Unless criticism refuses to take itself quite so seriously or at least to permit its readers not to, it will inevitably continue to reflect the finicky canons of the genteel tradition and the depressing pieties of the Culture Religion of Modernism.

Summary

This quote suggests that criticism needs to adopt a more lighthearted approach and not take itself too seriously. By doing so, it can break away from the strict rules and conventions of traditional criticism and modernist culture. The quote implies that criticism should allow for more open-mindedness and freedom of interpretation, moving away from the limiting and often monotonous perspectives that dominate the field. Only then can criticism truly evolve and offer fresh and meaningful insights.

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