This blog is written as a part of a thinking activity on T. S. Eliot's essay Tradition and the Individual Talent.
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 traditional.
Answer:
concept of tradition: 
The Historical sense compers a man to write not merely with his own generation in his bones , but with a feeling that the whole of literature of Europe from homer and within it the whole of the literature of his own country has as simultaneous existence and composes a simultaneous order.
This Historical sense which is a sense of the timeless as well as the temporal and of the timeless and of the temporal together is what makes a writer traditional and it is at the same time what makes a writer most acutely conscious of his place in time of is contemporaneity
T.S. Eliot's concept of Tradition is a central theme in his literary criticism, particularly in essays like "Tradition and the Individual Talent." According to Eliot, Tradition is not a mere repetition of the past, but a living and evolving force that influences and shapes the present and the future. It is not about blindly following established conventions or imitating the past; rather, it involves a dynamic engagement with the literary and cultural heritage.
Eliot argues that a true understanding of Tradition requires the "historical sense." This sense involves not only recognizing the past as something that has occurred in time but also acknowledging its continuous presence and influence on the present. In other words, the historical sense allows one to perceive the past as an active force that resonates in the contemporary moment.
When Eliot speaks of the historical sense as a perception of "the timeless as well as of the temporal," he emphasizes that Tradition extends beyond the immediate historical context. It involves recognizing the enduring and universal elements in literature that transcend specific time periods. This broader perspective allows a writer to engage with a rich cultural and literary heritage, drawing inspiration from both the timeless and the temporal aspects of Tradition.
According to Eliot, a writer becomes traditional not by conforming to established norms but by having a deep and informed relationship with the entire literary history. This involves a simultaneous awareness of both the timeless and temporal elements, creating a fusion that enriches the writer's work.
As for the concept of the "Historical Sense," it goes hand in hand with Tradition in Eliot's thought. The historical sense is the ability to appreciate and understand the historical context in which a work of literature is produced. It involves more than just factual knowledge of historical events; it requires an empathetic understanding of the past, an immersion into the mindset and cultural milieu of different eras.
In essence, Eliot's concept of Tradition, coupled with the historical sense, suggests that a writer should be deeply rooted in the literary and cultural heritage, appreciating the ongoing dialogue between the past and the present. Whether one agrees with Eliot's views or not, his ideas have had a significant impact on literary criticism and continue to stimulate discussions about the relationship between tradition and innovation in the arts.
"Tradition and the Individual Talent" (1919) is an essay written by poet and literary critic T. S. Eliot. The essay was first published in The Egoist (1919) and later in Eliot's first book of criticism, The Sacred Wood (1920).
- 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".
Answer: Some can absorb Knowledge the more tardy must sweat for it , shakespeare acquired more essential histories from plutarch than most men could from the whole british museum.
Shakespeare seems to be unexceptional because if he says that everyone has to be very well read every creative artist and coming down to the modern readers very active readers well.
T.S. Eliot's relationship between "tradition" and "individual talent" is outlined in his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent." According to Eliot, tradition is not a static and oppressive force; rather, it is a dynamic and living reservoir of knowledge and artistic expression. Individual talent, on the other hand, is the unique creative capacity of the poet or artist.
Eliot argues that a poet's individual talent is best expressed when it is in dialogue with the tradition. The poet does not exist in isolation but is connected to the entire body of literature that has come before. The poet's relationship with tradition is not a mere imitation or replication of the past; rather, it is a transformative engagement.
In the given quote, "Some can absorb knowledge; the more tardy must sweat for it," Eliot suggests that different individuals have varying capacities for absorbing knowledge from the literary and cultural tradition. Some possess an innate ability to absorb and assimilate knowledge effortlessly, while others may need to exert more effort and diligence.
The reference to Shakespeare acquiring more essential history from Plutarch than most men could from the whole British Museum underscores Eliot's belief in the selective and transformative nature of the interaction between the individual talent and tradition. It's not about the quantity of information but the quality and depth of engagement. Shakespeare, according to Eliot, didn't need to accumulate vast amounts of information from external sources like the British Museum. Instead, he absorbed essential elements from the tradition, particularly from the works of Plutarch, and creatively transformed that knowledge in his own artistic expression.
Eliot encourages poets to have a profound historical sense, understanding the timeless and temporal aspects of tradition. The poet, in Eliot's view, is like a catalyst in a chemical reaction, transforming the raw materials of tradition into something new and original. This transformation is not a rejection of tradition but a way of contributing to and enriching it.
In summary, Eliot's idea is that individual talent finds its highest expression when it is in dynamic conversation with tradition. The poet should not be a slave to the past, but should, through a process of depersonalization and self-sacrifice, creatively engage with and contribute to the ongoing tradition.
- "Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation are directed not upon the poet but upon the poetry."
T.S. Eliot's concept of the relationship between "tradition" and "individual talent" is articulated in his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent." According to Eliot, the poet's relationship with tradition is crucial for the creation of enduring and meaningful poetry.
Tradition, for Eliot, is not a static and rigid set of rules to be followed, nor is it a mere repetition of the past. Instead, tradition is a dynamic and living force that shapes the present and the future. The poet, in Eliot's view, should not reject or rebel against tradition but should engage with it in a transformative way. The poet's individual talent is most effective when it contributes to and becomes part of this ongoing literary tradition.
Eliot emphasizes that the individual talent of the poet is not a personal expression of emotions or sentiments. Instead, it is a medium through which the poet engages with the timeless elements of tradition. The poet's work should be a fusion of the contemporary moment and the cumulative wisdom of the literary past. In this way, the individual talent serves as a vehicle for the expression of universal and enduring themes, transcending the immediate circumstances of the poet.
Now, regarding the quote "Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation are directed not upon the poet but upon the poetry," this statement reflects Eliot's focus on the objective evaluation of literary works. Eliot advocates for a critical approach that looks beyond the personality and individual circumstances of the poet. Instead, the emphasis should be on the poetry itself—the artistic creation divorced from the autobiographical details of the poet.
By directing criticism and appreciation towards the poetry rather than the poet, Eliot encourages a more objective and insightful analysis. The focus should be on understanding how the work functions within the broader tradition, how it contributes to or diverges from the ongoing dialogue with the past, and how it achieves its artistic goals. This approach aligns with Eliot's broader views on the importance of tradition and the timeless elements in poetry, as opposed to a narrow focus on the individual poet's personality or biography.
- * 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:
Answer: The poetic process with reference to t.s Eliot's famous example of chemical reaction.shared of presentation sulphuric acid
Early in the twentieth century it then tries to bring in the element of science and vigor of science into humanities and arts that which is such an abstract thing like the creative process.
T.s Eliot reference to is the in he laboratory the formation of sulphuric acid- H2SO4
It's required ingredients sulfur trioxide -S03.
SO3 + H20 catalyst = H2SO4
Platinum
T.S. Eliot's theory of depersonalization, as expressed in the statement "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," underscores his belief that poetry involves a process of distancing oneself from personal emotions and individuality. This concept is akin to a chemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst.
1. Depersonalization as a Chemical Reaction:
- **Reactants (Personal Emotion and Personality):** In the creative process, the poet begins with personal emotions and a distinct personality. These are the raw materials that, if left unaltered, might result in a subjective and self-indulgent expression of feelings.
- **Catalyst (Depersonalization):** Depersonalization acts as the catalyst in this metaphorical reaction. It transforms the raw emotional material into something different. Just as a catalyst alters the course of a chemical reaction without being consumed, depersonalization changes the nature of personal emotions without eliminating them entirely.
- **Product (Escape from Emotion and Personality):** The end result is poetry that transcends individual emotions and personality traits. It becomes a refined and universal expression that resonates with readers beyond the immediate context of the poet's experiences.
Now, moving on to two potential points for a critique of T.S. Eliot as a critic:
1. Complexity and Inaccessibility:
- **Critique:** Eliot's critical writings, particularly in essays like "The Waste Land" and "Tradition and the Individual Talent," are often characterized by their complexity and erudition. The density of his allusions, references, and intellectual language may render his work inaccessible to a broader readership.
- **Counterpoint:** While Eliot's work can be challenging, it is also admired for its depth and intellectual rigor. Some argue that the complexity is intentional, inviting readers to engage in careful analysis and multiple readings to uncover the layers of meaning.
2. **Subjectivity in Literary Criticism:**
- **Critique:** Despite advocating for depersonalization in poetry, Eliot's own critical perspectives may be seen as subjective. His preference for certain poets or literary traditions might be interpreted as a personal bias, contradicting his emphasis on objectivity in criticism.
- **Counterpoint:** Eliot acknowledges the subjectivity inherent in literary criticism. He argues that the critic should strive for objectivity but also recognizes that personal preferences inevitably influence one's critical stance. This acknowledgment could be viewed as a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in literary evaluation.
Critiquing Eliot as a critic involves considering both the merits and potential shortcomings of his approach, contributing to ongoing discussions about the nature of literary criticism.
T.s Eliot as a critic:T.S. Eliot, known for his poetry, also made significant contributions as a literary critic. His essays, such as "Tradition and the Individual Talent," explore the nature of poetry, emphasizing the importance of tradition and the poet's ability to transform it. Eliot's criticism, often associated with New Criticism, influenced literary theory by focusing on the objective analysis of a text and its form.
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