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This blog is in response to the thinking activity assigned by Dilip Barad Sir.
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In this blog, I share my thoughts on different questions about T. S. Eliot's important essay in new criticism, "Tradition and the Individual Talent." The essay was first published in 1922 in Sacred Woods and later included in his collection 'Selected Essay'.
About T.S.Eliot :
T.S. Eliot was a renowned poet and playwright from the 20th century. He is known for his modernist approach to literature and his profound exploration of themes like identity, spirituality, and the complexities of modern life. Some of his notable works include "The Waste Land," "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," and "Four Quartets." Eliot's writing style often employed rich symbolism, allusions to literature and mythology, and a fragmented narrative structure. His contributions to literature have had a significant impact on the modernist movement and continue to be studied and appreciated today.
Question.1:
Q: How would you like to explain Eliot's concept of tradition? Do you agree with it? What do you understand by historical sense?
Ans.:
Eliot's concept of tradition can be explained as the idea that an artist should be connected to the past and draw inspiration from the works of previous generations. It's like being part of a larger artistic conversation throughout history.
According to Eliot, tradition in art and literature is not just about blindly following the past, but rather engaging with it in a meaningful way. He believed that artists should have a deep understanding and appreciation of the works that came before them. By immersing themselves in the literary and cultural heritage of the past, artists can draw inspiration, learn from the successes and failures of their predecessors, and contribute to the ongoing artistic conversation.
For Eliot, tradition was not a static or rigid concept, but rather a dynamic and evolving force. He argued that true innovation and originality in art can only come from a deep-rooted connection to tradition. By building on the foundations of the past, artists can create something new and relevant for their own time.
Eliot's concept of tradition also emphasized the importance of the historical sense. He believed that artists should have a keen awareness of history, understanding the social, cultural, and intellectual contexts in which works of art were created. This historical sense allows artists to engage with the past in a meaningful way, recognizing the influences and resonances that continue to shape the present.
As for whether I agree with it, I think it can be valuable to learn from the past and build upon it, but it's also important to bring our own unique perspectives.
Historical Sense:
The historical sense, in simple words, refers to an understanding and appreciation of history. It means having an awareness of the events, ideas, and cultural contexts that have shaped the present. It helps us see how things have evolved over time and how they relate to each other.
Quote:
"The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past but of its presence."
When Eliot said, "The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past but of its presence," he meant that having a historical sense goes beyond recognizing that the past has happened. It's about understanding that the past still has an impact on the present and is present in our lives today.
In other words, we can say that it's not just about acknowledging that something happened in the past, but also recognizing how it continues to shape and influence our current experiences, beliefs, and culture. The historical sense allows us to see the connections between the past and the present, and how they are intertwined.
Example:
For example, when we study history, we can see how events from the past have shaped our societies, influenced our traditions, and even impacted our personal identities. By having a historical sense, we can appreciate the significance of historical events and understand how they have shaped the world we live in today.
So, we can say that the quote emphasizes the importance of perceiving the presence of the past in our lives, rather than just viewing it as something distant and disconnected from our current reality. It reminds us that history is not just a collection of facts and dates, but a living, ongoing force that continues to shape our world.
Quote : 2
"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."
Explanation:
In this quote, Eliot is suggesting that a writer becomes "traditional" when they possess a historical sense that encompasses both the timeless and the temporal aspects of life.
By "timeless," Eliot refers to ideas, themes, and emotions that transcend specific time periods. These are the universal aspects of human experience that remain relevant and relatable throughout history. A writer with a historical sense recognizes and incorporates these timeless elements into their work.
On the other hand, the "temporal" aspect refers to the specific historical context in which a writer exists. It includes the social, cultural, and political influences of a particular time and place. A writer with a historical sense acknowledges and engages with these temporal factors, allowing them to shape and inform their writing.
Therefore, when a writer possesses both the sense of the timeless and the temporal, they can create works that connect with readers across different eras. They can draw from the wisdom and insights of the past while addressing the concerns and experiences of their own time. This ability to bridge the gap between the timeless and the temporal is what makes a writer "traditional" in Eliot's view.
So we can say that, Eliot suggests that a writer becomes traditional by having a historical sense that embraces both the timeless and the temporal aspects of life, allowing them to create works that resonate with readers throughout different periods of history.
Question.2:
What is the relationship between "tradition" and "individual talent," according to the poet T. S. Eliot?
Answer:
According to T.S. Eliot, there is an interesting relationship between "tradition" and "individual talent." Eliot believes that tradition plays a crucial role in shaping and guiding the individual talent of a writer. He argues that a writer should not reject or disregard the literary tradition that came before them, but rather engage with it and allow it to influence their own creative expression.
Eliot suggests that the individual talent of a writer can only flourish when it is in dialogue with the tradition. By studying and understanding the works of past writers, a writer can learn from their techniques, themes, and insights. This engagement with tradition provides a foundation for the writer's own unique voice and style to emerge.
In other words, Eliot emphasizes the importance of building upon the achievements of the past rather than starting from scratch. By embracing tradition, a writer can contribute something new and meaningful to the ongoing literary conversation. So, tradition and individual talent are interconnected, with tradition serving as a source of inspiration and guidance for the development of individual creative abilities.
Quote 1.
"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".
Explanation:
Eliot is highlighting the difference in how people acquire knowledge. He suggests that some individuals have a natural ability to absorb knowledge effortlessly, while others may need to work harder and put in more effort to gain the same level of understanding.
Eliot uses Shakespeare as an example to illustrate his point. He states that Shakespeare, through his reading of Plutarch's works, gained a deep understanding of history that surpassed what most people could learn from an entire institution like the British Museum. This implies that Shakespeare had a unique ability to absorb and internalize knowledge, allowing him to acquire a wealth of historical insights from a single source.
So we can say that, Eliot is emphasizing the significance of an individual's capacity to comprehend and learn from the information they encounter. While some may have a natural aptitude for absorbing knowledge, others may need to put in more effort and dedication to attain the same level of understanding.
Quote.2
"Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation are directed not upon the poet but upon the poetry."
Explanation:
In this quote, Eliot is highlighting the importance of focusing on the poetry itself rather than solely critiquing or praising the poet behind it.
Eliot suggests that when it comes to evaluating poetry, it is crucial to provide honest criticism and sensitive appreciation directed towards the work itself, rather than solely focusing on the personal qualities or intentions of the poet. By shifting the attention to the poetry, one can objectively analyze its artistic merits, themes, and techniques.
By separating the poet from the poetry, Eliot encourages a more objective and unbiased evaluation. Honest criticism allows for constructive feedback, pointing out areas of improvement or highlighting strengths in the work. Sensitive appreciation, on the other hand, involves understanding and acknowledging the artistic value and impact of the poetry.
So we can say that Eliot emphasizes the importance of engaging with the poetry on its own terms, independent of the poet's personal identity or intentions. By doing so, a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art form can be achieved.
Question: 3:
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.
Answer:
In a chemical reaction, a catalyst like platinum helps facilitate the reaction without being consumed or changed itself. Similarly, in Eliot's theory of depersonalization, he suggests that the poet's personal emotions and experiences should not overpower or dominate the poem. Instead, the poet should act as a catalyst, allowing the poem to take shape and speak for itself.
Just as platinum helps speed up a chemical reaction, the poet's role is to provide the necessary elements and techniques to bring the poem to life. The poet's personal emotions and experiences may serve as the starting point, but they should be transformed and depersonalized through the artistic process. This allows the poem to resonate with a wider audience and transcend the individual poet's perspective.
With this in mind, Eliot had several concerns for Romantic poets, particularly Wordsworth and his poetry theory. Eliot believed that Romantic writers were overly concerned with themselves and independence.
According to Wordsworth, poetry is a, "Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings, recollected in tranquility of mind", Eliot disagreed, arguing that the poet's thought should be guided by a "ideal order" informed by previous literary works and traditions. He believed that poets should contribute to the existing literary legacy, making the creative process less personal and more of a medium through which cultural and literary heritage could be expressed.
So, in Eliot's theory, the poet acts as a catalyst, much like platinum in a chemical reaction, enabling the poem to take on a life of its own and be appreciated for its artistic qualities rather than solely being a reflection of the poet's personal thoughts and feelings.
Quote. 3:
"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."
Answer:
Poetry is not about simply letting emotions run wild or expressing one's personality directly. Instead, he suggests that poetry serves as an escape from emotion and personality.
In Eliot's view, poetry allows us to transcend our personal emotions and detach ourselves from our individual personalities. It provides a means to explore and engage with emotions and experiences in a more abstract and universal way. By escaping from the confines of personal emotion and personality, poetry can delve into deeper truths and evoke a broader range of emotions that resonate with a wider audience.
So we can say that , Eliot believes that poetry offers a transformative experience, enabling both the poet and the reader to step outside of themselves and connect with something greater. It's a way to explore the human condition and tap into a collective consciousness beyond individual emotions and personalities.
Question - 3:
Write two points on which one can write a critique of 'T.S. Eliot as a critic'.
Answer.:
T.S. Eliot was not only a renowned poet but also a significant literary critic. As a critic, Eliot made notable contributions to the field of literary theory and analysis. Here are a couple of points highlighting Eliot's strengths as a critic:
1. Tradition and the Individual Talent:
Eliot's concept of "Tradition and the Individual Talent" revolutionized literary criticism. He emphasized the importance of understanding and engaging with the literary tradition that came before, while also acknowledging the unique voice and contribution of each individual writer. This approach encouraged a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of literature across time and the ongoing evolution of artistic expression.
2. Objective and Analytical Approach:
Eliot's criticism often displayed a rigorous and analytical approach. He focused on close reading, examining the technical aspects of a work such as form, structure, and language. This attention to detail allowed him to uncover hidden meanings and explore the intricate layers of a text. Eliot's objective analysis provided readers with valuable insights into the craft and artistry of literature.
Conclusion:
In nutshell, T.S. Eliot's concept of "Tradition and the Individual Talent" has had a profound impact on literary criticism. By emphasizing the importance of engaging with the literary tradition while recognizing the unique voice of each individual writer, Eliot encouraged a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of literature across time. His objective and analytical approach to criticism provided valuable insights into the craft and artistry of literature. While there may be differing opinions on Eliot's work as a critic, his ideas continue to shape and influence the way we understand and interpret literature.
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