Abstract

This research paper explores T.S. Eliot's profound concept of "Impersonality" in poetry as a direct response to what he famously termed the "Dissociation of Sensibility" in 17th-century English poetry. Eliot's critical essay, "The Metaphysical Poets" (1921), introduced this division between thought and feeling that he believed characterized a historical shift in literary sensibility. This research attempts to explore the Dissociation of Sensibility, delving into Eliot's analysis of metaphysical poetry and the reasons behind the division between thought and feeling during the 17th century. To better understand the historical and cultural context of the 17th century, it is examined the emergence of scientific, philosophical, and intellectual developments that contributed to the separation of thought and feeling in literature. This contextualization highlights the impact of empiricism, rationalism, and the Enlightenment era on poetry. Eliot's response to the Dissociation of Sensibility takes center stage in the paper, and discuss how he championed the concept of impersonality as a means of reconciling the divide. By analyzing select poems such as "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" and "The Waste Land," it is illustrated how Eliot applied impersonality to his own work, seeking to bridge the gap between intellect and emotion. This research paper sheds light on the enduring relevance of Eliot's ideas, demonstrating how his concept of impersonality in poetry emerged as a compelling response to the Dissociation of Sensibility.

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