Patterns of Creativity by S. Chandrasekhar

 

Patterns of Creativity by S. Chandrasekhar

Understanding The Text

1.       How does Shelley’s attitude to science differ from that of Wordsworth and Keats?

Ans: Shelley's attitude to science differs from Wordsworth and Keats in that he embraces and celebrates science, rather than seeing it as detrimental to poetry or beauty. The text states that "Shelley's attitude to science emphasises the surprising modern climate of thoughts in which he chose to live" and that he "loved it, and is never tired of expressing in poetry the thoughts which it suggests." In contrast, Wordsworth and Keats are quoted as viewing science more negatively, seeing it as something that "murders to dissect" or removes the mystery and wonder from nature.

2.       ‘It is not an accident that the most discriminating literary criticism of Shelley’s thought and work is by a distinguished scientist, Desmond King-Hele.’ How does this statement bring out the meeting point of poetry and science?

Ans: This statement brings out the meeting point of poetry and science by suggesting that Shelley's work is so scientifically informed and precise that it takes a scientist to fully appreciate and analyze it. It implies that Shelley successfully integrated scientific knowledge into his poetry in a way that resonates with scientists, bridging the gap between the two disciplines.

3.       What do you infer from Darwin’s comment on his indifference to literature as he advanced in years?

Ans: Darwin's comment suggests that as he devoted himself more fully to scientific pursuits, he lost his ability to appreciate literature and art. This implies that intense focus on scientific thinking may sometimes come at the cost of appreciating other forms of creativity and beauty. It raises questions about whether scientific and artistic mindsets are truly compatible or if cultivating one might diminish the other.

4.       How do the patterns of creativity displayed by scientists differ from those displayed by poets?

Ans: The text doesn't explicitly outline how patterns of creativity differ between scientists and poets. However, it does suggest some differences:

• Scientists seem more focused on discovering "general laws" from collections of facts (as Darwin describes)
• Poets are described as more focused on capturing "the best and happiest moments" and "the vanishing apparitions which haunt the interlunations of life"
• Scientists are portrayed as more methodical, while poets are described in more mystical terms as "hierophants of an unapprehended inspiration"

5.       What is the central argument of the speaker?

Ans: The central argument seems to be that there are differences in the patterns of creativity between artists (particularly poets) and scientists, but that these two realms are not necessarily opposed and can in fact complement each other. The speaker appears to be advocating for a more integrated view of science and poetry, using Shelley as an example of how the two can be successfully combined.

Talking About The Text

1.       ‘Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world’

Ans: This quote from Shelley suggests that poets have a profound, if unrecognized, influence on shaping society's thoughts and values.

2. Poetry and science are incompatible.

Ans: The text actually argues against this idea, presenting examples of how poetry and science can be compatible and mutually enriching, particularly in the case of Shelley.

3. On reading Shelley’s A Defence of Poetry, the question insistently occurs why there is no similar A Defence of Science written by a scientist of equal endowment.’

Ans: This question highlights the apparent imbalance in how science and poetry are defended or celebrated, suggesting that scientists may not feel the same need to justify their field's importance or may lack the eloquence to do so in the way Shelley did for poetry.

Appreciation

1.       How does the ‘assortment of remarks’ compiled by the author give us an understanding of the ways of science and poetry?

Ans: The "assortment of remarks" provides a range of perspectives on science and poetry from both scientists and poets. This compilation allows readers to compare and contrast different viewpoints, ultimately suggesting that science and poetry are not as incompatible as some might think.

2.       Considering that this is an excerpt from a lecture, how does the commentary provided by the speaker string the arguments together?

Ans: The speaker uses quotes and examples to support his arguments, providing commentary to connect these different pieces of evidence. He also poses questions throughout, guiding the listener's thought process and tying the various parts of the lecture together.

3.       ‘The Cloud ‘fuses together a creative myth, a scientific monograph, and a gay picaresque tale of cloud adventure’— explain.

Ans: This description of Shelley's poem "The Cloud" suggests that it combines:

• A "creative myth": imaginative storytelling about the cloud's origin and nature
• A "scientific monograph": accurate description of cloud formation and behaviour
• A "gay picaresque tale": a light-hearted, adventurous narrative of the cloud's experiences

This fusion demonstrates how Shelley successfully integrated scientific knowledge into his poetry in an engaging and multifaceted way.