What This Document Is
This document is an essay by T.S. Eliot, originally published in 1920 as part of his collection *The Sacred Wood: Essays on Poetry and Criticism*. It’s a critical analysis of William Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*, notable for its controversial claim that the play is an “artistic failure.” The essay isn’t a summary or interpretation of the play’s plot, but rather a focused argument about its dramatic effectiveness—or lack thereof—and a launching point for a key concept in literary theory.
Why This Document Matters
This essay is essential reading for students of literature, particularly those in courses focused on Shakespeare, dramatic theory, or literary criticism. It’s a foundational text for understanding the development of 20th-century critical thought and continues to be debated by scholars today. Understanding Eliot’s argument provides context for many subsequent approaches to analyzing literature. It’s often used to introduce students to the idea of close reading and the importance of considering a work’s internal coherence.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This essay is challenging because Eliot’s argument is deliberately provocative and requires careful consideration of his theoretical framework. It doesn’t offer a straightforward interpretation of *Hamlet*; instead, it uses the play as a case study to illustrate a specific critical concept. Readers unfamiliar with literary theory may find the essay dense or abstract. It’s important to remember that Eliot’s critique isn’t necessarily a dismissal of Shakespeare’s genius, but a specific argument about this particular play.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes:
* Eliot’s detailed critique of *Hamlet*, outlining his reasons for considering it a flawed work.
* An explanation and formulation of the “objective correlative,” a central concept in Eliot’s literary theory.
* Discussion of the dangers of subjective criticism and the importance of studying the work of art itself.
* Commentary on the tendency of critics to project their own creative impulses onto the works they analyze (specifically referencing Goethe and Coleridge).
This preview provides a high-level overview of the essay’s purpose and significance. It does *not* include a full explanation of the “objective correlative” or a detailed analysis of Eliot’s arguments regarding *Hamlet*. It also does not include the full text of the essay itself.