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GATE 2026 XH2 (English) – Question 57

Critical Theories and Intellectual Traditions · Theoretical Paradigms: Structuralism, Marxism, feminism, existentialism, poststructuralism, modernism, postmodernism, new historicism, postcolonialism, posthumanism · 2 marks · Multiple select

“Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to escape from these things”

Which of the following interpretation/s is/are supported by this passage?

  1. Poetry emerges from a controlled transformation of emotion, not a direct expression of feelings.
  2. A strong personal identity is a barrier to producing impersonal and objective art.
  3. Artistic creation necessitates emotional detachment to a great degree.
  4. Only poets with personal turmoil can create powerful poems.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Poetry emerges from a controlled transformation of emotion, not a direct expression of feelings.; (C) Artistic creation necessitates emotional detachment to a great degree.

Explanation

In this passage from T. S. Eliot's "Tradition and the Individual Talent" poetry is an escape from emotion and personality, not their outpouring, which supports A and C. Eliot adds that only those who have personality and emotions know what it is to escape them, so a strong identity is not a barrier (B), and nothing says that only poets in turmoil write well (D).