Word: point
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Dates: during 1873-1873
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THERE seems to me to be room for a difference of opinion in regard to the subject discussed by the author of "Literary Ruskinism" in the last Magenta. He objects to the manner of conducting recitations now followed at Harvard, and thinks the object should be to point out to us "the beauties of idea and expression." He likens the present system to that Mr. Ruskin prescribes for the cultivation of the artistic taste, and objects to this, both because it upsets our faith in our old ideas of art, and because, if I understand, it is a system...
...have noticed lately, in some of our exchanges, the project of having a convention of college editors meet at some central point during the summer vacation. One exchange in particular sets forth in glowing colors the benefits, mental and physical, to be derived therefrom, nearly as follows: the pleasure of seeing and knowing personally the editors of so many papers; the relief of the journey to the wearied editorial brain; the lasting friendships we might thus form; the knowledge we might gain of each other; the "dignity" it would give college journalism; and last, the power resulting from unity...
...works of all classical literature, such as Caesar, Virgil, Xenophon, and are here saddled with Aristophanes, Sophocles, and Horace. They have all they can do, with the help of their instructors, and other helps, to master the meaning of these. It will do little good for the instructor to point out the beauties in idea and expression. As to the beauty of ideas, any one who should put a decent amount of work upon Horace, and find no beauty in it, would, in my opinion, find none were it pointed out to him with ever so much care and repetition...
...immense culture requisite to become master of the Ruskin mode of thought may at first appear a desirable objective point. But reflection cannot fail to show that, where one attains the desired end, a hundred advance on the path only so far as to upset their faith in their old ideas of art. These substitute in its place such a doubt of their power to appreciate works of true genius, and such a fear lest their ignorance of some technical point may lead them into some un-Ruskinian expression of admiration, that the pleasure which they feel in contemplating masterpieces...
PRESIDENT ELIOT, in a few pregnant sentences, has suggested the change, and Dr. McCosh has made haste to declare himself firmly opposed to it. At this point it may not be unpardonable presumption for a student, a party chiefly interested, to express his opinions upon the matter...