Рет қаралды 3,883
This video is about:
The Function of Criticism at the Present Time; Essay by Mathew Arnold in Urdu/Hindi Summary & Themes
#thefunctionofcriticismatthepresenttimebymathewarnold #mathewarnold #literarycriticism
Here's the link to "The Life of John Milton Essay by Samuel Johnson"
• The Life of John Milto...
Here's the link to "I Watched Thee by Lord Byron"
• I Watched Thee by Lord...
The Function of Criticism at the Present Time" by Matthew Arnold is an essay that explores the role of literary criticism in society. Arnold emphasizes the importance of criticism as a means to evaluate and guide literature for the moral and cultural benefit of society. Here's a detailed summary:
1. Definition of Criticism:
Arnold begins by defining criticism as a disinterested endeavor to learn and propagate the best that is known and thought in the world.
2. Critic's Duty:
He argues that the critic's primary duty is to see the object as in itself it really is, not as it stands related to this or that.
3. Touchstones of Criticism:
Arnold proposes that criticism should be based on a few fundamental ideas or touchstones, such as "the best that has been thought and said," and a disinterested endeavor to learn and propagate these.
4. Relationship between Creativity and Criticism:
Arnold addresses the tension between creativity and criticism, highlighting that criticism is not a mere handmaiden to creation but an independent and equally important endeavor.
5. Literary Examples:
Arnold often refers to specific literary works to illustrate his points. For instance, he discusses Shakespeare's universality and Sophocles' enduring moral value as examples of what literature should aspire to achieve.
6. Criticism and Culture:
He sees criticism as a means to refine the public's taste and elevate the cultural and intellectual level of society. Arnold believes that the critic serves as a guide, helping people distinguish between the excellent and the inferior.
7. The Touchstone of Morality:
Arnold introduces the touchstone of morality in criticism, asserting that literature should contribute to the moral and spiritual development of individuals and society. He uses examples like Milton's "Paradise Lost" to emphasize this moral function.
8. Criticism and Democracy:
Arnold discusses the potential conflict between popular opinion and the critic's judgment. He argues for the critic's independence from public opinion and the need for a balance between individual taste and collective judgment.
9. Conclusion:
Arnold concludes by advocating for a cultural elite that includes critics to guide society toward intellectual and moral excellence.
In summary, Arnold's essay underscores the pivotal role of criticism in shaping cultural values, refining taste, and contributing to the moral and intellectual development of society, all while maintaining a delicate balance with creativity and avoiding subservience to popular opinion.
Function of Criticism:
The central theme revolves around the purpose and function of literary criticism in society. Arnold argues that criticism should serve a higher purpose beyond personal opinions, aiming to identify and propagate the best ideas and works for the benefit of the broader culture.
2. Disinterestedness:
Arnold stresses the importance of a disinterested approach in criticism. Critics should maintain objectivity and avoid being swayed by personal biases or popular sentiments. This theme underscores the need for a critical perspective that transcends individual preferences.
3. Culture and Morality:
Another significant theme is the role of literature and criticism in shaping cultural values and morality. Arnold believes that literature should contribute to the moral development of individuals and society, and critics play a crucial role in guiding the public toward morally enriching works.
4. Relationship between Creativity and Criticism:
The essay explores the dynamic relationship between creativity and criticism. Arnold argues that criticism is not subservient to creation but has its own distinct function. He advocates for a harmonious balance between the two, acknowledging the independence and importance of each.
5. The Best that has been Thought and Said:
Arnold introduces the concept of identifying and promoting "the best that has been thought and said." This theme underscores the critic's responsibility to recognize and highlight the most valuable and significant ideas in literature and culture.
6. Democracy and Criticism:
The tension between individual taste and popular opinion is another theme. Arnold discusses the challenges critics face in maintaining independence from the influence of public sentiment, advocating for a nuanced approach that considers both individual judgment and collective wisdom.