Question:
Who amongst the following popularised the term ‘objective correlative’, which is often used in formalist criticism?
Who amongst the following popularised the term ‘objective correlative’, which is often used in formalist criticism?
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The 'objective correlative' was popularised by T. S. Eliot and refers to the use of objects or images to evoke emotions in the reader.
Updated On: Nov 21, 2025
- Virginia Woolf
- C. S. Lewis
- Matthew Arnold
- T. S. Eliot
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand the term ‘objective correlative’.
The term 'objective correlative' refers to a literary technique used to evoke an emotional response in the reader by associating specific objects or images with a particular emotion. This term was popularised by T. S. Eliot in his work, particularly in his essays. Eliot believed that the emotion of a poem could be best conveyed through specific, tangible images that are logically connected with the emotion itself.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) Virginia Woolf: Woolf was a key figure in modernist literature but did not popularise this term.
- (B) C. S. Lewis: Although Lewis was influential in literary criticism, he did not use the term 'objective correlative'.
- (C) Matthew Arnold: Arnold is known for his views on culture and criticism but did not popularise the term.
- (D) T. S. Eliot: Correct, as he popularised the term in his literary criticism.
Thus, the correct answer is (D).
The term 'objective correlative' refers to a literary technique used to evoke an emotional response in the reader by associating specific objects or images with a particular emotion. This term was popularised by T. S. Eliot in his work, particularly in his essays. Eliot believed that the emotion of a poem could be best conveyed through specific, tangible images that are logically connected with the emotion itself.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) Virginia Woolf: Woolf was a key figure in modernist literature but did not popularise this term.
- (B) C. S. Lewis: Although Lewis was influential in literary criticism, he did not use the term 'objective correlative'.
- (C) Matthew Arnold: Arnold is known for his views on culture and criticism but did not popularise the term.
- (D) T. S. Eliot: Correct, as he popularised the term in his literary criticism.
Thus, the correct answer is (D).
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