Tradition and the Individual Talent

Essay | T. S. Eliot
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Briefly describe the depersonalization theory

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Briefly describe the depersonalisation theory. [2018] ✪✪✪

Or, Describe depersonalisation theory. [2015]

Depersonalization refers to the deliberate separation of the poet’s personal self and emotions from the created work. T.S. Eliot (1888-1965), in his essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent” (1919), explains this idea. It means removing the poet’s personal emotions and individuality from his art. 

Meaning of Depersonalisation: Depersonalisation means the poet must forget himself while writing poetry. He should remove his personal feelings, emotions, and private experiences. Eliot says, 

“The progress of an artist is a continual self-sacrifice, a continual extinction of personality.” 

The poet’s task is to turn personal emotions into universal art. His poetry must not reflect his individual pain or joy but express the shared feelings of humanity.

Catalyst Analogy: Eliot compares the poet’s mind to a chemical catalyst. When oxygen and sulphur dioxide combine in the presence of platinum, they form sulphurous acid. But

the platinum remains unchanged. Similarly, the poet’s mind mixes different feelings and experiences into a new emotion called the “art emotion.” The poet’s personality does not appear in the poem. This scientific image clearly shows how poetry is born from emotion but remains impersonal.

Role in Criticism: Depersonalisation is also necessary in poetry criticism. Eliot says, 

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

A critic should judge a poem by its artistic value, not by the poet’s personal life. Poetry becomes a part of tradition only when it is free from personal emotion.

In short, Eliot’s theory of depersonalisation gives poetry objectivity and discipline. It teaches that art should express universal truth, not private emotion. 

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