OBJECTIVE CORRELATIVE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "objective correlative" refers to a literary concept that originated in T.S. Eliot's essay "Hamlet and His Problems" in 1919. It is a technique used to evoke and represent strong emotions or ideas indirectly through a set of objects, events, or situations that have a consistent and symbolic meaning attached to them.
The objective correlative acts as a bridge between the inner emotional experience of a character or speaker and the external world. Instead of directly stating or describing an emotion or idea, the author uses a series of objective, external, and concrete symbols or images to create an emotional response in the reader. This technique allows the reader to experience and understand the emotion or idea on a deeper level.
The objective correlative is particularly effective when the emotion or idea being conveyed is complex, abstract, or difficult to verbalize. By using a set of external signs or objects, the author provides an objective representation of a subjective experience. The reader can then interpret the symbols and form their own emotional connection with the text.
In practice, the objective correlative can take various forms, such as recurring objects, specific color motifs, distinct settings, or repeated actions. These elements create a cohesive and coherent symbolic framework that helps to convey the intended emotion or idea to the reader. Overall, the objective correlative is a powerful tool in literature that allows for a nuanced and evocative exploration of complex emotions and ideas.
Etymology of OBJECTIVE CORRELATIVE
The term "objective correlative" was first coined by T.S. Eliot in his essay "Hamlet and His Problems" in 1919. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Objective: The word "objective" comes from the Latin word "objectivus", which means "relating to a thing or object". In the context of "objective correlative", the term refers to something that exists outside of an individual's personal feelings or opinions.
2. Correlative: The word "correlative" derives from the Latin word "correlativus", combining "cor-" (together) and "relativus" (relative). It signifies a relationship between two or more things that depend on one another or are interconnected.
