Abstract
Art is the result or accomplishment of the creative faculty which employs imagery to work upon the subtler emotions of the human soul. It is more than intellectual skill, more too than merely physical beauty, more indeed than imaginative fecundity; it is more even than depth of thought and power of reflection; it is the sum of these mental activities which create a representation expressive of personality and emotions. "Art", says Croce, "is an expression for the sake of contemplation, and by means of art, a man can represent for himself and others the peculiar excellencies of the mind." (I). Art depends mostly upon the prowess of a creative imagination, and the fine sensibilities which nourish the imaginative powers. Hence these powers directed to the expression of life in all, or any of its phases in its complexity or in its mystery, give us what is known as literary art, and the literary artist reveals in himself the potency to feel and express life in its various moods and issues; to view it from those heights where it can be contemplated calmly and undismayed; and to convey undiminished and unspoiled, the results of his serene contemplation. There is no part or aspect of this report to be overlooked, if its artistic value to be judged, and the investigation must discover it to be exact, revealing, positive, simple, and unrestricted, sometimes indeed subjugating elegance of form to adequacy of content and fineness of texture. To be true to its office therefore, literary art must reveal life not in its extent, but in its height, depth, and significance, Technical efforts may produce thoughts very interesting, but unaided, they can never produce literature.