How are poetry and history related? Agreat critic suggested that poetry is less abstract and more concrete than philosophy and less concrete and more abstract than history. How is this the advantage of poetry? (MEG 101 CHAUCER)

Poetry and history are two different genres of literature, yet they share a complex relationship. History records past events and facts, while poetry creates fictional worlds, characters, and events, but both are narratives that aim to convey a message or a meaning.

According to the great critic T.S. Eliot, poetry is less abstract and more concrete than philosophy and less concrete and more abstract than history. Poetry is concrete because it deals with concrete images, emotions, and experiences that can be felt and understood by the reader. In contrast, philosophy deals with abstract concepts and ideas that are difficult to grasp or apply to real life. Poetry is also abstract because it creates a meaning that goes beyond the immediate sense of the words, inviting the reader to interpret and reflect on the poem's themes and messages. In contrast, history deals with factual events and information that have already occurred and do not require interpretation or imagination.

The advantage of poetry, according to Eliot, is that it offers a unique perspective on the world, one that is both concrete and abstract, that allows the reader to experience emotions and ideas in a more profound and meaningful way. Poetry has the power to transform our perception of reality, to show us new ways of seeing, feeling, and understanding the world around us. Poetry can capture the essence of human experience, giving voice to our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears, our dreams and aspirations, in a way that history cannot.

In conclusion, while poetry and history may seem very different on the surface, they share a complex and profound relationship. Poetry can offer a unique perspective on history, allowing us to see past events and people in a new light, while history can provide the context and background necessary to understand the themes and messages of poetry. The advantage of poetry is that it can offer us a more profound and meaningful experience of the world, one that is both concrete and abstract, and that can help us to see the world and ourselves in a new way.