Tradition and the Individual Talent

Essay | T. S. Eliot
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Discuss Eliot's impersonal theory of poetry

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Question: Discuss Eliot's impersonal theory of poetry. 

T.S. Eliot's (1888 – 1965) "Tradition and the Individual Talent" (1919) presents an insightful perspective on poetry. The essay emphasizes the importance of an impersonal approach to artistic creation. Eliot's theory challenges the conventional idea of poetry as a reflection of the poet's personal emotions and experiences. Instead, he argues for a focus on the poetry itself. This suggests that true artistic expression arises from a complex interplay of elements within the poet's mind. In this essay, we will explore Eliot's impersonal theory of poetry through key points extracted from his seminal work.

Focus on Poetry, Not Poet: Eliot emphasizes that honest criticism should be directed towards the poetry itself, not the poet. This means that the value of poetry lies in its own merits rather than the personal qualities or experiences of the poet. He writes, 

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

The Catalys
t Analogy: Eliot compares the poet's mind to a catalyst in a chemical reaction. He explains that just as a catalyst facilitates a reaction without being consumed, the poet's mind serves as a medium for transforming emotions and experiences into art. Eliot highlights the poet's role as a medium for artistic creation. He states, 

"The mind of the poet is the shred of platinum." 

Complexity of Artistic Process: According to Eliot, great poetry arises not from the intensity of emotions but from the complexity of the artistic process. This suggests that the artistic process itself is what gives poetry its power and significance. He argues, 

"For it is not the 'greatness,' the intensity, of the emotions, the components, but the intensity of the artistic process."

Emotion Recollected in Tranquillity: Eliot introduces the concept of "emotion recollected in tranquillity" to explain the source of poetic inspiration. This implies that poetry arises from a concentrated reflection on past experiences rather than a direct expression of emotion. He states, 

"For it is neither emotion, nor recollection, nor, without distortion of meaning, tranquillity. It is a concentration, and a new thing resulting from the concentration". 

Escape from Personality: Eliot argues that poetry is not a reflection of the poet's personality but an escape from it. This suggests that poetry allows the poet to transcend personal emotions and experiences, focusing instead on the artistic process. He writes, 

"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." 

The impersonality of Art: Eliot concludes by advocating for the impersonality of art. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the poetry itself rather than the personal history of the poet. This underscores the idea that true appreciation of poetry requires a focus on the art itself, independent of the poet's personal attributes. He states, 

"The emotion of art is impersonal... And the poet cannot reach this impersonality without surrendering himself wholly to the work to be done". 

In conclusion, T.S. Eliot's impersonal theory of poetry offers a profound insight into the nature of artistic creation. It challenges the conventional emphasis on the poet's personality. By focusing on the poetry itself and the complex interplay of emotions and experiences within the poet's mind, Eliot illustrates the universal and timeless quality of great literature.

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