Role of a Critic
In one of his essays, Auden exemplifies what is the role and responsibility of a critic. According to the essayist, a critic should be aware of his stature and act accordingly. As a professor of artistic works, a critic's role is important in shaping the taste of the mass. Unfortunately at his time, critics are seen to be made puppets at the hands of the class. They are seen to write eulogies of those in power. Auden's remark about the the contemporary critics is somehow important for knowing the gradual declination of the critical tradition. His statement also makes it clear that he is not with them who don't even care for the art and its improvement for the sake of improving the society as a whole. His firm stand against such hypocrisy makes his argumentation more solid to the readers.
Condition of Literature and Youth
Auden sarcastically remarks about the unrealistic ideas of the youth. The youth of his age thinks that writing as a career will give them enough popularity and financial wealth. Auden says that they should choose any worldly professions instead of pursuing writing. The essayist is of the view that without knowing the responsibilities of a writer, they are attracted to it. This blind pursuit won't fetch them good results as well as satisfaction. They will end up as a professional of any advertisement firm.
Auden not only projects the hollowness of the young generation but also the degradation of literary tradition. If there isn't any ideal to follow, youth will definitely go in the wrong direction. As the contemporary writers of his time were only focusing on their personal gains, it influenced the youth in a negative way.
Detective Stories and Art
According to the essayist, detective story isn't a specimen of art. Art is something which stays with the generation and has the ability to transform. In the case of detective fiction, it only gives temporary emotional surge. It is not like a good artistic work which imprints its lifelong effect on the reader's mind. A work of art is not temporary, it is universal and long-lasting. Detective stories in that case have a limited scope. This theme is recurrent in one of his essays.
