Submitted to: Dr.
Naveed Nawaz
Summited by: Muhammad Afzaal
Roll no: 83
Topic:
"T.S Eliot As Critic"
T. S. Eliot is one of the greatest literary critics of England. T. S. Eliot, full name Thomas Stearns
Eliot was also a Poet, Essayist, Publisher, Playwright, Literary critic, and Editor of England. Eliot
made English criticism look different. His criticism was revolutionary which inverted the critical
tradition of the whole of English literature. John Hayward a famous literary critic and probably
known as a friend and advisor of T. S. Eliot says about him:
“I cannot think of a critic who has been
more widely read and discussed
in his own lifetime; and not only
in English but in almost every language."
Views About Poetry:-
Poetry was an expression of the emotions and personality of romantics
‘Wordsworth’ said that “Poetry was an overflow of powerful emotions and its origin is in
Emotion’s recollected in tranquility”. Eliot rejects this view and says that poetry is not an
expression of emotion and personality but an escape from them. Eliot’s view on the nature of
the poetic process is equally revolutionary. According to him, poetry is not inspiration it is
organization. The poet’s mind is like a vessel in which are stored numerous feelings emotions
and experiences.
Critical Concepts:-
Eliot devised numerous critical concepts that gained wide currency and has a brand
influence on criticism.
Objective co-relative.
Dissociation of sensibility.
Unification of Sensibility.
1. Objective Correlative: This concept suggests that emotions should not be directly expressed
in literature but should instead be evoked through a set of objects, situations, or events that
symbolize or represent those emotions. By using concrete and specific imagery, writers create a
more profound emotional impact on the reader or audience. For example, rather than saying a
character feels sad, a writer might describe a rainy day, an empty room, and the sound of
distant thunder to convey a sense of melancholy. Eliot argued that this technique allows the
reader to experience the emotion more intensely because it is anchored in tangible, external
elements rather than abstract descriptions.
2. Dissociation of Sensibility: Eliot observed a shift in poetry after the era of the metaphysical
poets, such as John Donne and George Herbert, who seamlessly integrated intellect and
emotion in their work. He believed that poetry had become fragmented, with a separation
between thought and feeling. This dissociation resulted in poetry that lacked depth and
resonance, as it failed to engage both the rational and emotional faculties of the reader. Eliot
attributed this disconnect to various cultural and historical factors, including the influence of
scientific rationalism and the aftermath of World War I.
3. Unification of Sensibility: Building on the concept of the dissociation of sensibility, Eliot
proposed the idea of reintegrating intellect and emotion in poetry. He argued that modern
poets should strive to bridge the gap between reason and feeling, creating works that are
intellectually rigorous yet emotionally resonant. By combining the depth of thought
characteristic of metaphysical poetry with the emotional intensity of Romanticism, poets could
achieve a more holistic and powerful expression of human experience. Eliot saw the unification
of sensibility as essential for the revitalization of poetry and the restoration of its cultural
significance.
Theory of Impersonality:-
T.S. Eliot's "Theory of Impersonality" is a cornerstone of his literary criticism, articulated
primarily in his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent" (1919). This theory challenges the
romantic notion of the poet as an isolated genius whose work is a direct outpouring of personal
emotion and experience. Instead, Eliot proposes a more objective approach to poetic creation.
Here's an extensive explanation of his theory:
1. Tradition and the Individual Talent:
- Tradition: Eliot emphasizes the importance of tradition in the creative process. He argues
that a poet must be deeply aware of the literary tradition that precedes them and understand
their place within it. This tradition is not a fixed body of work but a dynamic interplay of past
and present texts. By engaging with this tradition, the poet ensures their work resonates with
the collective literary heritage.
-Individual Talent: While recognizing the importance of tradition, Eliot also acknowledges the
role of individual talent. However, he contends that the poet's personal contribution should be
a reinterpretation and extension of this tradition rather than an expression of individual work.
2. The Poet as a Medium:
- Eliot describes the poet not as a unique creator but as a medium or catalyst. The poet's role
is to facilitate the transformation of raw emotions and experiences into a structured and
universal form. This process requires the poet to detach themselves from their personal
emotions and experiences, allowing the work to stand independently.
4. The Chemical Analogy:
- Eliot uses a chemical analogy to explain the poet's role. He compares the poet's mind to a
catalyst in a chemical reaction. Just as a catalyst facilitates a reaction without being changed by
it, the poet's mind combines various emotions and experiences to create a new artistic product
while remaining unaffected. This analogy underscores the idea of detachment and
impersonality in the creative process.
5. Depersonalization:
- Central to Eliot's theory is the idea of depersonalization. He argues that the creation of art
requires the suppression of the poet's personal emotions and identity. Instead of drawing
directly from their own life, the poet should use their personal experiences as material that can
be transformed and universalized. This process allows the work to transcend the limitations of
individual perspective and achieve broader relevance.
