T.S. Eliot - Criticism - Tradition and Individual Talent

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.

What is the relationship between “tradition” and "individual talent,” according to the poet T. S. Eliot? 

Ans

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.

 Dryden's Essays on Dramatic poesy 

This blog is assigned by Barad sir you check out questions here Here

John Dryden, a central figure in the Restoration literary scene, is often regarded as the father of English literary criticism. His work," An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" (1668), is one of the most significant contributions to English literary theory. Written during the Restoration period, a time when English drama was undergoing significant changes, this essay captures Dryden’s deep engagement with the evolving nature of drama and the critical debates of his time.

Discuss any differences you observe between Aristotle's definition of Tragedy and Dryden's definition of Play.

Aristotle's defination of Tragedy:

Aristotle, in his Poetics, defines tragedy as "an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude," aiming to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to a catharsis, or purgation of these emotions.

Imitation of a Serious Action: Aristotle emphasizes that tragedy should imitate actions that are serious and complete, invoking emotions like pity and fear, ultimately leading to a catharsis or emotional purification.

Structured Components: Aristotle outlines a clear structure, including a beginning, middle, and end, along with essential elements like plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle, and melody.

Unity of Action: He stresses the importance of the unity of action, where the plot revolves around a single central theme without unnecessary subplots.

Dryden's definition of play:

"A play ought to be a just and lively imaging of human. nature, representing its passions and humors and the changes of. fortune to which it is subject for the delight and instruction of man. kind." 

Dryden acknowledges that plays are not just about evoking catharsis but also about providing entertainment, often blending serious and comic elements.

Focus on Entertainment:   Dryden, in his critique and formulation of drama, often leans towards the play being a form of entertainment that balances between pleasing the audience and adhering to certain artistic norms.

Flexibility in Structure:   Unlike Aristotle’s rigid structure, Dryden is more accepting of deviations, including the mingling of tragedy and comedy, and the use of multiple plots, reflecting a more modern, eclectic approach.

Adaptation to the Audience:  Dryden’s approach is more pragmatic, focusing on what works for the contemporary audience, including elements like love interests and 

spectacle, which might not always align with the classical unities.

 If you were to express your personal preference, would you side with the Ancients or the Moderns? Provide reasons for your choice.

When choosing between the Ancients and the Moderns, I tend to prefer the Ancients because they prioritize a strong structure and clear themes in their plays. Aristotle’s emphasis on catharsis the emotional cleansing experienced by the audience really connects with the idea of drama as a deep exploration of the human experience. Although the strict rules about time, place, and action might seem limiting, they actually help keep the play focused and powerful.

On the other hand, the Moderns, like Dryden, take a more relaxed approach, mixing different genres, tones, and even plots. This can lead to creativity and new ideas, but it can also weaken the play’s central theme. While I appreciate the Moderns' flexibility, the clarity and intensity of the Ancients have a lasting appeal that I find hard to ignore.

Evaluate whether the arguments presented in favor of French plays and against English plays are appropriate. For example, consider the portrayal of death, duel fights with blunted swords, the representation of large armies by a few actors, the mingling of mirth and serious tones, and the use of multiple plots.

The debate between French and English plays often centers on differences in style and how closely they follow classical rules. 

French Plays:

Portrayal of Death: French plays often show death offstage to avoid graphic images. This follows classical rules of decorum but can sometimes lessen the dramatic impact.

Duel Fights with Blunted Swords: Duels in French plays often use blunted swords or symbolic gestures, which can look artificial but keeps the scene refined.

Unity of Action and Time: French plays usually follow strict rules about having one main plot and taking place in a single day. This keeps the story focused but can limit its scope.

English Plays:

Mingling of Mirth and Serious Tones: English plays often mix comedy with tragedy, creating a complex and engaging experience, but this can sometimes make the tone feel inconsistent.

Representation of Large Armies by Few Actors: English plays might show large armies with just a few actors, which can be seen as creative but might stretch believability.

Multiple Plots: English plays frequently use several plots, adding depth to the story, but this can sometimes make the main theme less clear.

State your preference for poetic or prosaic dialogues in a play and explain your reasoning.

I prefer poetic dialogue in plays because it adds beauty and depth to the language, making it more powerful and memorable. Poetic dialogue uses rhythm and imagery to create a strong emotional impact, which makes the characters’ experiences feel more meaningful.

For example, in Shakespeare's plays, the poetic structure gives the dialogue a musical flow and helps express complex emotions in a way that feels natural but elevated. This makes important moments in the play more intense and moving for the audience.

While prosaic dialogue captures everyday speech and feels realistic, it doesn’t have the same richness and impact as poetic dialogue. That’s why I prefer poetry in plays—it can turn ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Reference :

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Kinglear and it's Hamartia

Have you studied any tragedies during your B.A. program? Who was/were the tragic protagonist(s) in those tragedies? What was their 'hamartia'?

Bridge course : Aristotle's poetics

Assigned by Pro.Dilip Barad sir

Hello, I am Krupali Belam and I'm going to write About William Shakespeare's famous play ‘King Lear’ And its 'Hamartia' which I studied during my B.A , so let's begin…

      King Lear is a political play by William Shakespeare, written in 1605 to1606 and it is loosely based on the mythological king of Britain. But Lear's foolishness and his ego sent the flow of the play to tragedy.

     In Shakespeare's King Lear, the concept of hamartia, or tragic flaw, plays an important role in the development of the story and the downfall of the usurper. King Lear's hamartia is his deep pride and is manifested in his decision to divide his kingdom based on satisfaction rather than intrinsic value.

    Aristotle and Plato give a definition of tragedy and its features like plot , Catharsis, Hamartia , characters and others.

 The meaning of the word Hamartia fall in under the three categories 

• To miss the mark 
• To fall in some objects and make a mistake 
• To offend morally to do wrong 

     Lear was the father of his three daughters, whenever times came to give his kingdom to his daughter, at that time Lear created a situation and made a condition that which daughter loved him a lot. It shows that he was a ‘self love person‘ and shows his foolishness. Meanwhile Cordelia fails to impress him and that's why he gave his kingdom to Regan and Gonerill , he discriminates between his daughter. He is very selfish and shown as a roughless dictator in the story.

      Meanwhile in the story his two daughters are not accepted by him and shows their reality of nature to him, at that time Lear feels regret, and because of his foolish decisions at the end he was killed.

Hamartia in kinglear :

• Arrogance and pride:

Lear's excessive pride and arrogance lead him to believe that he can control and manipulate his daughters' loyalty through displays of romantic love, rather than understanding his daughters' true character.

• Misjudgment and Naivety: 

Lear errs in judgment when he mistakenly hopes to please Goneril and Regan while rejecting the loyal and loving Cordelia. His failure to see through his daughters' deception leads to his downfall.

• Impulsiveness:

 Lear quickly divides his kingdom according to his daughters' pleasures, and this pleasure is taken without thought or consideration. This lack of haste only increases the chaos and betrayal that follows.

• Inability to Prove Himself: 

For much of the play, Lear struggles to recognize and admit his mistakes. His ignorance prevents him from correcting his mistakes until it is too late, which compounds the tragedy.

• Leadership and Control: 

Lear's desire to give up responsibility and authority while maintaining control over his daughters' lives demonstrates a misunderstanding of the nature of authority and family loyalty, leading to conflict and chaos.

Thank you for reading…

Reference:

 - Wikipedia

https://medium.com/

https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/bitstream/document/57073/1/ssoar-ilshs-2016  74mirmasoomiHamartia_and_catharsis_in_Shakespeares.pdf

 Wordsworth's poetic revolution: A Deep into "Lyrical Ballads"

This blog is a bridge course task assigned by Barad sir . For further information click here

William Wordsworth , a prominent figure in the Romantic era, is often hailed as one of the most influential English poet. His work particularly the collaborative effort with Samuel Taylor Coleridge titled Lyrical Ballads, marked a significant departure from the neoclassical style that had dominated the 18th century.

The nature of the poet

"What is poet?" rather than "Who is poet?"

When Wordsworth asks , 'what is poet?' Instead of 'Who is a poet'? He's not just asking for name or a list of people. He's trying to understand what makes a poet' special and what their role is in society. This question is about the qualities is that define a poet', like their sensitivity, imagination, and ability to express deep truths.

Wordsworth's view on the poet

Wordsworth describe a poet' as 'a man speaking to man'. By this he means that poets should communicate in a way that everyone can understand, using everyday language. But he also believes that a poet is someone with stronger feelings and deeper understanding than most people. Poets have a special ability to see  and express the beauty and truth in everyday life.

Wordsworth also say that poets have " a greater knowledge of human nature, and a more comprehensive soul " than most people. This means poets can understand and related to the wide range of human experience. Capturing the emotions and thoughts that everyone feels but may not be able to express.

Poetic Diction 

What is poetic Diction?

Poetic Diction refers to the language and style used in poetry. Before Wordsworth, poetry was often written in a formal and sometimes complicated way , with fancy words and complex expression that made different from everyday speech.

Wordsworth's suggessted poetic Diction 

Wordsworth didn't like old fashioned way of writing poetry . He believed that poetry should use simple, natural language the kind that ordinary people use in their daily lives. He thought that the traditional, fancy language of poetry created a distance between the poem and it's readers making it less relatable.

Wordsworth wanted poetry to be more democratic, meaning it should be accessible to everyone, not just the educated elite. By using straightforward language, he believed poetry could convey  powerful emotions and ideas in way that everyone could understand.

Defination of poetry 

Wordsworth definition of poetry 

Wordsworth famously defined poetry as ' the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings'. This means that real poetry come from strong emotions that naturally pour out of the post rather than being carefully planned or calculated.

Relation to Wordsworth's poetic philosophy 

This idea is at the  heart of Wordsworth's approach to poetry. He believed that poetry should come from the poets own experience and emotions. According to Wordsworth, poets reflect on their feelings in a calm , thoughtful way, and then transform those feeling into poetry.
Wordsworth's defination also emphasizes the importance of sincerity in poetry. He rejected the artificial and overly formal style of earlier poetry, arguing that poetry should be honest and direct expressing genuine emotions.

Analysing Wordsworth's poem

Application of Wordsworth's poetic creed

" I wondered Lonely as a cloud" as an example of his ideas in action.in this poem , Wordsworth describes how he felt when he saw a field of Daffodils. The language he uses is simple and easy to understand, which matches his belief that poetry should use the 'real language of men'.

The poem captures a moment of pure joy and peace that wordsworth felt in nature. When he reflects on this experience, he turns it into poetry. This process feeling something powerful, reflecting on it, and then writing about it  is exactly what Wordsworth believed poetry should be about. The poem show how simple language and deep emotions can create a lasting impact on the reader.

Wordsworth important states:

" A language was thus i sensibility produced differing materially from the real language of men in any situation."

  

He beloved poetry should be closer to real life, using the kind of language people use everyday. He argued that poetry should be written in simple, natural language so that it could be understood and felt by everyone. By doing this he thought poetry would become more powerful and meaningful, as it would better connect with the readers emotions and experiences.

"A man speaking to men: a man, it is true, endowed with more lively sensibility, more enthusiasm and tenderness.” 

Wordsworth describes a poet as someone who is just like any other person,but with a special gift for feeling emotions more deeply. He sees the poet as 'a man speaking to man'. Meaning that poets should communicate in a way that everyone can understand, using ordinary language.

Poet notice beauty and emotions in everyday life that others might mis, and they can share these insights through their poetry. For Wordsworth the poet job is take these deep feelings and turn then into words that everyone can connect with.

"A poet has a greater knowledge of human nature , and a more comprehensive soul, than one supposed to be common among mankind."

Wordsworth believes that poets have a deep understanding of people and the world. When he says a poet has a " more comprehensive soul " he means that poets can see and feel things more fully than most people. They understand different aspects of human nature can express these in their work.

" For all good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings"

Wordsworth's famous idea about poetry is that it should come from strong emotions. He believed that the best poetry happens when feelings naturally overflow and the poet express them in words. But it's not just about raw emotion. Wordsworth also thought that after feeling something deeply, the poet should take time to think about these feelings calmly.

This reflection allows the poet to shape their emotions into poetry that other candidates relate to. Wordsworth's idea of "spontaneous overflow" means that poetry should feel genuine and come from heart , rather than being forced or overly complicated. By sharing their true emotions, poet crate poetry that speaks directly to the reader and touches their heart.

Reference 

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