Question

Which Romantic idea of poetic process does Eliot directly challenge?

• A. Poetry is created through objective correlatives.
• B. Poetry is a result of complex emotions of the poet.
• C. Poetry is emotion recollected in tranquility.
• D. Poetry is a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Poetry is emotion recollected in tranquility.

Eliot criticizes the Romantic belief, particularly Wordsworth’s idea, that poetry originates from emotions recollected in tranquility. He argues instead that the poetic process involves concentration and a kind of heat or pressure, rather than calm recollection.