Nor is it any part of my thesis to maintain that it [the detective story] is a vital and significant form of art. There are no vital and significant forms of art; there is only art, and precious little of that.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Chandler argues that no art form is inherently more vital than another, dismissing hierarchies in art.
- In plain terms
- He says there is no such thing as more important art forms.
- What can you take from it?
- All art is equally valuable, regardless of genre.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is all art equally important?
- How do we judge art?
Another view
It ignores that some art forms may have broader social impact.
More from Raymond Chandler
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Permalink to quote #28 The mystery story is a kind of writing that need not dwell in the shadow of the past and owes little if any allegiance to the cult of the classics. It is a goo…
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