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Art Quote by T S Eliot

“A literary critic should have no emotions except those immediately provoked by a work of art.” quote by T S Eliot
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““A literary critic should have no emotions except those immediately provoked by a work of art.””

T S Eliot

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Use of Poetry and the Use of Criticism” by T. S. Eliot, 1933

A critic must keep personal feelings aside, reacting only to the artwork itself.

In simple terms: Critics should feel only what the art provokes.

Key Takeaway

Judge art, not self.

Themes

criticism objectivity art appreciation

Mood

analytical detached

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • literary analysis
  • art reviews
  • academic writing

Key Concepts

aesthetic theory emotional restraint

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can a critic recognize hidden biases?
  • Is total objectivity possible?
A Different Perspective

Personal bias can still influence interpretation.

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