Question

In Eliot’s analogy, what role does the platinum play in the poetic process?

• A. It represents the emotions of the poet.
• B. It symbolizes the form of the poem.
• C. It is the catalyst — the mind of the poet, facilitating the poetic creation without leaving a trace.
• D. It indicates the complexity of the poet’s emotions.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. It is the catalyst — the mind of the poet, facilitating the poetic creation without leaving a trace.

Eliot compares the poetic process to a chemical reaction in which platinum acts as a catalyst. Just like platinum enables the reaction without becoming part of the product, the poet’s mind helps in transforming emotions and feelings into poetry but does not leave personal traces in the poem.