Analogy of chemical reaction by T.S.Eliot

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Process of Depersonalization

Its relation to the sense of tradition by comparing it to a chemical process.

The action which takes place, when a bit of finely filiated platinum is introduced into a chamber containing oxygen and sulpher dioxide.

T.S.Eliot Says,

When two gases previously mentioned

OxygenSulphur dioxide

Sulphurous acid

Platinum is present

This combination takes place only if the platinumis present, nevertheless the newly formed acid contains no trace of platinum, and the platinum itself is apparently unaffected.

The mind of the poet is the shred of platinum

It may partly or exclusively operate upon the experience of the man himself

But, the more perfect the artist, the more completely separate in him will be the man suffers and the mind which creates

The more perfectly will the mind digest and trasmute the passions which are its material.

Two kinds of elements

The elements of the experience of the poet are of two kinds-

Emotions

Feelings

They are the elements which entering the presence of the poet’s mind and acting as a catalyst, go to the making of art.