T. S. Eliot - Criticism

1. What is the relationship between "tradition" and "individual talent", according to the poet T. S. Eliot?
Ans-> T.S. Eliot, in his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," argues that tradition is not a burden or constraint on individual creativity but rather the foundation upon which individual talent builds. He suggests that artists should not strive to break away from tradition but rather engage with it critically, incorporating the past into their own work to create something new and meaningful. Eliot emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the artistic heritage that precedes us, as it shapes and informs our own creative endeavors.

Explain: "Some can absorb knowledge; the more tardy must be sweat for it. Shakespeare acquired more assential history from Plutarch than most men could from the whole british museum".
-> Some people easily understand things, while others have to work hard for it. Shakespeare learned more important history from reading Plutarch's works than most people could learn from reading everything in the British Museum.

Explain: "Honest criticism and sensative appreciation are directed not about the poet but upon the poetry".
-> This means that when critiquing or appreciating poetry, it's important to focus on the poetry itself rather than the poet personally. It's about analyzing the words, themes, and techniques used in the poem, rather than making judgments about the poet's character or personal life.

Explain: Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. Write two points in which one can write critique of T. S. Eliot as a critique.
-> Critique of T.S. Eliot's Perspective on Poetry:

1) Dismissal of Emotional Expression: Eliot's assertion that poetry is not a "turning loose of emotion" may be criticized for its dismissal of the importance of emotional expression in poetry. Critics could argue that emotions play a significant role in human experience and that poetry often serves as a medium for individuals to express and explore their emotions. By downplaying the role of emotion in poetry, Eliot's view may be seen as overly intellectual or detached from the lived realities of readers and writers.

2) Denial of Personal Expression: Eliot's view that poetry is an "escape from personality" could be critiqued for its negation of the value of personal expression in poetry. Critics might argue that poetry often serves as a means for individuals to express their unique perspectives, experiences, and identities. By suggesting that poetry is an escape from personality, Eliot's perspective may be seen as undermining the authenticity and individuality of poetic expression, potentially leading to a homogenization of poetic voices and themes.


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