American literature Quote by Burton Rascoe
“American literature has been, and is, singularly deficient in established critics who have anything like a rational conception of their jobs. The majority, initiate in a few of the patent rituals of Aristotle and Quintilian, don the forbidding robes of high priests to Sweetness and Light, and go about their business much as if the idea were to keep all they know to themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Review of American Literary Criticism, 1955
American literary criticism often lacks rational, systematic approaches, relying on outdated rituals and exclusivity.
In simple terms: Criticism is too ritualistic and exclusive.
Key Takeaway
Promote clear, rational literary analysis.
Themes
literary criticism
rigor
exclusivity
tradition
methodology
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- university curricula
- publishing houses
- literary journals
- educational reform
Key Concepts
critical theory
academic standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How can criticism become more inclusive?
- What rational frameworks improve analysis?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched traditions can be slow and met with resistance.
