Personal relations are the important thing for ever and ever, and not this outer life of telegrams and anger.
E. M. ForsterRead
The work of art assumes the existence of the perfect spectator, and is indifferent to the fact that no such person exists.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that art is created with an ideal audience in mind, regardless of the real audience's imperfections.
E. M. Forster's quote highlights the notion that art is often conceived with an ideal viewer or critic in mind, who perceives the work completely and perfectly. However, it also points out the disconnect between this ideal and reality, as no true spectator can embody perfection. This reveals a deep understanding of the subjective nature of art appreciation and the challenge artists face in connecting with their audience.
Themes
ArtSpectatorPerfectionSubjectivityAudience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be perfect for a discussion on the role of the audience in art classes.
More from E. M. Forster
All quotes βA poem is true if it hangs together. Information points to something else. A poem points to nothing but itself.
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One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life.
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Oxford is Oxford: not a mere receptacle for youth, like Cambridge. Perhaps it wants its inmates to love it rather than to love one another.
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The fact is we can only love what we know personally. And we cannot know much. In public affairs, in the rebuilding of civilization, something less dramatic and emotional is needed, namely tolerance.
E. M. ForsterRead
One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.
E. M. ForsterRead
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