This blog post is based on a task given by Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. In this blog, I will share my interpretation of the various questions related to T. S. Eliot's important essay in New Criticism, "Tradition and the Individual Talent."
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Thomas Stearns Eliot
Thomas Stearns Eliot also known as T.S. Eliot. He was born on September 26, 1888 in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. and died on January 4, 1965, in London, England. He was an American-English poet, playwright, literary critic, and editor. He was a leader of the Modernist movement in poetry in such works as The Waste Land (1922) and Four Quartets (1943).
How would you like to explain Eliot's concept of 'Tradition'? Do you agree with it? What do you understand by 'Historical Sense'?
Ans
T.S. Eliot's concept of Tradition in his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent" is centered around the idea that a writer must not work in isolation but rather in continuous dialogue with the literary tradition that precedes them. According to Eliot, tradition is not merely the past, but something that must be actively integrated into a writer's creative process. He believes that every new work of literature adds to and modifies the existing tradition, just as the tradition influences and shapes new works. For Eliot, Tradition is an ongoing, evolving concept where the present is always connected with the past.
The term Historical Sense, as defined by Eliot, refers to the ability of a writer to not only acknowledge the pastness of the past but to recognize its presence in the present moment. This perception is what connects a writer to the tradition and gives their work continuity and relevance.
The two key lines that define this concept are:
"The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past but of its presence."
"This historical sense, which is a sense of the timeless as well as of the temporal, and of the timeless and of the temporal together, is what makes a writer traditional."
Eliot suggests that a writer must see the past as something that is still alive and active, rather than as something fixed or relegated to the past. The historical sense, therefore, is not just about remembering or understanding what has been written, but about comprehending how the past actively informs the present. Eliot asserts that a true poet or writer must be aware of the past's influence on their work while simultaneously innovating within the existing tradition.
In his own poetry, Eliot combines elements of the classical literary tradition with modernist techniques to explore contemporary issues. In "The Waste Land," he draws on myth, religious references, and classical works while using fragmented, modernist language and form to create a new type of poetry. This synthesis of the past and present is a reflection of what Eliot refers to as the historical sense. By understanding and interacting with the timeless and the temporal together, a writer creates something that is both rooted in tradition and fresh in its innovation.
Do I agree with Eliot's Concept of Tradition?
Yes, I agree with Eliot's concept of Tradition. Literature is a product of its time but also a conversation across time. To ignore the rich literary tradition that precedes us would be to miss out on the layers of meaning and context that have shaped and continue to shape our cultural and intellectual landscapes. Writers, in a sense, inherit a legacy of ideas, forms, and themes, and they contribute to this ever-expanding dialogue through their own unique voices. This process is essential for the evolution of literature and culture.
Eliot’s idea also highlights the fact that a writer does not create in a vacuum, and their work cannot be understood in isolation. Rather, it is always in relation to what has come before. Thus, literature functions not just as a reflection of its time, but also as a continuous conversation with the past, which is still very much present.
In T. S. Eliot's essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," he explores the complex relationship between "tradition" and "individual talent." According to Eliot, tradition is not something that restricts creativity but rather provides a foundation for individual talent to flourish. He argues that to create something truly new, a poet must first understand and be aware of the literary tradition that has come before them. In other words, the individual talent is enriched and shaped by the tradition it emerges from, and the poet’s work is both a continuation and transformation of past literary achievements. For Eliot, tradition is not a static concept; it is dynamic and constantly evolving, allowing new voices to contribute to its growth.
Explain: "Some can absorb knowledge; the more tardy must sweat for it. Shakespeare acquired more essential history from Plutarch than most men could from the whole British Museum."
This quote reflects Eliot's view on how great writers like Shakespeare learn from history and literature. He suggests that while some people can easily grasp knowledge, others may need to put in more effort to understand it. In Shakespeare’s case, Eliot points out that he gained more profound insights into history from Plutarch's Lives than many people could by reading an entire library. This emphasizes the idea that a deep, meaningful understanding of tradition and history doesn't come from simply accumulating information but from engaging with it thoughtfully and critically. For Eliot, Shakespeare’s talent lay in his ability to take what he learned from Plutarch and transform it into something timeless and universally resonant.
Explain:"Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation are directed not upon the poet but upon the poetry."
Eliot believes that criticism should focus on the work of art itself, rather than the poet who created it. The role of a critic is to assess the poetry in terms of its merits, its place within the tradition, and its emotional or intellectual impact. By concentrating on the poem and its qualities, rather than the poet's personal life or character, criticism becomes more objective and focused on the art. Eliot advocates for a type of criticism that is sensitive to the poetry's intricacies, offering an understanding of its relationship to the tradition and its innovation. This perspective allows the poem to be evaluated on its own terms, rather than being overshadowed by the poet's individual identity.
How would you like to explain Eliot's theory of depersonalization? You can explain this with the help of a chemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst agent, platinum.
Ans
Eliot's Theory of Depersonalization
In T. S. Eliot’s theory of depersonalization, he argues that the poet’s personal emotions or experiences should not dominate their work. The poet must detach their personal self from the creation of poetry. Eliot compares this process to a chemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst agent, like platinum. Just as platinum facilitates a chemical reaction without being consumed or changing in the process, a poet should act as a catalyst in the creation of poetry, facilitating the transformation of emotion into art but remaining detached and unaffected by the outcome.
In this analogy:
Platinum represents the poet’s individual self, which plays a crucial role in the creation of the poetry but does not interfere or affect the final product.
The chemical reaction symbolizes the transformation of raw emotions and experiences into poetry, which is shaped by the poet’s craft and the influence of literary tradition.
The poet, through depersonalization, allows their emotions to be channeled and transformed, not as a direct reflection of their own feelings but as something universal and accessible to the reader. The result is a more objective, refined, and universally relevant poem.
"Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality but an escape from personality."
This statement from Eliot highlights his view of poetry as a form of artistic restraint and transformation. He argues that poetry is not about expressing raw emotion or personal experience in an uncontrolled manner. Instead, it is a way of escaping from these emotions and personal tendencies, allowing them to be shaped and structured into something more impersonal, universal, and artistic. The poet’s personal feelings are not meant to dominate or drive the poem but to be distanced and transformed into something that resonates with a broader audience.
Escape from Emotion: Poetry allows the poet to distance themselves from their immediate feelings, turning intense emotions into something more structured and controlled. It’s about channeling raw emotion into art, not simply venting it.
Escape from Personality: Instead of focusing on the poet’s individual identity or emotions, poetry transcends the personal to create something that speaks to the human experience as a whole. It becomes a work that connects with readers beyond the poet's own life and experiences.
Critique of T.S. Eliot as a Critic
Overemphasis on Tradition:
Some critics argue that Eliot places too much emphasis on tradition and past works, which might limit the scope for originality and innovation in literature. His idea of tradition being essential for an individual poet’s growth could be seen as restricting creative freedom, especially for modern or experimental writers who seek to break away from past influences.
Impersonality vs. Emotional Expression:
Eliot’s view that poetry should be impersonal, that the poet should escape from their own emotions, has been critiqued for downplaying the personal, emotional, and subjective aspects of poetry. Many believe that poetry, by nature, should reflect the poet’s unique emotional and personal perspective, and Eliot’s detachment from this process may seem to dismiss the emotional depth that makes poetry resonate with readers on a personal level.
Checkout this insightful video lecture that summarizing essay by using relevant keywords and the essay's title.
References
Barad, Dilip. “T. S. Eliot: Tradition and Individual Talent.” Dilip Barad’s Blog, 13 Dec. 2014, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2014/12/t-s-eliot-tradition-and-individual.html?m=1. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Bhuva, Pooja. “Tradition and Individual Talent.” Pooja Bhuva’s Blog, 22 Jan. 2023, https://poojabhuva666.blogspot.com/2023/01/tradition-and-individual-talent.html?hl=en-US. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Eliot, T.S. "Tradition and Individual Talent." ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/377083958_Tradition_and_Individual_Talent_-_TS_Eliot. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
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