T.S.Eliot's essay

 T.S. Eliot’s essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent

Hello everyone this blog is a response to a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's research article for background reading: Click Here 

T.S. Eliot’s essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," first published in The Sacred Wood (1922), remains a cornerstone of literary criticism. In this essay, Eliot introduces concepts such as the historical sense, the interplay between tradition and individual talent, and the theory of depersonalization in art. Below, we explore these ideas in detail, supported by relevant quotes from the text.

The Concept of 'Tradition'

Eliot’s understanding of tradition diverges from the conventional notion of mere adherence to the past. For Eliot, tradition is a dynamic relationship between past and present:-  “The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past but of its presence.”

This implies that tradition is not static but an evolving continuity. Writers must engage with the literary canon while contributing something novel. Tradition, as Eliot sees it, requires writers to integrate the timeless and the temporal. The works of Homer, Dante, or Shakespeare, for instance, serve as a foundation for contemporary creativity.

Do I agree with Eliot's view of tradition? Yes, in part. Eliot’s emphasis on the historical sense encourages a deep engagement with literary history. However, one could critique his model for potentially marginalizing non-Western traditions or alternative voices. Eliot’s focus on a Eurocentric canon limits the inclusivity of this literary continuity.

The 'Historical Sense'

The historical sense is central to Eliot’s theory. He writes:

“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.”

Here, Eliot suggests that great writers possess the ability to connect the enduring truths of human experience (the timeless) with the unique challenges of their era (the temporal). This dual awareness enables them to enrich tradition.

Relationship Between Tradition and Individual Talent

Eliot’s concept of tradition is intrinsically tied to individual talent. He argues that originality emerges not in isolation but in dialogue with the past. A writer’s talent is measured by their capacity to assimilate tradition while innovating within it. 

He states: “The existing monuments form an ideal order among themselves, which is modified by the introduction of the new (the really new) work of art among them.”

This interdependence underscores Eliot’s belief in the mutual transformation of the past and present. The canon reshapes new works, and new works, in turn, influence the canon.

Analysis of Key Quotes

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.”

This observation highlights the innate genius of Shakespeare. Eliot implies that certain individuals possess an extraordinary ability to distill complex ideas effortlessly, unlike others who laboriously accumulate knowledge. Shakespeare’s engagement with Plutarch’s Lives demonstrates how a creative mind synthesizes historical material into timeless art.

2.  “Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation are directed not upon the poet but upon the poetry.”

Eliot insists on the autonomy of the text. For him, the value of a poem lies in its intrinsic qualities rather than the personality or biography of its creator. This approach shifts the focus from subjective interpretation to objective analysis, emphasizing form, structure, and meaning.

The Theory of Depersonalization

Eliot’s theory of depersonalization likens the creation of poetry to a chemical reaction. In this analogy, the poet’s mind serves as the catalyst (like platinum) that facilitates the fusion of emotions and experiences into poetry. Crucially, the poet’s personality does not interfere with the final product:

“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.”

This theory underscores Eliot’s belief in objectivity. The poet’s role is to craft art that transcends personal feelings, achieving a universal resonance.

Critique of Eliot’s Ideas

While Eliot’s insights are profound, they are not without limitations. Two points of critique include:

Eurocentric Bias: Eliot’s framework privileges the Western canon, potentially excluding diverse cultural voices. This narrow focus limits the universality of his principles.

Impersonal Art: While depersonalization seeks objectivity, some critics argue that it downplays the significance of individual experience and emotional authenticity in art.

Conclusion

Eliot’s "Tradition and the Individual Talent" offers a compelling framework for understanding the interplay between literary history and creativity. His emphasis on the historical sense, tradition, and depersonalization challenges readers and writers to rethink the essence of art. However, the framework’s limitations remind us to engage critically with his ideas, adapting them to the broader cultural and literary contexts of our time.

References:-

Eliot, T. S. The Sacred Wood: Essays on Poetry and Criticism. Methuen, 1922.

Eliot, T. S. "Tradition and the Individual Talent." The Sacred Wood: Essays on Poetry and Criticism, Methuen, 1922, pp. 42-53.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377083958_Tradition_and_Individual_Talent_-_TS_Eliot