The Art of Fiction is a collection of critical essays by Henry James that attempt to decode the nature of fiction and the relationship between the author and critic. James argues that an infinite pool of imagination is essential when crafting a fictional text. The fictional narrative has to have unlimited freedom to ensure its survival. He further argues that criticism is nonsensical but it's crucial in maintaining the value of art to the world.
Criticism is a part of human nature as humanity always feels the need to critique any work of art in an attempt to assert their own beliefs and opinions. James favors individual critical reviews rather than a broad theoretical review that sums up the taste of many. He argues that theorizing literature kills the essence of the work. A more personal and insightful review is more intriguing and serves the work greatly.
A critic is an essential aspect of the process of creating a literary work or any art for that matter. He/she acts as a helper, torchbearer, interpreter, and comrade. A well established and respected critic can shine a light on a work of art that initially went unnoticed. By expressing his take on the book, he acts as a link between the artist and the audience.
A work of art can never be reviewed enough because with each critic comes an uncharted view. This endless possibility offers the work an infinite life where it will continue to evolve at the hands of critics, always piquing new interest from avid readers and adding great value to the work.
Critics can achieve the same purpose and influence as artists by dedicating their knowledge to discovering new works and decoding them. The Art of Fiction maps out the relationship between the artist and the critic and how essential it is in breathing new life into works of literature and art.
