The function of criticism at the present time by Mathew Arnold - studyfy

Mathew Arnold: (1822-1888)

 English poet and Cultural critic.

 Belong to Late Victorian period.

 He wrote Collection of Essays, "Essays in Criticism" (1865) One of his essay from this book is "The Function of criticism at the present time"

1) Definition of Criticism according to Mathew Arnold “A disinterested endeavor to learn and propagate the best that is known and thought of in the world and this to establish a Current of fresh and true ideas”

 Disinterested means Impartial.

 Critic needs to be free from two prejudices.

1. Historical prejudice.

2. Personal prejudice.

 According to Arnold two things are Important for writing great Literary works. 

(1) Power of man. (2) Power of moment, which means climate of great ideas.

2) Three functions/duties of critic:

 Critic's first duty is to learn things as they are.

 The Second task of a critic is to hand or Convey best ideas to next generation. (The best ideas

prevail.)

 His third task or duty is to promote favorable atmosphere for Creative genius. (A Current of fresh ideas).

According to Mathew Arnold two things guarantees the greatness of a literary work. 

(1) Power of man,(2) power of moment.

1) Power of man means the writer Personal talent and he also suggests to writer to Study the literatures of other Countries to improve his personal ideas and understanding of things.

2) Power of moment means the Climate of great ideas. It means rich cultural back ground.

3) The Role of Criticism:

 To build creative power.

 To rise human to ideal Perfection. It means to promote good Cultural and Social manners and values in human beings and its Society.

4) Defense on Significance of Criticism:

Arnold Says that England Places great Importance in Creativity and gives Little Importance to Criticism In Contrast to that other European/nations give more Importance to Criticism and keep a check on creativity. He gives an example of Wordsworth who believes that criticism is a waste of time and it harm creativity. 

But Arnold in defense of Criticism says the following points to justify the role of Criticism.

 He believes Creative Capacity is more important than critical Faculty.

 But for creation we need to have best ideas and values prevail among the people which is possible only through honest Criticism.

 Arnold observes that great writings emerge from great ideas which reach the masses.

 The Critic identifies these ideas in a disinterested or impartial way.

 According to Arnold good Criticism propagates literature. It means in a society where best ideas are discussed and debated then authors synthesize those ideas into their work of art. I.e.

Ancient Greece or Renaissance.

Conclusion:

Mathew Arnold is the first Modern Critic and is called critic's critic.

He developed new theory of criticism. Through this essay" The Function of criticism at The Present time, he argues the following points.

 Criticism like Creativity Should be given its due place in literature.

 He offered an objective method in the field of Criticism through Comparison and analysis.

 He also discuss the tasks and duties of critic and criticism.

 Through his criticism he wants to serve the greater good of society. That is why he is called cultural critic.