But where the ideas of morality and decency alter from one…
““But where the ideas of morality and decency alter from one age to another, and where vicious manners are described, without being marked with the proper character of blame and disapprobation, this must be allowed to disfigure the poem, and to be a real deformity. I cannot, nor is it proper I should, enter into such sentiments; and however I may excuse the poet, on account of the manners of age, I can never relish the composition.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Moral and social standards shift over time; judging past works by current morals can distort their value, leading to unfair criticism.
In simple terms: Changing morals can misjudge old art.
Key Takeaway
Recognize historical context when evaluating art.
Themes
historical relativism
art criticism
ethical evolution
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- literary curricula
- film reviews
- public debates
Key Concepts
aesthetic judgment
cultural norms
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How should we handle art that conflicts with modern ethics?
- Can we separate artistic merit from moral content?
A Different Perspective
The view may downplay the importance of moral progress in art.