issue144 微观状态小组第二次作业 诚恳排砖

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TOPIC: ISSUE144 - "It is the artist, not the critic,* who gives society something of lasting value."

*a person who evaluates works of art, such as novels, films, music, paintings, etc.

Whether at any period of human history, arts works also play a significant role on the respect that they consistently perpetuate some eternal human ideas from generation to another. In this issue the speaker contends that only the artist offer some eternal values of the world instead of the critic. Although the contention seems to be reasonable, in my opinion, it is by the insightful explanation of the critic that the artist’s works can be better comprehended by common people and perpetuate in society all along. Therefore, both the artist and the critic virtually make their respective contributions on spreading some eternal and universal values.

Admittedly, it is the artist who creates all great art works. By virtue of his/her own experience, he/she incorporates their intensive emotion and specific views to the inner and outer world into his/her creations. Mona lisa-one of the most well-known paintings in the world-fully expresses Da Vanci to the illustration of beauty; Fate symphony created by Beethoven-one of the most famous musician in history well embodies his firm character and the courage against the fate; Mark Twain insightfully revealed the virtue and ugliness of humanity and the essence of society.

In addition, without the artist, the critic will lose the objectives of critique and thus lose the meanings of existence. In this case a critic is like a cooker who, although having outstanding technique of cuisine, cannot cook a delicious meal without necessary foods. Thus, just by the works created by the artist, the critic can transmit the works' profound thoughts to the public.

However, without the interpretation and illustration of the critics, it is quite difficult for people to comprehend and recognize their true values due to the profound and abstract intention involved in artistic works. Artistic works are a way by which artists can express the strong sense and thoughts from their minds, which, in pretty large extent, has transcended the scope which ordinary persons can recognize; by contrast, the critics can better find out their values and make them accepted by the populace. The example of the Lord of Ring that became the one of the most renowned films in 2004 well illustrates the point. In fact, it is by virtue of the critics' analysis and explanation to its contends and significance in the reality that there may be a large number of people to appreciate it, which in response make its values better spread among society. Thus, by the critics, the artistic works can be better accepted by the masses and spread extensively in the world.

Furthermore, the critic is like a bridge that connects the artists and common people; they not only help the masses to understand and recognize the deep values behind artistic works, but also render to pass on anticipation and thoughts of people, which will be quite beneficial for artists to create their works better. Due to the limitation of individual rationality, the artists can often unduly depending on their own sense and overlook some flaws of their works, whereas the masses' perspectives, in some extent, can just reveal the shortcomings. In this case, the critics can fully take advantage of their authority and the knowledge of the masses to provide them with some reliable recommendations, promoting them to create better works. Even though the critique of the critic sometimes can damage the artists, in most of circumstances, just through the critiques, the artists can incessantly improve themselves.

In sum up, without the artist, it is impossible for people to see masses of artistic works, while without the critic, people will difficult to better appreciate and understand them. Consequently, both of groups commonly present the populace some eternal values of human beings and society.