Criticism 2

Name

Course

Professor

Date

Discussions on Literary Criticism

The Perspectives of Matthew Arnold : Romantic or Classical

Matthew Arnold 's The Function of Criticism at the Present Time ' is a criticism in itself of what great literary artists could have done and what literature could have become . In depth , Arnold 's work discusses his critical and personal perspectives on the role of criticism in consequentially transforming not only literature but also the landscape of society positively and constructively as well . Furthermore , Arnold sought to strengthen his arguments on the

matter and present a rebuttal of the various criticisms put forth against his ideas and points of view , and prove that criticisms are of great importance in fuelling creativity and fostering the advancement of literature

However , Arnold implicitly distinguished differences between the positive and constructive types of criticism as compared to the off-putting and unconstructive nature of some criticism . Arnold argued that a critic may with advantage seize an occasion for trying his own conscience , and for asking himself of what real service , at any given moment , the practice of criticism either is or may be made to his own mind and spirit , and to the minds and spirits of others (pp . 414 Arnold 's arguments on the ideal nature of critics formulated his perspectives on how and when criticisms may be considered valuable Under the pretexts of Arnold 's arguments , we realize that unless criticisms are aimed towards the greater good - that is , to present censures and critiques for the purpose...