The Concept Of Tradition In T.S Eliot's Literary Theory

Tradition has deeply rooted in the minds of people through various means of transmission from generation to generation and has become an inseparable part of ideology. Taking"tradition"as the central part, the whole corpse of Eliot's writing is an effort and an inner quest for the meanings of tradition. With the publication of Tradition and the Individual Talent as the manifesto of his poetics, Eliot began to assume a pilgrim's role of a tough journey to search the meaning and significance of tradition. This thesis, first of all, provides a general survey of Eliot's literary criticism, and then the thesis reviews the recent development of Eliot's criticism. The main body of this thesis explores foundation of T.S Eliot's criticism, and his philosophical backgrounds. Taking The Waste Land and some of his other works as examples; the thesis analyzes the meaning of tradition in his poetical works. the thesis explains tradition and redefines the meaning of tradition, and discusses the significance of the relationship of tradition and individuality,and also tradition and modernity.