20 Key Points from Oscar Wilde's "The Critic as an Artist"

The Critic as an Artist is an essay written by Oscar Wilde that was published in The Fortnightly Review in 1891. In the essay, Wilde argues that the role of the critic is not simply to pass judgment on art, but rather to create new works of art through the act of criticism itself. He asserts that the critic should be seen as an artist in their own right, using their own creative abilities to interpret and analyze the works they critique.

1. The role of the critic is not simply to pass judgment on art, but to create new works of art through the act of criticism itself.
2. The critic should be seen as an artist in their own right, using their own creative abilities to interpret and analyze the works they critique.
3. The critic's primary task is to interpret and analyze art, not to simply praise or condemn it.
4. The critic should be objective and unbiased in their analysis of art, rather than influenced by personal preferences or biases.
5. The critic should approach their work with an open mind, willing to be challenged and changed by the works they encounter.
6. The critic should be able to see and understand the beauty in all forms of art, regardless of whether they personally enjoy it or not.
7. The critic should be able to identify and explain the artistic elements and techniques used in a work, and how they contribute to the overall meaning or impact of the piece.
8. The critic should be able to place a work in its cultural and historical context, and consider how it fits within the larger artistic tradition.
9. The critic should be able to recognize the influence and interrelationships between different artistic works and movements.
10. The critic should be able to identify and analyze the underlying themes and ideas present in a work, and how they are expressed through the use of artistic techniques.
11. The critic should be able to recognize the subjective and emotional elements of art, and how they contribute to the overall experience of the work.
12. The critic should be able to analyze the effectiveness of a work in achieving its intended goals and effects.
13. The critic should be able to recognize and appreciate the technical skill and craftsmanship involved in the creation of a work.
14. The critic should be able to recognize and appreciate the innovation and originality present in a work.
15. The critic should be able to identify and analyze the social, political, and cultural implications of a work.
16. The critic should be able to recognize and appreciate the unique and personal aspects of a work, and how they reflect the individual experiences and perspectives of the artist.
17. The critic should be able to recognize and appreciate the universal aspects of a work, and how they relate to the shared human experience.
18. The critic should be able to recognize and appreciate the beauty and aesthetic value of a work, regardless of whether it conforms to traditional standards of beauty or not.
19. The critic should be able to recognize and appreciate the impact and influence of a work on society and culture.
20. The critic should be able to recognize and appreciate the timeless and enduring qualities of a work, and how they contribute to its lasting significance.
    

    Source:
    Wilde, Oscar. "The Critic as an Artist." In The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism, edited by Vincent B. Leitch et al., 2nd ed., 1370-1380. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2010.

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