M.H. Abram's The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition-
A. describes 18th century English Literature as "mirror"
B. describes 19th century English Literature as 'Lamp"
C. describes 19th century English Literature as "mirror'.
D. the metaphor of 'mirror' is used to describe literature as a cool intellectual reflection of outward realities.
E. the metaphor of 'mirror' is used to describe literature as an illumination shed by artists upon their inner and outer worlds.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

M.H. Abrams in The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition presents the metaphors of the "mirror" and the "lamp" as central paradigms for understanding shifts in literary theory from the 18th to the 19th centuries. In this context:
· The mirror metaphor refers to the view in 18th-century English literature where art reflects the external, objective world, focusing on imitating or mirroring nature.
· The lamp metaphor, associated with the Romantic period of the 19th century, reflects an expressive theory where literature emanates from the internal creative forces within the poet, metaphorically casting light on both inner emotions and subjective realities.
Thus, option (c) is correct because it accurately represents the association of "mirror" with 18th-century literature (A) and "lamp" with 19th-century literature (B), and the intellectual reflection metaphor for the mirror (D).
Information Booster:
1. Mirror and Lamp Metaphors: These signify contrasting views of literature—objective reflection versus subjective expression.
2. Abrams’ Contribution: His work is foundational in Romantic criticism, exploring how different periods perceive the role of the poet.
3. Theories of Art: Mirror aligns with Mimetic theory (realistic depiction), while Lamp represents Expressive theory (art from the artist's inner self).
4. Romantic Poetics: Emphasizes originality, self-expression, and a departure from purely mimetic art forms.
Additional Information:
· Option A (18th-century "Mirror"): Accurately captures the 18th-century's Enlightenment focus on rationality and realism, where art was seen to reflect the external world.
· Option B (19th-century "Lamp"): Relates to the Romantic emphasis on individualism and the artist's inner world.
· Option D ("Mirror" as Reflection): Correctly identifies the mirror metaphor as a cool intellectual representation of the world, supporting neoclassical ideals.
· Option E ("Mirror" as Illumination): Incorrect, as the mirror metaphor is not about illumination or creativity but rather imitation.