The Faber Society, a distinguished literary group, has left behind a wealth of insightful quotes that have captivated and inspired readers for years. These quotes, often tethered to the works of faber society members like T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and W.H. Auden, offer profound pearls of wisdom that transcend time. Whether you're intrigued by the poetic craft or the societal commentary woven into their works, the Faber Society quotes provide profound musings that have stood the test of time.
Diving into the depths of these quotes, one cannot help but notice the societal and political undercurrents that flavor much of the Faber Society's collective literary output. From the Great Depression to the burgeoning political climate of the early 20th century, their works serve as windows into the historical context of that era while also holding relevance today.
The Faber Society and the Grand Tradition
The Faber Society, established in 1925, was born out of a desire to preserve and promote a 'grand tradition' in English poetry. This quote from Ezra Pound, "Make it new", encapsulates their approach to literary rebellion against the drab, decade-long literary stagnation of the late 19th century. Yet, paradoxically, they also sought to invigorate poetry by returning to the classics – a dichotomy that sparked their distinctive modernist style.
T.S. Eliot, a key member of the Faber Society, famously encapsulated this dual approach in his 1919 poem 'Tradition and the Individual Talent', stating, "The mind of Europe (...) is a mind that changes, and it continues to change." This quote underscores the society's belief in balancing innovation with tradition, a philosophy that continues to echo in contemporary literature.
Ezra Pound: The Poet as Artisan and Wage Earner
Pound, a central figure of the Faber Society, crafted insightful quotes that addressed the poet's relationship with societal structures and the value of their work. In his essay 'A Retrospect', Pound famously quipped, "Literature is news that stays news." This quote underscores the enduring legacy of literature and its ability to reflect and preserve societal mores.
Pound also addressed the commercial aspect of poetry, asserting, "The poet as artisan and wage earner has always existed in Europe." Here, Pound draws attention to the economic realities of the writing life, a theme that resonates strongly today within the discourse surrounding writers' remuneration and the commercialisation of literature.
W.H. Auden: A Poet's Responsibility
Auden, another pillar of the Faber Society, spoke extensively about the poet's role within society. In an interview with the Paris Review, Auden stated, "The poet's responsibility is to tell the truth as he sees it." This quote underscores the societal obligation that Auden ascribed to poets, reflecting a desire for literature to stimulate societal and political awareness and dialogue.
Furthermore, Auden's quote "All I can say about poetry is that I don't dispute it, I don't understand it, and I keep doing it" encapsulates the enigmatic, often maverick, spirit of the Faber Society and its members. This sentiment continues to inspire writers today, reminding them of the ineffable power and importance of their craft.
The Faber Society and the Modernist Movement
The Faber Society's role in the modernist literary movement cannot be understated. Their works championed a new aesthetic, characterized by its experimental form and a departure from traditional poetic structures. This rebellious spirit is encapsulated in this T.S. Eliot quote from "Tradition and the Individual Talent": "The past should be altered by the present as much as the present is altered by the past."
This quote beautifully encapsulates the modernist mindset, illustrating their approach to literature and their belief in the necessity of literary evolution. It also underscores the Faber Society's commitment to fostering a literary dialogue between the past and the present.
Theoretically Modernist Approach
The Faber Society's Modernist leanings are further evident in their theoretical approach to literature. Their endorsement and promotion of works that analysed and challenged societal norms, in addition to their own literary output, reflect the society's summation of modernism as "the preserver and transmitter of a cultural and ethical continuity, (...) what seems to be an 'escape' from the present (...) is, in actual fact, one of the ways of returning to it."
In exploring the complexities of modernism, the Faber Society's quotes, and literary output, provide a fascinating insight into the literary methodology and philosophy of a pivotal era in literature. This exposure helps readers comprehend the broader context in which literature operates and appreciate the provocative, experiential styles of modernist writers.
As we reflect on these quotes, one can't help but contemplate the enduring relevance of the Faber Society's philosophy and their continued influence on contemporary literature. Their commitment to balancing tradition with innovation, to nurturing a literary dialogue between the past and the present, continues to inspire and guide writers today. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a literary enthusiast, the Faber Society quotes serve as a constant source of inspiration, prompting us to question, to experiment, and ultimately, to continue 'making it new'."