In Anxiety of Influence, which of the following definitions is given by Harold Bloom to explain the term clinamen?​

Correct option is B

Explanation:
Harold Bloom introduces clinamen in his book The Anxiety of Influence as the "poetic misprision," or a deliberate misreading or reinterpretation by a poet of their predecessor’s work.
The term is borrowed from Lucretius, who used it to describe a "swerve" in the atoms' trajectory.
In Bloom’s theory, clinamen signifies a creative act where the new poet deviates or swerves from the influence of an earlier poet to establish their originality.

Information Booster:
The Anxiety of Influence:
Published in 1973, this book explores the relationship between poets and their predecessors.
Bloom argues that new poets struggle with the influence of their forerunners, leading to reinterpretation and originality.
Key Terms by Harold Bloom:
Clinamen: The initial "swerve" or creative misreading.
Tessera: Completion or antithetical completion of the predecessor's work.
Kenosis: The poet's effort to diminish the influence of the precursor.
Lucretius’ Influence:
The concept of clinamen originates from Lucretius’ De Rerum Natura, where it symbolizes an unpredictable deviation that allows free will.
Bloom uses it metaphorically for poetic creativity.

Additional Knowledge:
Poetic hyperbole: Refers to exaggerated statements in poetry.
Poetic sublime: Concerns the emotional and aesthetic grandeur in poetry.
Poetic supplement: Implies an addition to complete a poetic work.