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"文学批评的其中一个弊病在于它往往会先创造服装样式然后再根据这些样式裁剪衣服,但这已经破坏了书籍。"

Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie Author
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Literary criticism can sometimes feel like it's overcomplicating things, right? The basic idea here is that when critics try to categorize and dissect books too much, they end up missing what makes those books special in the first place. It's like trying to force a unique piece of art into a predefined box and, in doing so, stripping it of its essence.

Think about the historical context: this kind of criticism isn’t new. Throughout literary history, critics have often tried to fit works into neat categories or frameworks. They develop these "patterns" or rules about what literature should be, and then judge books based on how well they fit into these patterns. But here's the kicker—this can end up ruining the original charm and unique qualities of the books. It’s like taking a beautiful, flowing dress and cutting it apart to fit into a rigid suit pattern. The result? You lose the dress's original beauty and fluidity.

For a real-life example, think about William Faulkner’s novels. His stream-of-consciousness style and complex narrative structures don’t fit neatly into traditional literary categories. Critics who insist on applying standard patterns to his work might miss the raw, emotional power and innovative storytelling that make his books so compelling. They might focus on how his work doesn’t fit the mold rather than appreciating its originality and depth.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our daily lives? Well, don’t get too caught up in trying to fit things neatly into categories or frameworks. Whether you're reading a book, watching a movie, or even meeting new people, try to appreciate things for what they are—unique and multifaceted. Instead of critiquing based on predefined standards, let yourself experience and enjoy things on their own terms.

Okay, imagine this scenario: You’re at a book club meeting, and everyone is discussing a new novel that doesn’t quite fit into any specific genre. Some people are trying to label it—"Is it a thriller? A romance? Maybe literary fiction?" But you, having embraced the wisdom from our discussion, decide to appreciate the book for its unique blend of elements. You bring up how the author's unique storytelling approach creates a certain mood, how the characters feel real and relatable. Instead of forcing the book into a specific category, you help others see its unique qualities and enjoy it more.

This approach doesn’t just apply to books. Think about meeting new people. We sometimes try to classify others right away—“Is this person a potential friend, a colleague, or maybe just an acquaintance?” Instead of trying to fit them into a category, what if we just appreciated them for who they are? We might discover qualities and connections we would have missed otherwise.

In essence, the key takeaway is to resist the urge to force things into neat categories. Let’s appreciate the complexity and uniqueness of the world around us. After all, isn’t it the unexpected and the unclassifiable that often adds the most richness to our experiences?
Related tags
Analysis Art Authors Books Creativity Destruction Interpretation Limitations Literary criticism Originality
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