"... schemes, workshops and masterclasses ..." Shaw, Beerbohm, Agate - fine theater critics all - never went to any workshops. It is workshops - and journalism schools - that account for the mediocrity of so much that makes it into print these days.
The question about how to best train critics seems to have an obvious answer: Critics ought to read and learn from the very best in the past. This does not mean that contemporary critics ought to merely imitate, but it does mean that the very best writing of the past contains important lessons and standards. The best novelists and short story writers already know that the best way to learn about how to write well is to read a tremendous amount of good writing. Fledgling critics can follow their example.
I wouldn't "teach" them anything, but I would insist that read the best criticism available, and learn how to do it from that. So I'd make them read a list of great critical writers.
You got me going on this one, and I ended up going to my bookshelves, and compiling a list of recommended reading, which I'm going to write up and post on my own blog. Thanks!
The question about how to best train critics seems to have an obvious answer: Critics ought to read and learn from the very best in the past. This does not mean that contemporary critics ought to merely imitate, but it does mean that the very best writing of the past contains important lessons and standards. The best novelists and short story writers already know that the best way to learn about how to write well is to read a tremendous amount of good writing. Fledgling critics can follow their example.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Frank:
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't "teach" them anything, but I would insist that read the best criticism available, and learn how to do it from that. So I'd make them read a list of great critical writers.
You got me going on this one, and I ended up going to my bookshelves, and compiling a list of recommended reading, which I'm going to write up and post on my own blog. Thanks!