Poetry · Chapter
Genius explained
The chapter explores the elusive nature of genius, rejecting conventional definitions such as directed ability, infinite capacity for hard work, or degeneracy.
What happens
The chapter explores the elusive nature of genius, rejecting conventional definitions such as directed ability, infinite capacity for hard work, or degeneracy. Instead, it humorously proposes that true genius is the ability to prosper materially, equating literary greatness with physical stoutness and commercial success.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Criticism
The chapter satirizes definitions of genius and critiques the romantic ideal of the starving artist, proposing a materialistic measure of literary worth.
Deception and Self-Deception
The narrator suggests that those who claim genius as infinite capacity for hard work may be deceiving themselves, while the truly 'genius' adapt to commercial demands.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator reflects on the nature of genius, offering a satirical redefinition.
- George Perry
Mentioned as an example of a stout, commercially successful writer (George Ade).
Key passages
“Genius (let’s now define the word afresh) Is the capacity to take on flesh.”
Genius is redefined as the ability to gain physical weight, i.e., to achieve material prosperity.
The narrator humorously equates literary genius with commercial success and physical stoutness.