T.S. Eliot believed the critic's role in literature is to act as a mediator, illuminating a work's meaning and significance by providing analysis and interpretation, rather than simply judging it; he saw criticism as a way to "readjust" the literary landscape by placing works within historical context and comparing them to past literary traditions, essentially "setting poets and poems in a new order.".
Key points about Eliot's view on criticism:
Focus on elucidation:
Eliot considered the primary function of criticism to be clarifying a work of art and helping readers understand its deeper meaning.
Importance of tradition:
He emphasized the need to consider a work within the broader literary tradition, comparing it to past writers and understanding its place within the literary lineage.
Depersonalization:
Eliot advocated for a "depersonalized" approach to criticism, where the critic's personal opinions should not overshadow the analysis of the text.
Creative act:
He viewed criticism as a creative act, comparable to writing poetry itself, requiring a high level of critical thinking and insight.
