The function of criticism at the present time summary and analysis
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The first thing to start with is the title. In order to understand Arnold’s essay we should first understand the title of the essay. As we notice that Matthew Arnold associates criticism with one function not many functions, but which function? He also mentions that this function of criticism is limited within a specific and particular time which is the present time and the past or the future time. Therefore, answering the questions of function and time of criticism goes with analyzing Matthew Arnold‘s essay through my reading of his essay. It becomes clear that Arnold defends the importance of criticism. That’s to say he tries to display that the critical mind is of a paramount importance as well as the creative mind.
The creative mind was considered as the peak of creativity and inspiration whereas the critical mind was considered of less importance. William Wordsworth, the most famous opponent of the critical mind considers criticism as a waste of time. He was one of those who criticized Arnold Matthew because he gives much importance to the critical effort over the creative effort. Wordsworth states that critics would be employed in original composition his reasoning behind this statement is injury to the mind of others. That criticism can cause in contrast to the harmlessness of prose or verse. As a reaction against Wordsworth, Matthew Arnold questions whether criticism in injurious to minds. For Arnold Matthew, Wordsworth judgment on criticism has a sense of exaggeration and this is due to the severe criticism which was received by Wordsworth from critics.
More importantly, Arnold tries to refute the idea that the critical power is of lower importance than the creative power. Both creative power and critical power are complementary and of equal importance, because man finds his true happiness within the creative process, however this creative process can not be limited to great works of literature.
The creative mind was considered as the peak of creativity and inspiration whereas the critical mind was considered of less importance. William Wordsworth, the most famous opponent of the critical mind considers criticism as a waste of time. He was one of those who criticized Arnold Matthew because he gives much importance to the critical effort over the creative effort. Wordsworth states that critics would be employed in original composition his reasoning behind this statement is injury to the mind of others. That criticism can cause in contrast to the harmlessness of prose or verse. As a reaction against Wordsworth, Matthew Arnold questions whether criticism in injurious to minds. For Arnold Matthew, Wordsworth judgment on criticism has a sense of exaggeration and this is due to the severe criticism which was received by Wordsworth from critics.
More importantly, Arnold tries to refute the idea that the critical power is of lower importance than the creative power. Both creative power and critical power are complementary and of equal importance, because man finds his true happiness within the creative process, however this creative process can not be limited to great works of literature.
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