T.S. Eliot- Criticism - Tradition and Individual Talent :
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T.S. Eliot's Concept of 'Tradition'
T.S. Eliot's concept of "Tradition" is articulated in his essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent”, where he redefines it as something more dynamic and demanding than the mere inheritance of past practices. For Eliot, tradition is not a passive adherence to the past but an active relationship between the present and the past, mediated through what he calls the "historical sense."
1. Understanding 'Historical Sense':
Eliot says, “The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past but of its presence.”
This means that a writer must recognize the past as distinct but also alive in their own work. Tradition is not static; it evolves through the interplay of the old and the new.
He further explains, “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.”
A great writer understands this duality. They create works that resonate with the timeless truths of the past while engaging with the immediate concerns of the present.
2. Relationship Between 'Tradition' and 'Individual Talent': Eliot argues that tradition and individual talent are interdependent:
A writer’s individuality emerges only when they align their work with the continuity of tradition.
Simultaneously, their contribution modifies the existing tradition, enriching the literary heritage.
Eliot's Reflections on Knowledge and Genius
"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."
Eliot admires Shakespeare’s genius in distilling profound insights from limited but focused sources. It highlights that genius does not depend on the quantity of knowledge but the quality of assimilation and application.
Criticism and Appreciation
"Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation are directed not upon the poet but upon the poetry."
Eliot insists on objectivity in criticism. Critics should focus on the work itself, not the poet's biography or personality. This approach detaches the art from the artist, ensuring an unbiased appreciation of the text.
Eliot's Theory of Depersonalization
Eliot uses a chemical analogy to explain depersonalization in poetry:
Just as platinum (a catalyst) facilitates the reaction between sulfur dioxide and oxygen to produce sulfuric acid without undergoing any change itself, the poet's personality acts as a medium for creating poetry.
The poet’s emotions and personal experiences are transformed into universal truths in the poem, losing their individual identity.
"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 suggests that great poetry transcends personal emotion and becomes a refined, impersonal art form.
Critique of T.S. Eliot as a Critic
1. Strengths:
Eliot introduced new critical methods, such as the focus on the text rather than the author.
His concept of tradition reshaped the understanding of literary history, emphasizing the relationship between the past and present.
2. Criticism:
His insistence on impersonality can be seen as overly rigid, neglecting the personal context of art.
His preference for classicism might appear dismissive of more experimental or emotional literary traditions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, T.S. Eliot’s critical theories, while sometimes controversial, have profoundly influenced modern literary criticism. His concepts of tradition, impersonality, and historical sense continue to provoke thought and debate, ensuring his place as a seminal figure in the field.
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