T.S Eliot As A Critic

Submitted To: Dr.
Iram Seyal
Submitted By: Group 6
Group Members: Sehar Walayat (06)
Zumar Rehman (13)
Sidra Bajwa (24)
Mavia Amjad (39)
Hudabia Saif (53)
Areeba Tariq (61)
Rehmal Johnson (64)
Ushna Javed (65)
Alveena Binte Waris (66)
Course Title: Foundation of Literary Theory and Criticism
Assignment Topic: T. S Eliot as a Critic
Semester: 6th (Morning)
Department: English
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T.S Eliot as a Critic
I. Introduction of T.S Eliot
T.S Eliot is the British poet, playwright, Essayist, publisher, social and literary critic.
He is one of the major poet of 20th century. Eliot’s works were profoundly influenced
by his exposure to both European and American literary traditions. He is known for
his innovative poetic techniques, including the use of fragmentation, allusion, and
symbolism. He was a great poet but he had great contribution in English literature in
the form of essays that includes “Tradition and the Individual Talent”, “Hamlet and
his Problems” and “Metaphysical poets”.
II. Tradition and The Individual Talent

“Tradition and Individual Talent" (1919) is an essay written by the poet and literary
critic T. S. Eliot. Tradition and Individual Talent is one of the more well known work
that Eliot produced in his critic capacity. This essay was first published in 'The Egoist'
(1919) and later in Eliot's first book of criticism, "The Sacred Wood "(1920).
Eliot wrote this essay in support of modernist movement, which sought to break
away from traditional forms and conventions in art, literature, and culture. The essay
emerged in the consequences of World War I, a time marked by disillusionment and
societal upheaval, where established norms and beliefs were questioned and
challenged.
This essay is divided into four parts.
a) The Concept of Tradition

According to Eliot, tradition encompasses the living culture inherited from the past,
and it significantly influences the formation of the present. Eliot emphasizes that
tradition is closely tied to what he terms the historical sense. This sense involves
recognizing that the past is not lost or irrelevant; rather, it remains present and
continues to impact our understanding of art and literature. Eliot's view of tradition is
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dynamic. This dynamic interaction ensures that tradition remains relevant and
adaptable.
b) The Individual Talent

T.S. Eliot's concept of "Individual Talent" revolutionized the way we think about
poetry and the poet's role. In his 1919 essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent,"
Eliot argued that a poet's individual talent is not just about expressing their
personality, but about being a medium for expression. Eliot believed that a poet must
be aware of the literary heritage and tradition that has shaped their craft. This
historical sense is essential for creativity, as it provides a foundation for innovation.
The poet's individual talent is not just about self-expression, but about being a vessel
for the ideas and emotions that shape our shared human experience. This
understanding of the poet's role has had a profound influence on modern poetry and
continues to shape the way poets approach their craft today.
c) The Theory of Impersonal Poetry

The Theory of Impersonality, developed by T.S. Eliot, is a poetic approach that
emphasizes the importance of transcending the poet's individual perspective and
personal experiences. According to this theory, a poet should strive to create a work
that is universal, objective, and timeless, rather than one that is deeply personal and
subjective. This means that the poet should aim to speak to universal human
experiences and emotions, rather than just their own individual feelings, and present a
balanced and impartial view, rather than a personal bias or opinion.
d) The Mind of Europe

The Mind of Europe, as described by T.S. Eliot in his essay "Tradition and the
Individual Talent," is a mind that changes, develops, and abandons nothing. This
concept represents the cumulative knowledge and experience of European literature
and culture, which has evolved over time. It is characterized by its ability to balance
tradition and innovation, embracing both the accumulated wisdom of the past and the
new, original, and creative. Tradition, in this context, refers to the inherited cultural
and literary heritage of Europe, shaped by the classical Greek and Roman literature,
among others. Innovation, on the other hand, represents the fresh perspectives, ideas,
and artistic expressions that continually emerge. The Mind of Europe represents the
dynamic, ever-changing nature of European literature and culture. It embodies the
idea that our cultural heritage is a continuous evolution, shaped by both the past and
the present.
III. Criticisms on Eliot’s Essay Tradition and Individual Talent

T.S. Eliot's essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent" has been praised for its
insights into literary criticism, but it's also faced criticism for several reasons,
including being perceived as elitist and Eurocentric.
1. Elitism: One criticism is that Eliot's essay can come across as elitist, particularly in
his emphasis on a select literary tradition. This perspective can be seen as elitist
because it suggests that only a few select individuals are part of this tradition,
excluding others who may not fit within this narrow framework. Critics argue that
Eliot's notion of tradition can be exclusionary and dismissive of other voices and
perspectives.
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2. Eurocentrism: Another criticism of Eliot's essay is its Eurocentrism. Eliot's essay
primarily focuses on the Western literary tradition, drawing heavily from European
literary history and neglecting the contributions of non-Western cultures. Critics argue
that this Eurocentric perspective ignores the rich literary traditions of other cultures
and perpetuates a hierarchical view of literature, where Western literature is
considered superior to others.
3. Neglect of the Individual Voice: Eliot's emphasis on tradition sometimes leads to

the neglect of the individual voice. While he argues for the importance of the
individual talent within the context of tradition, some critics believe that Eliot's focus
on tradition diminishes the significance of individual creativity and innovation. This
neglect of the individual voice can be seen as limiting and stifling for artists who seek
to express their unique perspectives and experiences.
IV. Controversies on Eliot’s Views

T.S. Eliot's views on race, gender, and sexuality have been a subject of controversy
and criticism. While he was undoubtedly a towering figure in 20th-century literature,
his perspectives on these issues have been seen as problematic.
Race: Eliot's poetry and essays have been criticized for containing racial stereotypes
and exhibiting racist attitudes. One of the most contentious examples is his poem
"Burbank with a Baedeker: Bleistein with a Cigar," in which he employs racial
caricatures and derogatory language. Critics argue that Eliot's portrayal of Jewish and
other ethnic characters reinforces negative stereotypes and reflects his own prejudices.
Additionally, his early essay "The Sacred Wood" contains racially insensitive remarks,
such as his dismissal of African and Indian literature as "primitive." These instances
have led to accusations of racism against Eliot.
Gender: Eliot's views on gender have also been scrutinized. In his poetry and essays,
there is a noticeable lack of female voices and perspectives. Women are often
portrayed in traditional, passive roles, and their agency is limited. Critics argue that
Eliot's portrayal of women reflects a patriarchal worldview, where women are
relegated to supporting roles or symbols rather than fully realized characters.
Furthermore, his personal correspondence reveals misogynistic attitudes, such as his
belief in the superiority of men over women in intellectual pursuits.
Sexuality: Eliot's views on sexuality have been a subject of speculation due to his
complex personal life. His marriage to Vivienne Haigh-Wood was complex, and he
expressed frustration and dissatisfaction in their relationship. Some scholars have
suggested that Eliot's poetry, particularly "The Waste Land," contains homoerotic
elements, hinting at his own repressed desires.
V. Influence of Tradition and the Individual Talent on Modern

Poetry and Criticism
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“Tradition and the Individual Talent" by T.S. Eliot is a seminal essay that profoundly
impacted modern poetry and criticism. It emphasized the importance of tradition in
shaping individual creativity, arguing that poets should engage with the literary
heritage while also bringing their unique perspective. This concept encouraged poets
to break away from mere imitation and strive for originality within a broader cultural
and historical context.
Tradition and the Individual Talent" changed how poets and critics think about
poetry. It said poets should honor past works but also bring their own style. This idea
shaped modern poetry, making it more about innovation while respecting tradition.
Critics now look at poetry as a mix of old and new.
This perspective encouraged poets to engage with the past while also bringing
their unique voice to their work. Critics began to analyze poetry in terms of its
relationship to tradition and its innovation within that framework.
VI. Conclusion
T.S. Eliot is a renowned literary critic, and his critical work is highly regarded in the
academic community. His impersonal theory of poetry, as described in his essay
"Tradition and the Individual Talent," revolutionized the way critics approach
literature. He argues that criticism should be objective, and that a critic's role is to
review the past of literature and set the poets and poems in order, providing a
framework for understanding the development of literature over time. These ideas can
be developed and expanded upon to provide a comprehensive overview of Eliot's
critical approach and its significance in the field of literary criticism.

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Submitted To: Dr.

II. Tradition and The Individual Talent

This essay is divided into four parts.

a) The Concept of Tradition

b) The Individual Talent

c) The Theory of Impersonal Poetry

d) The Mind of Europe

III. Criticisms on Eliot’s Essay Tradition and Individual Talent

3. Neglect of the Individual Voice: Eliot's emphasis on tradition sometimes leads to

IV. Controversies on Eliot’s Views

V. Influence of Tradition and the Individual Talent on Modern

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