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Literary
October 8, 1791
Gazette Of The United States
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
The text argues that truly great works, like Shakespeare's, gain universal acclaim gradually rather than instantly, as initial brilliance often signals mediocrity, while profound beauties require time to appreciate, leading to growing admiration.
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Full Text
EXTRACT.
THE greatest part of the works which the public esteem at present, have only arrived by degrees at that universal approbation, (e. g. Shakespear). A success too brilliant at the first, affords but a bad augur for its continuance, and only proves the mediocrity of the work. Beauties which are within the reach of all the world, immediately make their impression: great beauties are often less striking, and it is rare that a work of the first merit, obtains, at the beginning, the suffrage of a great number. It is only a few who are able at once to feel the force of singular excellence: but by degrees the false glare which dazzled at the first, begins to wear off, and men gradually discover beauties that at first escaped their notice. This discovery occasions an agreeable surprise. They return to the subject, and discover still more; so that their admiration continues to augment from day to day.
THE greatest part of the works which the public esteem at present, have only arrived by degrees at that universal approbation, (e. g. Shakespear). A success too brilliant at the first, affords but a bad augur for its continuance, and only proves the mediocrity of the work. Beauties which are within the reach of all the world, immediately make their impression: great beauties are often less striking, and it is rare that a work of the first merit, obtains, at the beginning, the suffrage of a great number. It is only a few who are able at once to feel the force of singular excellence: but by degrees the false glare which dazzled at the first, begins to wear off, and men gradually discover beauties that at first escaped their notice. This discovery occasions an agreeable surprise. They return to the subject, and discover still more; so that their admiration continues to augment from day to day.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Literary Appreciation
Shakespeare
True Excellence
Gradual Recognition
Artistic Beauties
Literary Details
Subject
On The Gradual Appreciation Of Great Literary Works Like Shakespeare
Key Lines
The Greatest Part Of The Works Which The Public Esteem At Present, Have Only Arrived By Degrees At That Universal Approbation, (E. G. Shakespear).
It Is Only A Few Who Are Able At Once To Feel The Force Of Singular Excellence: But By Degrees The False Glare Which Dazzled At The First, Begins To Wear Off, And Men Gradually Discover Beauties That At First Escaped Their Notice.