Write an essay on Eliot’s classicism

Answer

Critically analyze Eliot’s classicism.

Or write an essay on Eliot’s classicism

T. S. Eliot (1888–1965) was one of the greatest poets and critics of the twentieth century. In his famous essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent” (1919), he discusses his classical attitude toward literature. Eliot’s classicism is built on discipline, order, reason, and respect for the past. He believes that poetry should be impersonal and universal. It should be connected to the great European tradition. His classicism is a strong reaction against the emotional and personal writing style of the Romantic poets.

Respect for Tradition: For Eliot, tradition is the most important part of classicism. He says that a poet must have “a historical sense.” This means a poet should feel that the past is not gone but still lives in the present. The great writers of the past are not dead. They form a living system. Eliot mentions Homer, Virgil, Dante, Rachin, and Shakespeare as great writers of the past. He writes:

“The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past, but of its presence.”

This means that when a poet writes, he must be aware of all that has been written before him. His new poem should not destroy the past but should fit into that old order and add something new to it. Eliot’s classicism teaches this balance — respect for the old and creation of the new at the same time.

Impersonality in Art: Eliot’s idea of impersonality also shows his classical attitude. According to him, poetry should not be a personal confession or emotional outburst. It should be a carefully made piece of art. He writes:

“Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion.”

This means that a poet should not directly write about his personal feelings. He should use his emotions as material to create something higher and impersonal. This view is opposite to the Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Shelley. The Romantic poets freely