On the Art of Reading · Chapter
Lecture XII: On the Use of Masterpieces explained
The chapter explores the nature and purpose of classic works of literature, arguing that masterpieces should be treated absolutely for their intended meaning and trusted to operate on readers through mutual attraction.
What happens
The chapter explores the nature and purpose of classic works of literature, arguing that masterpieces should be treated absolutely for their intended meaning and trusted to operate on readers through mutual attraction. It traces the historical preservation of classics from ancient Athens through the Dark Ages, highlighting the sacrifices of scribes and scholars. The chapter contends that masterpieces serve as prophylactics of taste, help interpret the common mind of civilization, and teach us to lift our own souls. It also critiques modern neglect of literary tradition, particularly in statesmanship and public life.
Themes in this chapter
Value of the Classics
Argues that classics are universal and permanent, and that they serve as prophylactics of taste and interpreters of civilization.
The Purpose of Reading
Emphasizes treating masterpieces absolutely for their intended meaning and trusting their operation on readers through mutual attraction.
Reading and Life
Connects the reading of masterpieces to moral and civic life, including the interpretation of national character and the soul of Europe.
Critique of Modernity
Criticizes modern neglect of literary tradition in statesmanship and public discourse, and the degradation of cultural sites.
Characters to notice
- Socrates
Mentioned in connection with the price paid for the 'Phaedo' through his death.
- Cardinal Newman
Quoted on those who 'deserve to be Classics, both because of what they do and because they can do it.'
- Wordsworth
Quoted for the phrase 'things silently gone out of mind or things violently destroyed.'
- Charles Lamb
Quoted on Shakespeare's plays as 'enrichers of the fancy, strengtheners of virtue.'
- Shakespeare
Referenced through Lamb's praise and as author of 'Lear.'
- Dante
Mentioned alongside the 'Paradiso' as a masterpiece that elevates the soul.
- King Lear
Cited as an example of a masterpiece that can transform a reader's character.
- Homer
Referenced in the context of the editio princeps of the Greek text of Homer.
Key passages
“That all spirit is mutually attractive, as all matter is mutually attractive, is an ultimate fact, and consenting to this with all my heart I say that it matters very little for the moment, or even for a considerable while, that a pupil does not perfectly, or even nearly, understand all he reads, provided we can get the attraction to seize upon him.”
The speaker asserts that spiritual attraction works like physical attraction, and that a student's initial lack of full comprehension is unimportant as long as the work's appeal captures them.
This encapsulates the core pedagogical philosophy of trusting the masterpiece to work on the reader.
“Abeunt studia in mores.”
Studies pass into character.
Latin aphorism used to argue that engagement with masterpieces shapes moral character.
“Masterpieces, then, will serve us as prophylactics of taste, even from childhood; and will help us, further, to interpret the common mind of civilisation. But they have a third and yet nobler use. They teach us to lift our own souls.”
Masterpieces protect our taste, help us understand shared civilization, and most importantly, elevate our spirits.
Summarizes the threefold utility of classics as argued in the lecture.
