T.S. Eliot’s theory of impersonality is a central concept in his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent" (1919). It challenges the Romantic idea that poetry is primarily an expression of the poet’s personal emotions and experiences. Here's a breakdown of the theory:

1. T.S. Eliot's Theory of
Impersonality
T.S. Eliot's theory of impersonality asserts that the poet's emotions should not dominate the poem.
Instead, poetry should express universal experiences, allowing readers to connect with the work on a
deeper level, transcending personal sentiments.

2. 1 2 3
Emotions must be shown
through objective symbols in
poetry.
Encourages a structured
approach for a resonant
poetic voice.
Eliot argues for personal
feelings to be distinct from
poetry.
Separation of Author and
Poem
The Essence of Impersonality
Avoidance of Emotional
Overload
Objective Correlative
Concept

3. Reflects disillusionment of
the early 20th century.
Eliot's theory emerged
during the modernist
movement.
Critiques Romanticism's
emotional expressiveness.
Influence of Modernism
Eliot's work reflects the disillusionment of the early 20th century, suggesting that impersonality aligns with
the fragmented realities of modern life and its complexities.
Literature in a Changing
World
Historical Context
Response to Romanticism

4. Craftsmanship Over
Emotion
Channeling Collective
Experience
Impersonality captures shared
truths effectively.
The poet's role is to craft
language and structure.
The Role of the Poet
The poet acts as a medium for
societal emotions.
Art as a Reflection of
Reality

5. Shifting Standards of
Evaluation
Eliot's approach invites critics to evaluate poetry based on its ability to evoke collective experiences rather
than personal voice or sentiment.
Implications for Literary Criticism
Influence on Future Poets
Redefining Poetic Value
Eliot's approach invites critics
to evaluate poetry based on its
ability to evoke collective
experiences.
Eliot's perspective promotes an
impersonal style valuing
structure and form.
Success lies in crafting
experiences that resonate with
multiple readers.

6. Eliot employs multiple voices and references, creating a
tapestry of experiences.
Key Works Illustrating the
Theory
This poem exemplifies Eliot's impersonality through the use
of objective correlatives.
The Waste Land
Four Quartets
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
Explores time and existence, indicating a shift to universal
contemplation.

7. Balance of
Emotion and
Structure
Conclusion
Eliot's theory of
impersonality
has remained
significant in
understanding
modern poetry,
influencing how
literature is
approached
and critiqued in
Eliot's theory of impersonality has remained significant in
understanding modern poetry, influencing how literature is
approached and critiqued in the contemporary context.
Legacy of
Innovation
By advocating
for a controlled
emotional
expression
through
impersonality,
Eliot offers a
framework that
seeks a deeper
Enduring
Relevance
The implication
of his theory
represents a
departure from
traditional
poetic norms,
encouraging
innovative
approaches
that challenge