In “The Function of Criticism” T.S. Eliot attacked J. Middleton Murry and similar critics for being devotees of what he called:​

Correct option is A

Explanation:

In his essay “The Function of Criticism”, T.S. Eliot critiques the approach of J. Middleton Murry and other critics who emphasized subjective intuition, or what Eliot called "the Inner Voice." Eliot argues that such an approach overly prioritizes personal feelings and inspiration in art, neglecting the importance of objective evaluation and tradition. For Eliot, criticism should be impersonal, grounded in a structured and systematic understanding of literature, rather than being influenced by the critic’s subjective emotions or introspective insights.

Eliot believed that critics like Murry were overly romantic in their approach, focusing on individual inspiration rather than the broader cultural and historical context in which works of art are created.

Information Booster:

1. Eliot defines criticism as an objective and rigorous intellectual activity rather than an indulgence in personal feelings.
2. He advocates for a “tradition” in literature, where past works influence the creation and evaluation of new works.
3. The essay “The Function of Criticism” (1923) is part of Eliot's broader critique of Romanticism.
4. Eliot's critical theory emphasizes the concept of the "impersonal" in both creation and evaluation of literature.

Additional Knowledge:

• "the Romantic Impulse": Romanticism influenced Murry’s ideas, but this term was not used by Eliot here.
• "the Symbol Hunt": Eliot did not use this term in his criticism, although symbolism was significant in his poetics.
• "the Muse's Mystery": This phrase does not align with Eliot's critique but reflects the Romantic idea of artistic inspiration.