As regards literary culture, it fascinates me that it has been so resilient to the Union. For example, when T.S. Eliot wanted to become a poet in these lands, it wasn't as an English poet, it was an Anglian poet he wanted to be.
This quote highlights the enduring strength of cultural and literary identities that transcend political unions. It emphasizes that artistic and literary aspirations often maintain their unique regional identities, even within larger political entities like the Union. T.S. Eliot's desire to be recognized as an Anglian poet rather than simply an English one reflects a deep sense of regional pride and cultural independence. This resilience underscores how cultural identity can outlast political changes, serving as a vital foundation for individual and collective sense of self amidst broader unifications.