Eliot writes: The only way of expressing

Objective correlative, literary theory first set forth by T.S.

In "Hamlet and His Problems",The only way of expressing emotion in the form of art is by finding an "objective correlative"; in other words, a set of objects, a situation, a chain of events which shall be the formula of that particular emotion; such that when the external facts, which must terminate in sensory experience, are given, the emotion is immediately evoked.It seems to be in deference to this principle that Eliot famously described the play One possible criticism of Eliot's theory includes his assumption that an author's intentions concerning expression will be understood in one way only. Objective correlative T.S.

By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica.Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.

Search Britannica

objective correlative synonyms, objective correlative pronunciation, objective correlative translation, English dictionary definition of objective correlative.

n. A situation or a sequence of events or objects that evokes a particular emotion in a reader or audience. The American Painter Washington Allston first used the term "objective correlative" about 1840, but T. S. Eliot made it famous and revived it in an influential essay on Hamlet in the year 1919. It empowers writers to move away from abstraction (i.e.

The objective correlative is a fantastic technique that you can use to create emotion in your writing. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.The only way of expressing emotion in the form of art is by finding an “objective correlative”; in other words, a set of objects, a situation, a chain of events which shall be the formula of that The term was originally used in the 19th century by the painter

Eliot used this phrase to describe “a set of objects, a situation, a chain of events which shall be the formula of that particular emotion” that the poet feels and hopes to evoke in the reader (“Hamlet,” 1919).

The phrase 'Objective Correlative' and the concept lying there in have gained great currency since then.

Objective Correlative was the term first used in a mid-nineteenth-century art lecture given by the American poet and painter Washington Allston, but later it was redefined by T.S.

Eliot and became widespread among the critical circles specially the New Critics.

Features 

Categories  History at your fingertips

This article was most recently revised and updated by

Theory. using direct words like angry, sad, or afraid, which are abstract to the reader) and color a character’s … Login Objective Correlative Defined. …forth Eliot’s theory of the objective correlative:… Objective correlative definition is - something (such as a situation or chain of events) that symbolizes or objectifies a particular emotion and that may be used in creative writing to evoke a desired emotional response in the reader. The theory of the objective correlative as it relates to literature was largely developed through the writings of the poet and literary critic The term was first coined by the American painter and poet Washington Allston (1779-1843), was introduced by T.S.Eliot, rather casually, into his essay "Hamlet and His Problems" (1919); its subsequent vogue in literary criticism, Eliot said, astonished him.

Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Define objective correlative.

This point is stated by

Eliot in the essay “Hamlet and His Problems” and published in The Sacred Wood (1920).

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Check out Britannica's new site for parents!

Most of us can identify when the people around us are happy or sad.

The theory of the objective correlative as it relates to literature was largely developed through the writings of the poet and literary critic T.S. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription.

The American Painter Washington Allston first used the term "objective correlative" about 1840, but T. S. Eliot made it famous and revived it in an influential essay on Hamlet in the year 1919.