Art Quote by Robertson Davies
“Literary critics, however, frequently suffer from a curious belief that every author longs to extend the boundaries of literary art, wants to explore new dimensions of the human spirit, and if he doesn't, he should be ashamed of himself.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Criticism, 1971
Critics often assume authors must constantly push artistic limits, judging those who don't as lacking ambition.
In simple terms: Critics expect authors to always innovate, shaming those who don't.
Key Takeaway
Recognize diverse artistic goals.
Themes
criticism
artistic ambition
authorial intent
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- book reviews
- academic conferences
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
literary theory
creative freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value innovation over tradition?
- How do expectations shape artistic evaluation?
A Different Perspective
Not all authors aim to redefine art; some value tradition.
