T.S. Eliot's 'Tradition and Individual Talent'

This blog is in response to the bridge course given to us by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. It is about the T.S. Eliot’s ‘Tradition and Individual Talent’, an essay of literary criticism which is considered to be the beginning of new criticism. In this blog I am going to share my understanding about essay tradition and individual talent.

ABOUT T.S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot (1888–1965) was a prominent American-British poet, essayist, and critic. His influential career spanned two major phases, marked by groundbreaking poems like "The Waste Land" and later reflective works such as "Four Quartets." Eliot's literary contributions, shaped by diverse influences and a deep engagement with modernity, earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948. His critical essays, notably "Tradition and the Individual Talent," continue to shape literary theory, making Eliot a central figure in 20th-century literature.

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

T.S. Eliot's idea of Tradition in literature is not about blindly copying the past but involves actively engaging with it in a meaningful way. He believes that a true traditional artist understands and appreciates the ongoing influence of the past on the present. This goes beyond just knowing that things happened in the past; it means recognizing the past's lasting impact on our current thoughts and actions.

Eliot emphasizes a "historical sense," which involves perceiving the past not only as something that happened but as something still present and relevant. He introduces the concepts of the "timeless" (universal elements) and the "temporal" (historical and contextual aspects) within this historical sense. A traditional writer, according to Eliot, can balance and integrate both timeless and temporal elements in their work.

In essence, Eliot's concept of Tradition encourages a dynamic and respectful relationship with the past, where writers acknowledge the past's ongoing presence and contribute to the dialogue between past and present.




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

1. Relationship between "Tradition" and "Individual Talent" according to T.S. Eliot: 

Dynamic Harmony: 

Tradition and individual talent work together, like a dance, where the poet creatively engages with tradition rather than being burdened by it.

Foundation for Creativity: 

Tradition provides a solid base for individual talent to build upon, creating a dynamic interplay that allows for both continuity and innovation.

2. "Some can absorb knowledge..."Natural vs. Effortful Learning: People differ in how easily they grasp information. Some effortlessly absorb knowledge, while others need to put in hard work.
Example with Shakespeare: Shakespeare, a literary giant, had to work hard to gain essential knowledge from Plutarch, showcasing that effort often complements natural ability.

3. "Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation..."Focus on the Work: 

Criticism should target the poetry itself, not the poet's personal qualities. It's like evaluating a painting for its colors and composition rather than judging the painter's character.
Objective Assessment: 

"Honest criticism" implies an unbiased evaluation, appreciating or critiquing the poetry based on its inherent qualities rather than personal feelings toward the poet.


* 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: "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'.


1. Eliot's Theory of Depersonalization:

Chemical Reaction Analogy: Eliot's theory of depersonalization can be likened to a chemical reaction where poetry is the product. The poet's emotions and personality act as reactants, and tradition functions as the catalyst, similar to platinum in a chemical reaction.
Catalyst of Tradition: 

Tradition, like a catalyst, facilitates the transformation of raw, personal emotions into refined poetry. It guides the process without losing the individuality of the poet.

2. "Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion..."Escape from Overwhelm: Eliot suggests that poetry serves as a channel for emotions, allowing them to be expressed without overwhelming the poet. It's a controlled release rather than an unbridled outpouring.
Objective Art Form:

 Poetry, according to Eliot, is not a direct mirror of the poet's personality. Instead, it provides a more objective and universal form of expression by distancing itself from personal emotions.

Critique of T.S. Eliot as a Critic:

1. Subjectivity in Tradition: 

Eliot's emphasis on tradition might be criticized for introducing subjectivity, as interpretations of tradition can vary. This subjectivity may limit the inclusion of diverse voices in literature.
2. Elitism and Exclusivity:

 Critics argue that Eliot's views might be perceived as elitist, favoring a specific intellectual elite. His focus on a particular literary tradition might exclude voices from marginalized or non-Western literary traditions, potentially overlooking valuable perspectives.