The Critic and the Drama

"The Critic and the Drama" by George Jean Nathan is a study of drama and criticism as art forms, particularly focusing on their relationship in the early 1900s. Nathan explores how art is made and understood, calling drama a key way that society expresses itself. He starts by thinking about criticism not just as giving opinions, but as uncovering the important ideas and difficulties within art. Using vivid language, Nathan pictures art as a team effort between the artist and the critic, both helping to reveal beauty and emotional meanings. He believes that while art might stretch reality, criticism is needed to understand it, bridging art and understanding.