Meaning: This quote is from T.S. Eliot's essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," which was first published in 1919. In this essay, Eliot explores the relationship between tradition and the individual artist, arguing that the latter cannot escape the influence of the former. The quote specifically refers to the epic poet and the traditions that shape and constrain their work. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the context in which it was written and the broader themes of Eliot's essay.

In "Tradition and the Individual Talent," Eliot argues that artistic creation is not a purely individualistic endeavor, but rather a process that is deeply influenced by the traditions that precede it. He suggests that art is a continuum, with each new work being in dialogue with the works that came before it. According to Eliot, the individual artist must engage with and respond to the artistic traditions that have shaped them, rather than attempting to completely break free from them.

The quote specifically addresses the epic poet, a figure who, in Eliot's view, is particularly bound by tradition. The "tradition of matter" refers to the subject matter and themes that have historically been associated with epic poetry, such as heroism, mythology, and the grand sweep of history. The "tradition of style" pertains to the formal and stylistic conventions that have been established within the epic tradition, such as the use of elevated language, extended similes, and formal structures like the epic simile or the invocation of the muse.

Eliot argues that these traditions are "narrower" and "more strictly compelling" for the epic poet, suggesting that the expectations and constraints placed upon the epic form are particularly stringent. Unlike other poets who may have more freedom to experiment with form and content, the epic poet is bound by the weight of centuries of tradition, which can be both a source of inspiration and a burden.

By emphasizing the influence of tradition on the epic poet, Eliot underscores the idea that artistic creation is always situated within a broader cultural and historical context. The epic poet must grapple with the weight of tradition, engaging with and reinterpreting the themes and styles that have come before, even as they seek to make their own unique contribution to the tradition.

In the broader context of "Tradition and the Individual Talent," this quote serves to highlight the complex relationship between tradition and innovation in art. Eliot advocates for a view of tradition that is dynamic and evolving, rather than static and confining. He suggests that the individual artist must both respect and challenge tradition, drawing on the past to create something new and relevant to their own time.

Overall, this quote from T.S. Eliot's essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent" encapsulates the tension between tradition and innovation in artistic creation, particularly as it pertains to the epic poet. It emphasizes the ways in which tradition shapes and constrains artistic expression, while also acknowledging the creative potential that arises from engaging with and reinterpreting the traditions of the past.