It is amazing how some critics are unable to differentiate between an idea and its expression, which leads them to a regrettable literal interpretation. And they see it in supposed art connoisseurs… Thus, they associate the author with the appearance that the work reveals. In truth, the method often works, but it fails miserably when the artistic motive is manifested in the conclusions of what has been represented. For the critic, it should not be difficult to see the moralist in Nelson Rodrigues, the Christian in Dostoevsky, the sobriety in the explorer of madness, the quality that, aware of itself, represents its opposition. All of this is too simple, but there seem to be literary professionals who have not had the opportunity to learn it.
Category: Notes
The Biggest Problem With Teaching…
The biggest problem with teaching is that its results are dependent on the student, who only really learns what he wants to learn. It is curious because, if the student is genuinely interested, he does not need a teacher. And then we can imagine how much less difficult the path of learning would be for him, how useful it would be to provide him with shortcuts beforehand, point out the solution to expected obstacles and offer him an itinerary that only prolonged study is capable of outlining. All this is true, but it is true as long as we consider the ideal student. Serious study is never imposed on the average student. And the ideal student, who only comes across the teacher by chance, will perhaps also by chance be compelled to take the difficult path that only he will follow.
A new Divine Comedy will not be made…
A new Divine Comedy will not be made, nor would it make sense to make one, even though it can rightly be considered the supreme model of artistic achievement in literature. In this sense, it must be admitted: the change of the times demands an art that represents it. However, having all the culture of an era condensed there, harmonizing with the manifestation of a very individual conscience which, although it moves in it and expresses itself through it, manages to paint it and judge it at the same time, is a lesson that the modern artist does very well to assimilate. The present time is, and always will be, a unique opportunity. The new is necessary, but it will not be valuable if it is not based on an old and immortal understanding.
A New Orientation Arises When the Writer…
A new orientation arises when the writer realizes and assumes the intellectual heritage of which he is a beneficiary, and which must be manifested through his work. Although not realizing it is difficult, taking it on requires deliberation. Only in this way, by integrating himself into a tradition that precedes him, does he obtain the peace of mind and certainty of working on something that will surpass him. For the modern writer, nothing can do as much good as reversing the egotistical and vain tendency, filling himself with humility and consciously dedicating his life to continuing something that has already begun.