shut up and get on with it." For the most part, his mother played the largest role in developing Thomas's writing skills. His mother was a teacher and an excellent poet. However, because the family was "traditional," she was encouraged not to publish any writings.
During the era in which he was maturing, no war, famine, or any disaster was recorded. The quite times were marked with boorish writings and feeble plays. T. S. Eliot rejected the placid works of poetic tradition. Like D. H. Lawrence, Eliot used symbolism and myth to draw out individualism combined with rebirth. The publication of The Waste Land provided Eliot with instantaneous international fame. Along with other poems such as The Sacred Wood and Purfrock and Other Observations, he showed the world new perspectives in which to look at life. He also brought back poetic drama back to the popular stage with plays such as The Family Reunion and Murder in the Cathedral.