According to T.S. Eliot, the "historical sense" involves the perception of not only the "pastness of the past" but also its "presence," meaning a poet should understand the past as existing alongside the present, allowing them to see their own work as part of a continuous literary tradition spanning from ancient times to the present day.
Key points about the "historical sense":
Continuity with the past:
A poet with a historical sense recognizes their connection to past writers and sees their work as part of a larger literary lineage.
Awareness of time:
This sense involves understanding both the temporal (the passing of time) and the timeless aspects of literature.
Not just knowledge of facts:
It's not just about knowing historical details, but rather having a deep understanding of how the past informs the present.
