Write an essay on Eliot’s criticism of Wordsworth’s poetic theory

Answer

Question: Write an essay on Eliot’s criticism of Wordsworth’s poetic theory.

In T.S. Eliot’s (1888 – 1965) influential essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent” (1919), he presents a critical analysis of William Wordsworth’s poetic theory. Wordsworth (1770-1850), a prominent figure in Romantic poetry, advocated for expressing personal emotions and experiences in poetry. However, Eliot challenges this method. He asserts the importance of tradition and the impersonal nature of art. Through key points, Eliot’s critique of Wordsworth’s poetic theory will be explored.

Emphasis on Personal Emotion: Wordsworth believed that poetry should arise from the spontaneous overflow of personal emotion. He famously stated, 

“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” 

However, Eliot questions this emphasis on personal emotion. He suggests that true poetry arises from a deeper source. He claims, 

“The emotion of art is impersonal.” 

Here, Eliot suggests that poetry should not solely depend on individual emotions but should transcend the personal to capture universal truths.

Nature as a Source of Inspiration: Wordsworth often drew inspiration from nature. He views it as a source of spiritual and emotional renewal. He believed that communion with nature could promote the soul and inspire poetic creativity. However, Eliot challenges this romanticized view of nature. He suggests that the poet’s role is not simply to reflect the external world. Eliot suggests that true poetry involves a transformation of raw experience into artistic expression rather than a mere reflection of nature. He writes, 

“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”. 

The Poet as a Prophet: Wordsworth viewed the poet as a prophet. He is capable of perceiving truths beyond the grasp of ordinary individuals. He believed that poetry could serve as a moral guide. Poetry leads society towards greater understanding and enlightenment. However, Eliot challenges this romantic notion of the poet as a visionary figure. He argues that the poet’s significance lies not in their personal experiences or insights but in their ability to direct the collective wisdom of tradition. He writes, 

“The poet cannot reach this impersonality without surrendering himself wholly to the work to be done.”

Unity of Subject and Object: Wordsworth emphasized the unity of subject and object in poetry. He suggests that the poet’s emotions should be directly reflected in their surroundings. He believed that the external world could reflect the internal state of the poet. It creates a harmonious relationship between self and nature. However, Eliot questions this idealized fusion of subjectivity and objectivity. He suggests that true poetry involves a process of depersonalization, where the poet’s individual experiences are transmuted into a broader artistic vision. He writes, 

“The poet’s mind is the shred of platinum.”

Rejection of Tradition: Wordsworth advocated for a break from literary tradition. He believed that poetry should arise from the individual’s direct experience of life. He rejected the formal conventions of neoclassical poetry in favour of a more spontaneous and naturalistic style. However, Eliot challenges this rejection of tradition. He argues that poetry is inherently linked to the collective wisdom of the past. He writes, 

“Tradition is a matter of much wider significance.”

In conclusion, T.S. Eliot’s criticism of William Wordsworth’s poetic theory highlights the tension between personal emotion and artistic tradition. While Wordsworth supported the expression of individual experience in poetry, Eliot argues for a more nuanced understanding of the poet’s role in relation to tradition and the collective wisdom of the past. Through his examination of Wordsworth’s ideas, Eliot offers valuable insights into the nature of poetry and the creative process.