Discuss T. S. Eliot's view of "historical sense."

T. S. Eliot believed that having a "historical sense" was essential for understanding and interpreting literature and culture. He argued that individuals should be aware of the past and how it has shaped the present in order to fully appreciate and engage with the world around them.

Eliot believed that the historical sense involved recognizing the continuity and interconnectedness of different time periods, as well as understanding the cultural and intellectual influences that have shaped society. He believed that individuals should be able to see how past events, ideas, and traditions have influenced and continue to influence the present.

In his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," Eliot argued that artists should have a deep understanding of the literary and cultural traditions that came before them in order to create meaningful and original works. He believed that artists should be able to draw on the past while also contributing something new to the ongoing conversation of human experience.

Overall, Eliot's view of historical sense emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating the past in order to fully engage with the present and create meaningful works of art and literature. By recognizing the historical context in which ideas and works of art are created, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it.

T. S. Eliot's View of "Historical Sense"

In his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent" (1919), T. S. Eliot introduced the concept of "historical sense." This idea holds that a poet's works are not isolated creations but are shaped by and in dialogue with the literary and cultural traditions that precede them.

For Eliot, historical sense had three interconnected elements:

1. Objective Correlative:

The objective correlative is a situation or action that embodies an emotion or thought in a concrete and palpable way. Eliot argued that a poet should not merely describe an emotion but find an external equivalent for it, allowing readers to experience the emotion directly through their senses.

2. Tradition:

History provides poets with a reservoir of symbols, images, and rhythms that can enrich and shape their work. Eliot believed that every poet is part of a continuous tradition that stretches back through time, and that each generation of poets builds upon the achievements of its predecessors.

3. Impersonal Poetry:

Eliot advocated for "impersonal poetry," in which the poet's own personality and emotions are submerged within the tradition and the objective correlative. He argued that the poet's role is not to express their subjective experiences but to create a work of art that is objective and universal in its appeal.

Characteristics of Historical Sense:

- Recognizes the interrelation of works within a literary tradition
- Values the past as a source of inspiration and enrichment
- Emphasizes the importance of objective correlative and impersonal expression
- Views literature as a continuous, unfolding process
- Rejects the idea of individual genius or originality as the sole determinant of literary merit

Significance of Historical Sense:

Eliot's concept of historical sense has had a profound influence on modern literary criticism. It has:

- Highlighted the importance of literary tradition and intertextuality
- Emphasized the mutual influence between past and present
- Encouraged poets to seek deeper connections with their literary heritage
- Fostered a more objective and critical approach to literary evaluation

By emphasizing the historical sense, Eliot argued that poets should strive to create works that transcend their own time and become part of a timeless and evolving literary tradition.