Skip to content

An important job of the critic is to savage what is…

“An important job of the critic is to savage what is mediocre or meretricious.” quote by Susan Sontag
Download Open image
“An important job of the critic is to savage what is mediocre or meretricious.”

Susan Sontag

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The critic's role is to expose and challenge works that are shallow or pretentious, preventing them from being accepted as valuable.

In simple terms: Critics should call out mediocrity and false brilliance.

Key Takeaway

Expose and reject superficial art.

Themes

critique authenticity art standards

Mood

analytical critical thoughtful

Type

evaluative philosophical

When to use this quote

  • art reviews
  • film criticism
  • literary analysis
  • media commentary

Key Concepts

Aesthetic judgment cultural criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines mediocrity in art?
  • How can criticism balance honesty and fairness?
A Different Perspective

Critics may be biased, and their judgments can be subjective.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Susan Sontag

Explore all 644 Susan Sontag quotes

More Critic quotes

Browse all 758 Critic quotes