Functions of Criticism

There are nine functions of criticism that a critic should follow when doing a critique. I have listed them  in bullet points and these are all based on the in class lectures. 

i.     “The critic is the helpful guide who shows you just where you can get the best view of the object . . .” (Stephen Pepper)

  ii.     “The critic should be a person of sound judgment. . . . The critic should have the power to divest himself of prejudice; and like a judge upon the bench, should decide every question by law and evidence.” (F.V.N. Painter)

  iii.     Critics are “ordinary people with access to tools that enable them to examine the ordinariness of their experience.” (M.S. Piccirillo)

   iv.     T.S. Eliot wrote that a critic should “leave me alone” with the art form – which is appropriate for the media given the usually solitary act of radio listening, television watching and online surfing.

  v.     The process of criticism “cannot avoid evaluations” (Monroe Beardsley)

   vi.     The critic builds bridges “between the society and the arts” (Richard Blackmur)

   vii.     The critic provides a stimulus for original works (Carl Grabo).  Creative criticism, thus, aids the dissemination of knowledge.

    viii.     Critics must propose change (Gilbert Seldes) within the capitalist system. “Good criticism . . . makes us think” (John Simon)

  ix.     The critic is also a watchdog and an entertainer.