Bridge Course: T.S.Eliot Criticism - Tradition and Individual Talent

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Welcome to my blog .this blog written as a part of a Bridge Course assigned by Dr.dilip barad sir. in this blog write about T.s. Eliot Criticism - Tradition and Individual Talent.

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Introduction:

"Tradition and the Individual Talent" is an essay by T.S. Eliot in which he explores the relationship between tradition and the creative process. Eliot argues that genuine artistic creation involves a dynamic interaction between the artist and the existing literary tradition. The poet, according to Eliot, must have a historical sense and an awareness of the literary heritage while bringing a fresh perspective and individual talent to their work. The essay is considered a significant contribution to literary criticism, emphasizing the importance of both continuity with the past and innovation in artistic endeavors.

About T.s.Eliot:

Thomas Stearns Eliot (1888 – 1965) was an essayist, playwright, critic,and "one of the twentieth century's major poets”. He was born in the United States, but he moved to the United Kingdom in 1914 (at age 25) and was naturalized as a British citizen in 1927 at age 39.

Eliot the poet - critic:

Eliot stands in the long line of poet-critics beginning with Ben Jonson, and including such names as Dryden, Johnson, Coleridge, and Mathew Arnold. Such critics know the mysteries of their art and so can speak with force and conviction.His Major Books of CriticismEliot’s critical pronouncements were first published largely in the form of articles and essays in various periodicals and journals of the day.

They Were later collected in the following books:

1. The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism (1939)

2. The Idea of a Christian Society (1939)

3. Notes Towards the Definition of Culture (1948)

4. Selected Essays, Third Edition (1951)

5. On Poetry and Poets (1957)

6. To Criticize the Critic (1965)

Eliot most popular essay:

1. Tradition and Individual Talent

2. Poetry and Drama

3. The Function of Criticism

4. The English Metaphysical Poets

5. The Frontiers of Criticism 

6. Hamlet and His Problems

Now a explain question by given on task,

☆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.)

Ans: 

My point of view, T.S. Eliot's concept of Tradition, as expressed in "Tradition and the Individual Talent," emphasizes the continuous and evolving nature of literary tradition. He argues that artists should be aware of the past, engage with it critically, and contribute to the ongoing tradition rather than rejecting or imitating it.Eliot's idea suggests that creativity involves a dynamic interaction with the historical and cultural context. The Historical Sense, in Eliot's terms, is an awareness of how the past influences and shapes the present. It implies understanding the cultural and literary heritage to create meaningful and relevant works.

Furthermore, Eliot believes that the artist, through the Historical Sense, should strive to escape the constraints of personal emotions and achieve an "objective" view. This involves transcending individual biases and connecting with a broader, timeless tradition.Eliot's concept suggests that true originality arises not from rebellion against tradition but from a deep understanding and transformative engagement with it. By embracing Tradition and the Historical Sense, artists can contribute to the richness and continuity of cultural expression.

According to T.S. Eliot,

"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.

For example:

the example of T.S. Eliot's own work "The Waste Land." In this poem, Eliot draws upon a vast array of literary and cultural references, showcasing a keen Historical Sense. The poem weaves together fragments from various traditions, including mythology, literature, and religion, to reflect the fragmented and disillusioned post-World War I society.

By incorporating references from different eras and cultures, Eliot engages with Tradition in a complex and transformative way. Rather than merely imitating or rejecting past works, he uses them as building blocks to create a unique and layered expression of his contemporary experience. This example illustrates Eliot's belief in the importance of Tradition and the Historical Sense in producing meaningful and resonant art.

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

According to T.S.Eliot , in his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," argues that tradition is not a passive inheritance but a dynamic force that shapes and influences the individual talent. He emphasizes the poet's engagement with the past, suggesting that the poet should be in dialogue with literary tradition, transforming it through their unique creative expression. Eliot views tradition as an ongoing process, and the individual talent's contribution involves both a connection to the past and a renewal of artistic expression in the present.

"This undue stress on individuality should that the English have an uncritical mind"

 T. S. Eliot believes that for an artist to create meaningful work, they must be aware of and engage with the literary tradition that precedes them. The individual talent, in Eliot's view, becomes a part of this larger tradition by both appreciating and transforming the existing cultural and artistic heritage. This interaction with tradition is essential for the artist's creative process and contributes to the continuous evolution of literature.

For example,  Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock." In this work, Eliot explores the internal struggles and anxieties of an individual in the context of modernity. The poem references historical, literary, and artistic allusions, such as the biblical figure Lazarus and the works of Dante. Through these references, Eliot connects the personal experience of the individual (Prufrock) with broader cultural and literary traditions, showcasing the interplay between the individual talent and the ongoing dialogue with the past.

 *"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 suggests that while some individuals absorb knowledge effortlessly, others need to work hard for it. Shakespeare is highlighted as someone who gained valuable historical insights from Plutarch, emphasizing the idea that depth of understanding is more crucial than the sheer quantity of information one collects from sources like the British Museum.

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

This statement emphasizes the importance of separating the evaluation of poetry from the personal feelings towards the poet. Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation should focus on the literary work itself rather than being influenced by opinions about the poet's character, beliefs, or life. It encourages a more objective analysis of the artistic merit, style, and substance of the poetry without letting personal biases cloud the judgment.

☆ 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:

Theory of depersonalization:

"theory of depersonalization." However, his literary works, especially "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" and "The Waste Land," explore themes of alienation and disillusionment in the modern world, which some critics might interpret as elements of depersonalization.

T.S. Eliot's works, like "The Waste Land," often delve into the fragmentation of modern life and the loss of individual identity in a rapidly changing world. These themes contribute to a broader exploration of depersonalization, highlighting the challenges individuals face in maintaining a sense of self amid societal disintegration and cultural decay.

T.S. Eliot's exploration of depersonalization in his works doesn't align with a chemical reaction analogy involving catalysts like platinum. Instead, Eliot's depersonalization theory is rooted in the societal and cultural shifts of the early 20th century, expressing the fragmentation and loss of individual identity in the modern world. It's more aptly explained through literary and cultural analysis rather than a chemical reaction metaphor.Eliot's depersonalization theory, resembling a societal reaction rather than a chemical one, unfolds through his poetic exploration of fractured identities, cultural disintegration, and disillusionment. The catalyst, in this context, could be seen as the accelerating pace of societal change, eroding traditional values and leaving individuals struggling to maintain a coherent sense of self amidst the chaos.

* "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.

Explanation:

(Subjectivity and Elitism):

T.S. Eliot's critiques often reflect a subjective and elitist perspective, where he favors a particular intellectual and cultural elite. This inclination may lead to an exclusionary stance, disregarding diverse voices and alternative expressions of art that don't align with his prescribed standards. Critics argue that this approach limits the scope of artistic exploration and fails to appreciate the richness of diverse human experiences.

(Traditionalism and Rigidity):

Eliot is criticized for his staunch adherence to traditional forms and structures in literature. Some argue that his emphasis on classicism and rejection of modernist experimentation stifles creativity and inhibits the evolution of literary expression. Critics contend that Eliot's rigid views on form may discourage innovation, hindering the emergence of new and groundbreaking literary movements.

Conclusion:

T.S. Eliot, in his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," concludes that true literary creation involves a dynamic interaction between the artist and the existing literary tradition. He emphasizes the importance of historical awareness, asserting that an artist's work contributes to and transforms the ongoing tradition. Eliot urges writers to escape self-indulgence and recognize their place in the larger cultural and artistic continuum, thus advocating for a more objective and timeless approach to literary creation.

Thank you 😊.....