According to T.S. Eliot, tradition develops through a poet's conscious engagement with the past, where they actively "acquire a historical sense" and continuously incorporate the works of previous poets into their own writing, essentially creating a living, evolving body of literature where each new work modifies and enriches the existing tradition; this process requires a "consciousness of the past" that is constantly being refined throughout a poet's career.
Key points about Eliot's concept of tradition:
Not mere imitation:
Tradition is not simply copying past works, but rather a dynamic process of understanding and re-interpreting them in the present context.
"Historical sense":
A crucial aspect of tradition is the ability to perceive the past as both "pastness" and "presence" - meaning the past is not just something distant, but actively informs the present.
Collective consciousness:
By engaging with the literary tradition, a poet becomes part of a larger collective consciousness, contributing to and shaping the literary landscape.
Continuous evolution:
Every new work of art slightly alters the existing tradition, adding to its richness and complexity.
