The Compleat Critic's Qualifications

by Harold Clurman

Besides having cultivated taste, feeling, and a talent for clear observation of people:

1. The critic should know the greater part of the classic and contemporary drama as written and played. Added to this, he must be conversant with general literature: novels, poetry, essays of wide scope.
2. He should know the history of the theater from its origin to the present.
3. He should have a long and broad play-going experience - of native and foreign productions.
   
4. He should possess an interest in and a familiarity with the arts: painting, music, architecture, and the dance.
5. He should have worked in the theater in some capacity (apart from criticism).
6. He should know the history of his country and world history: the social thinking of the past and present.
7. He should have something like a philosophy, an attitude toward life.
8. He should write lucidly and, if possible, gracefully.
9. He should respect his readers by upholding high standards and encourage his readers to cultivate the same.
10. He should be aware of his prejudices and blind spots.
11. He should err of the side of generosity rather than display an opposite zeal.
12. He should seek to enlighten rather than to carp or puff.