What is a positive tradition?

Answer

Question: What is a positive tradition?

In “Tradition and the Individual Talent” (1919), T.S. Eliot (1888 – 1965) discusses the concept of positive tradition in poetry. He emphasizes the importance of tradition as a dynamic force that influences and shapes the work of individual poets. According to Eliot, positive tradition is not about blindly adhering to past forms or styles but rather about engaging with the entirety of literary history in a creative and transformative way.

Historical Awareness: Understanding the historical context of literature is crucial for artists. This suggests that awareness of literary history enables poets to transcend temporal boundaries and engage with a broader cultural heritage. Eliot emphasizes, 

The historical sense compels a man to write not merely with his own generation in his bones. 

Enrichment of Creativity: Positive tradition involves creatively transforming existing artistic elements. Eliot likens the poet’s mind to a catalyst, stating, 

The mind of the poet is the shred of platinum.

Here, the poet’s role is to catalyze the fusion of emotions and experiences into new artistic expressions while remaining separate from personal emotions.

Escape from Personality: Embracing positive tradition allows poets to escape from the constraints of personal emotions and experiences. By transcending the self, poets can access a deeper, more universal realm of artistic expression. Eliot argues, 

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

In conclusion, positive tradition, in Eliot’s view, involves a dynamic relationship between the individual artist and the broader cultural heritage. By engaging with tradition, artists can draw inspiration, transform existing elements, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of artistic expression.