T.s. Eliot - criticism - Tradition and individual Talent

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I am Kavita Chauhan, 

a Student in M.A.sem 2 , department of English, M.K.B.U.

This Blog is a part of a thinking activity About t.s. Eliot - criticism - tradition and individual Talent ...based on 💬💬

Give your responses to the below-given questions or thought provokers. The responses will be given in the form of a blog submission.

-Assigned by Dilip bard sir 

How would you like to explain Eliot's concept of Tradition? Do you agree with it? What do you understand by Historical Sense? (Use these quotes to explain your understanding.)

 • "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 tradition

Answer:- 

  Eliot's concept of Tradition centers on the "historical sense," emphasizing an understanding beyond the mere acknowledgment of the past's existence. It involves perceiving the past not just as something remote but as a force that is actively present in shaping the current moment.

The quote underscores the duality of the historical sense, encompassing both the timeless and the temporal aspects. The timeless represents elements of enduring significance, while the temporal reflects the transient nature of specific historical contexts. Eliot suggests that a writer becomes traditional when they possess this intricate awareness, skillfully weaving together the timeless and temporal in their work.

As for agreement, opinions on Eliot's concept may vary. Some may appreciate the depth it adds to literary creation, acknowledging the importance of drawing from the past to enrich contemporary expression. Others might critique it, arguing for a more forward-looking approach in literature.

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

 * 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".

* Explain: "Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation are directed not upon the poet but upon the poetry."

Answer:- Exploring T. S. Eliot's Vision: Tradition and Individual Talent

T. S. Eliot, a literary luminary of the 20th century, delved deep into the interplay between tradition and individual talent. In his influential essay, "Tradition and the Individual Talent," Eliot expounds on the dynamic relationship between the collective wisdom of the past and the unique creative prowess of the present artist.

Tradition as a Wellspring of Knowledge

Eliot posits that tradition is not a mere burden but a wellspring of inspiration and knowledge. He illustrates this by stating, "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." Here, Eliot emphasizes the idea that great artists, like Shakespeare, draw from the collective knowledge embedded in tradition. The efficient absorption of this knowledge allows artists to transcend the constraints of their time and create enduring works.

The Crucial Role of Individual Talent

While tradition provides the raw material, Eliot asserts that it is the individual talent that transforms this material into something new and profound. The poet becomes a nexus, connecting the past and present, reshaping tradition through a personal lens. Eliot encourages artists to engage with tradition actively, not as a passive recipient, but as a creative force shaping their unique expression.

Honest Criticism and Sensitive Appreciation

Eliot's assertion that "Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation are directed not upon the poet but upon the poetry" underscores his belief in evaluating works objectively. He urges critics and readers to focus on the art itself rather than being swayed by personal opinions about the artist. In doing so, Eliot emphasizes the universality of poetic expression, suggesting that the merit of a poem lies in its ability to resonate beyond the individuality of the poet.

Sum up

T. S. Eliot's intricate exploration of tradition and individual talent enriches our understanding of the creative process. Tradition, rather than stifling innovation, becomes a source of vitality for the artist. Simultaneously, individual talent acts as the catalyst, transforming tradition into something uniquely contemporary. In embracing both elements, Eliot envisions a harmonious relationship where the past and present coalesce, producing timeless works that bridge 

the temporal gap.

* 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.

  * Explain: "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. "Write two points on which one can write a critique of 'T.S. Eliot as a Critic 

Answer:-

              Eliot's Theory of Depersonalization: A Catalyst for Poetic Transformation

T. S. Eliot's theory of depersonalization in poetry is akin to a chemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst, specifically platinum. In this metaphorical exploration, the poet's emotions and personality act as reactants, and the catalyst of depersonalization facilitates the transformation into the poetic product.

The Chemical Reaction of Depersonalization

1Emotions as Reactants:

 Eliot contends that poetry is not a spontaneous outpouring of raw emotions. Emotions, in this context, are the reactants. Instead of being directly released, they are held in check, waiting for transformation.

2.Depersonalization as Catalyst: 

Depersonalization, in Eliot's theory, functions as the catalyst, much like platinum in a chemical reaction. It is not an erasure of emotions but a transformative agent that allows the poet to escape the direct expression of their personality and emotions.

3.The Poetic Product: 

The result of this poetic "chemical reaction" is a refined, depersonalized poem. The emotions, once restrained, find a new form of expression that transcends the immediate, personal context. The depersonalized poem becomes a work of art, detached from the poet's individual emotions but infused with a more universal resonance.

Critiquing T. S. Eliot as a Critic

While T. S. Eliot is celebrated for his profound contributions to literary criticism, one can engage in constructive critique by examining specific aspects of his approach:

1.Subjectivity in Tradition:

 Critics may argue that Eliot's emphasis on tradition leans towards subjectivity. The selection and interpretation of what constitutes 'tradition' might be seen as influenced by his personal preferences, potentially limiting the diversity of voices and perspectives in literature.

2.Rigidity in Impersonality:

 Eliot's insistence on depersonalization might be critiqued for its potential to stifle individual creativity. Some argue that a strict adherence to depersonalization could lead to formulaic poetry, where the uniqueness of individual voices is overshadowed by an overarching desire for impersonality.

In scrutinizing Eliot as a critic, these points provide avenues for exploring the nuanced aspects of his theories and their implications on literary expression.

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